Background: Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Re... more Background: Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Recent meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel and the Stockholm Conventions have expressed concerns over the impact of plastic waste, marine plastic litter, and microplastics, and emphasised the importance of reducing consumption and ensuring the environmentally sound management of waste plastics. This study presents the first continental historical analysis of mass importation and consumption of different polymers and plastics (primary and secondary forms, respectively) in Africa and the associated pollution potential. We identified, collated and synthesised dispersed international trade data on the importation of polymers and plastics into several African countries. Results: The 33 African countries (total population of 856,671,366) with available data for more than 10 years imported approximately 86.14 Mt of polymers in primary form and 31.5 Mt of plastic products between 1990 and 2017. Extrapolating to the continental level (African population of 1.216 billion in 54 countries), about 172 Mt of polymers and plastics valued at $285 billion were imported between 1990 and 2017. Considering also the components of products, an estimated 230 Mt of plastics entered Africa during that time period, with the largest share going to Egypt (43 Mt, 18.7%), Nigeria (39 Mt, 17.0%), South Africa (27 Mt, 11.7%), Algeria (26 Mt, 11.3%), Morocco (22 Mt, 9.6%), and Tunisia (16 Mt, 7.0%). Additionally, primary plastic production in 8 African countries contributed 15 Mt during 2009– 2015. The assessment showed that environmentally sound end-of-life management of waste plastics by recycling and energy recovery is in its infancy in Africa, but recycling activities and thermal recovery have started in a few countries. Conclusions: Globally, the perception is that production and consumption of plastics can only increase in the future. Solutions are needed to tackle this global challenge. Certain policies and plastic bag bans could help reduce plastic consumption in the near future, as demonstrated by Rwanda. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative solutions such as the introduction of biodegradable polymers and other alternatives, especially for packaging.
Pollution has taken on a global dimension, and the effects are most obvious in developing countr... more Pollution has taken on a global dimension, and the effects are most obvious in developing countries. The effects take a toll on human health, animals, and vegetation, as well as on soil, air, and water quality. The objective of this article is to discuss the current relationships among pollution, environmental quality, and human health within the frame of anthropogenic activities in developing countries. In addition to personal observations, we review relevant literature on conditions throughout the developing world and case studies on conditions and activities in Nigeria. Key findings show the significant, adverse contributions to human health and environmental risk from current waste generation and handling practices, indoor and outdoor air pollution, wastewater and effluent generation and disposal, the hazardous nature and pollution potential of wastes, and the human behaviors that contribute to pollution in developing countries. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the various segments of society of the human health hazards posed by pollution as well as a need for the comprehensive development and enforcement of appropriate policies to prevent a descent into an abyss of deteriorating human and environmental health.
Recently, certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic p... more Recently, certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. In this study, a preliminary material and substance flow analysis of commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether (c-PentaBDE) was conducted for motor vehicles—a major use sector for POP-PBDE in polyurethane (PUR) foam—for Nigeria. The methodology of the Stockholm Convention PBDE inventory guidance was used for the calculation of c-PentaBDE. Material/substance flow analysis was conducted applying the STAN software. The time frame for this analysis was 1980–2010, considering that this was the period when POP-PBDE-containing vehicles were largely imported into Nigeria. It is estimated that the approximately 19 million passenger cars imported from 1980 to 2010 contained ca. 270 t of POPPBDEs in ca. 401,000 t of PUR foam. A major share of cars from the USA and only a small share of cars from Europe and Asia were impacted. This simplified material and substance flow of PUR foams and POP-PBDEs in motor vehicles demonstrated the potential for environmental/human contamination and pollution of recycling/reuse for Nigeria and other developing countries. The study developed the first preliminary inventory of endof- life vehicles for Nigeria, following which the environment ministry has taken up the important issue of end-of-life vehicles management. Considering that a range of other pollutants are contained in vehicles (e.g. heavy metals, flame retardants, PCBs, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and waste oil), this initiated activity should finally lead to an integrated management of pollutants and resources from the transport sector.
Consumption of contaminated food is one of the main routes of human exposure to pesticides. Also,... more Consumption of contaminated food is one of the main routes of human exposure to pesticides. Also, surface water plays an important role in long range transport of pesticides. Persistent organic pesticides are categories under Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation and as a result of their persistence, bioaccumulate with potential significant impacts on human health and the environment. The persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been listed by Stockholm Convention for elimination globally. Despite the ban, some OCPs are still used illegally in developing countries. Also, from other sources, OCPs find their way into water bodies. This review therefore investigates the current levels of OCPs in surface water and food items in Nigeria and environmental/human health implications. The methodology was mainly by review of available literatures. The results were discussed in the context of criteria that designate a substance as POP, as well as in the context of allowed limit levels. Levels reported from several studies in Nigeria exceeded the water-quality criteria for surface water and maximum residue limit for food. The illegal use may be the likely sources of these pollutants in the Nigerian environment. Aquatic organisms stand the risk of acute or chronic toxicity while human health is at risk of adverse effect through consumption of contaminated food or use of polluted surface water for domestic activities. There is need for enforcement of appropriate policy to safeguard the environment and human health.
