ABSTRACT
Plastic waste pollution along coastal areas poses a significant environmental and economic challenge, impacting marine life, local communities, and economic opportunities. This study assesses plastic waste distribution along Lagos’ 70-km coastline, analyzing waste accumulation, microplastic contamination, and marine biodiversity impact. This research employs weight analysis, microplastic sampling, and marine life monitoring to quantify pollution levels and investigate the economic potential of ocean plastic present.
This marks the second phase of our project on this part of the beach phase 1 saw us remove all the legacy pet bottles from the beach through a scheme we designed with community participation which socialised the action providing educational support to over 150 primary students and opportunities for further learning to over 150 tertiary students as well as providing jobs in the communities we removed over 30 tons of PET bottles from the beach and inspired a community lead plastic retrieval movement which has removed 80% of hdpe from the beach.
Phase 2 seeks to create a local recycling plant with the help of our partners Omnik Nigeria ltd and the Ilashe community and through this to design a sustainable project for the community
Findings indicate substantial plastic waste accumulation, with an estimated 1.84 million kg of plastic waste along the coastline, of which 40% (739,200 kg) is recyclable. Microplastic analysis highlights environmental concerns, while marine life observations reveal a correlation between waste density and biodiversity loss.
To address these issues, realistic, actionable, and sustainable recommendations are proposed, including enhanced waste collection systems, improved recycling infrastructure, stricter regulations, and community engagement initiatives. These strategies aim to mitigate pollution, promote environmental conservation, and establish a circular economy that transforms waste into economic value. By integrating these findings into policy and practice, this study provides a foundation for sustainable waste management solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.