Open AccessCollaboration and infrastructure is needed to develop an African perspective on micro(nano)plastic pollution
Author(s) -
Holly Nel,
Trishan Naidoo,
Emmanuel O. Akindele,
Tamuka Nhiwatiwa,
Oluniyi O. Fadare,
Stefan Krause
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
environmental research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.37
H-Index - 124
ISSN - 1748-9326
DOI - 10.1088/1748-9326/abdaeb
Subject(s) - harmonization , standardization , context (archaeology) , perspective (graphical) , business , environmental planning , inclusion (mineral) , political science , environmental science , geography , computer science , sociology , gender studies , physics , archaeology , artificial intelligence , acoustics , law
Our current understanding of environmental micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution is driven by field and lab-based studies performed predominantly by and in wealthier countries. However, mismanaged waste and its consequences affect low- and middle-income countries over-proportionately. Evidence suggests that studies on MNP pollution in Africa are critically limited by the scientific infrastructure available, restricting research activities to opportunities for external collaboration with established research laboratories in the Global North. The development of Pan-African research networks and analytical nodes, is required to support intra-African research exchange and training, and drive evidence-based policy relevant to an African context. This can facilitate more inclusive conversations around the harmonization and standardization of methods currently mainly available to the Global North.