Global warming has recently attracted both local and global attention because it has potential ad... more Global warming has recently attracted both local and global attention because it has potential adverse effects on the environment, human health and food security. To better understand the potential effects of climate change on food security, changes in biomass production and composition of pigment induced by variation in ambient temperature were examined in fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentallis), an important vegetable in Nigeria. Ameliorative effect was demonstrated by addition of compost. The plants were grown under a controlled environment (growth chambers): a 10 h photoperiod and ambient temperature ranges of 30-32 0 C, 33-35 0 C, 36-38 0 C and 39-41 0 C with two other natural growth units (27-29 0 C) as control. The plants were grown under screen house for 95 days. Agronomic parameters such as plant height, root length and plant yield and biochemical components (chlorophyll a and b and carotene) were determined. Results showed that elevated temperature decreased biochemical properties by 29 % (at 30–32 0 C) and 34 % (at 36-38 0 C) for total chlorophyll (Chlorophyll a and b) and 0.6–11 % (at 30-41 0 C) for carotene. With organic compost amendments, chlorophyll a and b and carotene levels increased and growth advanced from 219-340.3 cm, 30–65 g and 5–9 g for height, shoot biomass and root biomass respectively. For the control (without compost), the measured parameters decreased. Increasing ambient temperatures adversely affected photosynthetic pigment production thus putting food security at risk while the adverse effect was mitigated by application of compost.
The study assessed burning and consequent alkali production as options for management of wood was... more The study assessed burning and consequent alkali production as options for management of wood waste. Management of municipal solid waste in Nigeria has become a hydra-headed problem; the menace of solid waste in the environment has never justified both the efforts of government and individuals; and hence the need for continual research on various options for sustainable management of solid wastes. Nine different common African wood species-Irvingia gabonensis (Orokoro), Celtis Zenkeri (Ita), Albizia zygia (Ayunre), Terminalia superba (Afara), Cola gigantia (Obi), Cordia millennia (Omo), Funtumia elastica (Ire), Ceiba petandra (Araba) and Ficus exasperata (Obobo), were assessed for combustion and alkali production as options for management of wood waste. The wood waste (sawdust) from these species was obtained from a wood factory located behind Bodija market in Ibadan. Ashing was conducted on saw dusts in porcelain crucibles at 500 o C for 4 hours in a muffle furnace for the determination of ash contents. Extraction of potash from the ashes was done using distilled water with a set of filtration system made up of 4-litre transparent plastic bottle with ash sediment itself serving as a sieve while the extract solution leaked out through pin-holes made at the bottom of the bottle. The purity of the crude potash and proportions of hydroxides and carbonates were determined by titrimetry; while recrystallization of the crude potash was carried out on three of the wood species which showed low purity to evaluate possible enhancement of their purity. The average reduction in volume of sawdust was 95% after combustion. The ash content obtained ranged from 1.25 to 8.80%; potash content, 2.77 to 26.88%; crude potash purity, 4.50 to 96.50%. Volumetric estimation may portray a better picture of ash and potash yield potentials of the plant materials, and hence expressed as 1.42 to 15.18 kg/m 3 , for ash content; potash yield ranged between 4.74 to 53.76 kg/m 3 of ashes and 0.21 to 1.53 kg/m 3 of saw dust. The hydroxide content obtained ranged from 0.00 to 1.22%; carbonate content, 4.09 to 96.09%; non-alkali content, 3.50 to 95.50%. The purity was enhanced from 61.50% to 83.10% for Albizia zygia, 65.00% to 80.90% for Funtumia elastica, and 46.50% to 68.00% for Ceiba pentandra.
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2010
... Land-based sources of pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. ... Case study of the use of urb... more ... Land-based sources of pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. ... Case study of the use of urban waste by near-urban farmers of Kano, Nigeria. ... An analysis of agricultural solid waste management and its effect on government spending in Ibadan metropolis of Oyo state, Nigeria. ...
