AN OVERVIEW ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF POLYETHYLENE GENERATION AND DISPOSAL IN AFRO-TROPICAL FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Plastics have become a modern way af life, with mumerous consequences for both humans and the natural enviroment especially in developing and developcd countries. The Nigeria fresh coastal water generally is contaminated with micro-plastic debris which floats on the surface. Plastic accumulation in our environment as a result of improper disposal or shipping splits, they are light weight, durable and are capable of travelling long distances. Soil landfill, soil leachate, unoficial recycling methods releasing chemical to the emvironment, burning ofplastic coated wires, yres to roast animal, nylon eating bacteria, oil and detergent containers all these contaminate are discharged into streams, river and ocean which enter into aquatic food chain causing hazardous long term carcinogenic effects to fishes, animal and human beings due to the release of diethylheryl phythalate, lead, mercury, cadmium and as alternative materials for invasive species (barnacle, mollusc and algae, cetacean, turtle, birds) which obstruct the digestive systen causing tissue damage by the toxic chemicals caled polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBS). Thus, this micro-plastics waste poses various threats to public health and adversely affects flora and fauna as well as the environment especially when it is not appropriately collected and properly disposed. However, flavo-bacterial contributes to release of methane gas from nylon break down contributing to greenhouse gas resulting into global warming. It is concluded that aggressive campaign and enlightenmcnt of the masscs on the thrcats poscd by polycthylene pollution should be carried out to prevent further negative environmental impact.