TITLE:
Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics in the African Marine Environment: A Review
AUTHORS:
Thies Thiemann
KEYWORDS:
Plastic Pollution, Microplastics, Marine Environment, Beach, Sediment, Africa
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.17 No.11,
November
11,
2026
ABSTRACT: Microplastics are an emerging contaminant of concern in African marine waters, posing potential risks to marine organisms and, through their incorporation into marine food webs, to human health. This study provides an overview of microplastic concentrations reported in African coastal sediments, nearshore waters, and offshore surface waters. In addition, the major sources and transport pathways of microplastics in African marine environments are discussed.