Zeitschrift für Umweltverschmutzung

The surge in plastic production and consumption over recent decades has led to an unprecedented environmental crisis known as the "Plastic Pandemic." This phenomenon has permeated terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems, exerting far-reaching impacts on biodiversity, human health, and socio-economic systems worldwide. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted dimensions of plastic pollution, including its sources, distribution, persistence, and ecological consequences. It also delves into the human health implications arising from plastic contamination through food chains and micro plastic inhalation. Additionally, the study assesses current mitigation strategies, policy frameworks, and technological innovations aimed at curtailing the escalating tide of plastic pollution. By scrutinizing the global scale of this crisis, this paper seeks to stimulate collective action and innovative solutions to address the urgent and pervasive challenges posed by the Plastic Pandemic.

This article delves into the concept of emerging pollutants, a category of contaminants that have gained prominence due to their potential environmental and health impacts. Unlike traditional pollutants, emerging pollutants are characterized by their novelty and the evolving understanding of their effects on ecosystems and human health. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of various types of emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and nanomaterials, shedding light on their sources, pathways, and persistence in the environment. Furthermore, it explores the challenges associated with regulating and mitigating these pollutants, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches and innovative solutions. By expanding our understanding of emerging pollutants, we can develop more effective strategies to safeguard our environment and public health.

The ubiquity of microplastics in terrestrial and aquatic environments has been extensively studied; however, a burgeoning area of concern lies in their presence in the atmosphere. This paper delves into the phenomenon of microplastics becoming airborne, exploring their sources, transport mechanisms, and potential impacts on human health and ecosystems. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing atmospheric science, environmental chemistry, and health sciences, this study scrutinizes the pathways through which microplastics are released into the air, their distribution patterns, and the potential consequences of inhalation. Additionally, the paper examines the current state of detection methodologies and proposes strategies for monitoring and mitigating airborne microplastic pollution. By shedding light on this emerging threat, we aim to stimulate further research and policy initiatives to address the airborne dimension of microplastic pollution.

This study was conducted to examine some vehicular emissions pollution and the consequences those emissions have on the environment when they are released into the air on our highways. Every day, more secondhand cars are being brought into Nigeria, which adds to the rising pollution levels in the environment. Using the Ilorin axis as a case study, this study investigated the impact of car emissions on the ecosystem. A vehicle emission test experiment was conducted on 65 automobiles at the University of Ilorin, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, and Kpataloje Mechanic Site in Ilorin, Kwara State, to evaluate the levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) produced by gasoline-powered vehicles. Exhaust Gas Analyzer Monitor (Aeroqual Series 500) with sensor head mounted on monitor base was used to conduct the emission test. The Exhaust Gas Analyzer sensor inlet was placed 20 cm from the exhaust tailpipe end on stationary automobiles operating at idle speed for five (5) minutes in order to detect Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Oxide (NO2). To ascertain the health impacts in the sample locations, 350 randomly chosen participants from the three research locations in Ilorin, Kwara State, were given a structured questionnaire.

Soil is one of the important components of the environment that affects the growth and development of plants. Soil testing is one of the chemical processes in which the suitability of essential nutrients is determined before sowing the crops so that the demand for remaining nutrients can be fulfilled artificially by applying fertilizer in the field. A physicochemical study of soil is based on various parameters like soil pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Sodium (Na), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg). Ten representative samples were obtained and analyzed for their alkalinity content, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, sodium, and potassium. Ten soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed for soil that was neutral to slightly alkaline. Soil pH ranges from 7.16 to 8.34, electrical conductivity from 62 to 138, aluminum oxide from 0.4 to 0.26, iron oxide from 7.7 to 12.7, sodium oxide from 9 to 31, potassium oxide from 14 to 58, manganese oxide from 2.2 to 14, calcium oxide from 32 to 188, and magnesium oxide from 6.1 to 61. This information will help the farmers know the number of fertilizers to be added to the soil to increase production.