Taiwo Bakare-Abidola

Global Occurrence and Impact of Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental and Health Effects Taiwo Bakare-Abidola1*, Jelil Olaoye2, Mmesoma Vanessa Anakor3, Nwachukwu Onwuchekwa4, Chioma Onwuchekwa5, Kofi Yeboah Adjei6,, Esther Chigbaziru Nwojiji7 Abstract Emerging contaminants (ECs) in drinking water, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), […]

Microplastic: A Silent Contaminant in Aquatic Ecosystems and Its Ecological Consequences Taiwo Bakare-Abidola1*, Mustapha Saidu2, Iyiola Aanuoluwa Temitayo3, Ahmad Alaaya Mashood4 , Sodiq Atanda Isiaka5, Nwachukwu Onwuchekwa6, Chioma Onwuchekwa7 Abstract Microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are emerging pollutants in aquatic environments with serious ecological consequences. This study assessed their presence in Lagos, Nigeria, […]

Street fries are a popular fast food in Lagos, but concerns about their safety have risen due to potential exposure to carcinogenic substances. This study investigates the presence of harmful compounds, including acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals, in commonly consumed street fries such as yam fries, potato fries, and plantain chips. Samples were collected from 20 street vendors across Lagos and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results revealed acrylamide levels ranging from 120 to 480 µg/kg, PAH concentrations between 2.5 and 15.8 µg/kg, and heavy metal contamination, with lead (Pb) levels ranging from 0.02 to 0.15 mg/kg and cadmium (Cd) levels up to 0.08 mg/kg. These values exceed recommended safety limits in several cases, raising concerns about long-term health effects. The findings highlight the potential cancer risks associated with frequent consumption of street fries and emphasise the need for regulatory monitoring and public health awareness.

Microplastics have become a significant pollutant in aquatic ecosystems, with serious implications for biodiversity, food safety, and environmental sustainability. This paper reviews the nature and sources of microplastic pollution, alongside its ecological and human health impacts. Recognizing the limitations of traditional monitoring and removal methods, the study explores emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-based strategies as innovative tools for improving environmental monitoring and pollution mitigation. The manuscript discusses how AI techniques such as machine learning, computer vision, and remote sensing can enhance the detection, classification, and prediction of microplastic distribution in water bodies. It also highlights the potential of AI-driven robotic systems in supporting targeted mitigation efforts. While these technologies show promise, further interdisciplinary research and development are necessary to fully realize their application in real-world environmental management. The integration of AI offers a proactive path toward achieving cleaner aquatic ecosystems and supporting global sustainability goals.

This study investigates the linkages between sustainable water management and public health outcomes within the One Health framework in selected rural communities. Using a mixed methods approach, data were obtained through household surveys, key informant interviews, and laboratory testing of water sources. Quantitative results revealed extensive microbial contamination, with Escherichia coli present in 68% of surface water samples and 29% testing positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. More than 60% of surveyed households reported incidences of diarrhea, and statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the use of untreated water and disease prevalence. Qualitative findings from stakeholders pointed to systemic challenges, including institutional fragmentation, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and limited public awareness of zoonotic disease transmission. Notably, familiarity with the One Health approach was low among both local residents and health professionals. The integrated analysis highlights the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral interventions that incorporate infrastructure development, community education, and policy integration. These efforts are essential to mitigate the risks of waterborne diseases and enhance public health resilience in vulnerable settings. The study underscores the importance of the One Health model in addressing complex environmental health threats and advocates for its broader implementation to foster sustainable and equitable health outcomes.

The growing demand for clean water in Lagos, Nigeria, a megacity grappling with rapid urbanization and industrialization, underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management systems. This review examines the current state of wastewater treatment and pollution monitoring in Lagos, highlighting the challenges posed by population pressure, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. It evaluates both traditional and emerging wastewater treatment technologies, including membrane bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and decentralized systems, while also assessing the role of advanced pollution monitoring tools such as IoT based sensors, remote sensing, and machine learning. The paper advocates for integrated systems that combine treatment and real time monitoring to enhance water quality and efficiency. Drawing on global case studies and best practices, it explores how Lagos can leverage partnerships, local innovations, and policy reforms to implement context specific solutions. The review concludes by identifying key challenges such as funding and public awareness, while also pointing out opportunities for innovation and stakeholder engagement. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of integrated and sustainable approaches to securing water quality and access in urban African contexts.

This review aims to assess the extent of microbial contamination in over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, highlighting the importance of quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Microbial contamination in OTC drugs poses significant risks to public health, particularly as these products are widely available for self-administration without healthcare supervision. It explores the common sources of contamination, including manufacturing practices, storage conditions, and packaging materials. The review further examines regulatory guidelines from organizations such as the WHO, USP, and BP, which set acceptable microbial limits for pharmaceuticals. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR. Various microbial testing methods, including traditional techniques such as Total Viable Count (TVC) and newer rapid testing methods, are discussed as tools for ensuring the microbiological safety of OTC products. Additionally, the review addresses case studies of contaminated OTC drugs, identifying factors contributing to contamination and their public health impact. Finally, emerging technologies and strategies for minimizing microbial contamination are explored, with a focus on advancements in filtration, nanotechnology, and regulatory enforcement. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for stringent quality control measures, robust microbial testing, and continued innovation to safeguard public health and improve the safety of OTC drugs.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) in drinking water — such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and microplastics — pose growing challenges to environmental health and water governance. Despite increasing scientific attention to their occurrence and potential health risks, regulatory frameworks remain inconsistent across countries, with significant disparities in detection limits, priority substances, and remediation strategies. This review comprehensively analyses environmental policies and governance approaches addressing ECs in drinking water across major global regions. Drawing from peer-reviewed literature and international regulatory documents, we compare how entities such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Union, Canada, China, Australia, and several developing nations approach risk assessment, monitoring, and remediation of ECs. We also evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies, identify policy gaps, and examine the influence of socioeconomic, political, and technological factors on regulatory development. Furthermore, we explore adaptive governance models, public engagement, and cross-border cooperation as essential for advancing policy effectiveness. The review concludes with recommendations for harmonising global policy efforts and strengthening local governance structures to ensure safer drinking water systems in the face of evolving chemical threats.

Microplastics are increasingly recognized as a serious environmental challenge because of their extensive occurrence in aquatic environments and the possible risks they present to both ecosystem health and human welfare. These tiny plastic fragments, usually smaller than 5 millimeters, stem from primary sources like industrial outputs and self care products, as well as from the breakdown of larger plastic materials. Their widespread occurrence in rivers, oceans, and even through airborne transmission has raised concerns about their mobility across different environments. Many aquatic species consume these particles, which can lead to harmful effects such as the accumulation of toxins and disruptions in their growth, feeding habits, and reproductive systems. The detection of microplastics in seafood and drinking water has further intensified concerns about their possible health impacts on humans. Efforts to manage this issue include global initiatives such as those by United Nations Environment Programme alongside national policies, although enforcing these measures and raising public consciousness remains a challenge. To combat the issue effectively, strategies like better waste disposal systems, public outreach, and the development of eco friendly alternatives are necessary. This Paper points to existing research gaps, the urgency for a robust global monitoring network, and recommendations for future interventions to lessen the impact of microplastics on both nature and general health.