EPRRI/
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2606004171
  • Open Access
  • Mini Review

Insights on Micro- and Nano-Plastics Vector Role in Aquatic Metal Transport and Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa Mining Landscape: A Mini-Scoping Review

  • Kennedy O. Ouma 1,2,*,   
  • Stephen Syampungani 1,3

Received: 04 Feb 2026 | Revised: 02 Jun 2026 | Accepted: 08 Jun 2026 | Published: 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Globally, micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) have emerged as pervasive contaminants in freshwater ecosystems due to their persistence, mobility, and complex interactions with co-pollutants, including metals. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), legacy pollution of aquatic ecosystems is largely associated with metal mining and, more recently, with MNPs as emerging contaminants. MNPs exhibit potential as a metal transport vector. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the vector role of MNPs and potential environmental impacts of MNP-metal interactions in SSA aquatic systems. In this mini-scoping review, (1) we documented current evidence on the MNP-metal vector role in SSA aquatic ecosystems; (2) highlighted mechanisms and drivers of MNP-mediated aquatic metal transport; and (3) identified key knowledge gaps for future research in SSA. While global studies provided an in-depth mechanistic understanding of the role of MNPs as metal transport vectors and pollutant dynamics, the few studies in SSA focused primarily on field observations of pollutants, with less emphasis on MNPs in metal mobility. This disparity occurs despite the increased vulnerability to both plastic waste and mining-generated aquatic pollution. The role of MNPs as vectors of metal transport is modulated by polymer characteristics (such as size, morphotype, and abundance), environmental factors (such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and co-contaminants) and biological factors (such as biofilms and community structure). Despite the emerging evidence of MNPs as vectors for aquatic metal transport in SSA, our understanding of MNP-metal sorption kinetics, bioavailability and trophic implications remains limited. Furthermore, there is insufficient research on the influence of microbial processes and biofilms on MNPs as vectors of metal transport and pollution in the aquatic ecosystems of SSA.

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Ouma, K. O.; Syampungani, S. Insights on Micro- and Nano-Plastics Vector Role in Aquatic Metal Transport and Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa Mining Landscape: A Mini-Scoping Review. Environmental Pollution, Risk, and Remediation Insights 2026, 1 (1), 4.
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