Background: Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Re... more Background: Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Recent meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel and the Stockholm Conventions have expressed concerns over the impact of plastic waste, marine plastic litter, and microplastics, and emphasised the importance of reducing consumption and ensuring the environmentally sound management of waste plastics. This study presents the first continental historical analysis of mass importation and consumption of different polymers and plastics (primary and secondary forms, respectively) in Africa and the associated pollution potential. We identified, collated and synthesised dispersed international trade data on the importation of polymers and plastics into several African countries. Results: The 33 African countries (total population of 856,671,366) with available data for more than 10 years imported approximately 86.14 Mt of polymers in primary form and 31.5 Mt of plastic products between 1990 and 2017. Extrapolating to the continental level (African population of 1.216 billion in 54 countries), about 172 Mt of polymers and plastics valued at $285 billion were imported between 1990 and 2017. Considering also the components of products, an estimated 230 Mt of plastics entered Africa during that time period, with the largest share going to Egypt (43 Mt, 18.7%), Nigeria (39 Mt, 17.0%), South Africa (27 Mt, 11.7%), Algeria (26 Mt, 11.3%), Morocco (22 Mt, 9.6%), and Tunisia (16 Mt, 7.0%). Additionally, primary plastic production in 8 African countries contributed 15 Mt during 2009– 2015. The assessment showed that environmentally sound end-of-life management of waste plastics by recycling and energy recovery is in its infancy in Africa, but recycling activities and thermal recovery have started in a few countries. Conclusions: Globally, the perception is that production and consumption of plastics can only increase in the future. Solutions are needed to tackle this global challenge. Certain policies and plastic bag bans could help reduce plastic consumption in the near future, as demonstrated by Rwanda. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative solutions such as the introduction of biodegradable polymers and other alternatives, especially for packaging.
Pollution has taken on a global dimension, and the effects are most obvious in developing countr... more Pollution has taken on a global dimension, and the effects are most obvious in developing countries. The effects take a toll on human health, animals, and vegetation, as well as on soil, air, and water quality. The objective of this article is to discuss the current relationships among pollution, environmental quality, and human health within the frame of anthropogenic activities in developing countries. In addition to personal observations, we review relevant literature on conditions throughout the developing world and case studies on conditions and activities in Nigeria. Key findings show the significant, adverse contributions to human health and environmental risk from current waste generation and handling practices, indoor and outdoor air pollution, wastewater and effluent generation and disposal, the hazardous nature and pollution potential of wastes, and the human behaviors that contribute to pollution in developing countries. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the various segments of society of the human health hazards posed by pollution as well as a need for the comprehensive development and enforcement of appropriate policies to prevent a descent into an abyss of deteriorating human and environmental health.
Recently, certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic p... more Recently, certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. In this study, a preliminary material and substance flow analysis of commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether (c-PentaBDE) was conducted for motor vehicles—a major use sector for POP-PBDE in polyurethane (PUR) foam—for Nigeria. The methodology of the Stockholm Convention PBDE inventory guidance was used for the calculation of c-PentaBDE. Material/substance flow analysis was conducted applying the STAN software. The time frame for this analysis was 1980–2010, considering that this was the period when POP-PBDE-containing vehicles were largely imported into Nigeria. It is estimated that the approximately 19 million passenger cars imported from 1980 to 2010 contained ca. 270 t of POPPBDEs in ca. 401,000 t of PUR foam. A major share of cars from the USA and only a small share of cars from Europe and Asia were impacted. This simplified material and substance flow of PUR foams and POP-PBDEs in motor vehicles demonstrated the potential for environmental/human contamination and pollution of recycling/reuse for Nigeria and other developing countries. The study developed the first preliminary inventory of endof- life vehicles for Nigeria, following which the environment ministry has taken up the important issue of end-of-life vehicles management. Considering that a range of other pollutants are contained in vehicles (e.g. heavy metals, flame retardants, PCBs, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and waste oil), this initiated activity should finally lead to an integrated management of pollutants and resources from the transport sector.
Consumption of contaminated food is one of the main routes of human exposure to pesticides. Also,... more Consumption of contaminated food is one of the main routes of human exposure to pesticides. Also, surface water plays an important role in long range transport of pesticides. Persistent organic pesticides are categories under Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation and as a result of their persistence, bioaccumulate with potential significant impacts on human health and the environment. The persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been listed by Stockholm Convention for elimination globally. Despite the ban, some OCPs are still used illegally in developing countries. Also, from other sources, OCPs find their way into water bodies. This review therefore investigates the current levels of OCPs in surface water and food items in Nigeria and environmental/human health implications. The methodology was mainly by review of available literatures. The results were discussed in the context of criteria that designate a substance as POP, as well as in the context of allowed limit levels. Levels reported from several studies in Nigeria exceeded the water-quality criteria for surface water and maximum residue limit for food. The illegal use may be the likely sources of these pollutants in the Nigerian environment. Aquatic organisms stand the risk of acute or chronic toxicity while human health is at risk of adverse effect through consumption of contaminated food or use of polluted surface water for domestic activities. There is need for enforcement of appropriate policy to safeguard the environment and human health.
Global warming has recently attracted both local and global attention because it has potential ad... more Global warming has recently attracted both local and global attention because it has potential adverse effects on the environment, human health and food security. To better understand the potential effects of climate change on food security, changes in biomass production and composition of pigment induced by variation in ambient temperature were examined in fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentallis), an important vegetable in Nigeria. Ameliorative effect was demonstrated by addition of compost. The plants were grown under a controlled environment (growth chambers): a 10 h photoperiod and ambient temperature ranges of 30-32 0 C, 33-35 0 C, 36-38 0 C and 39-41 0 C with two other natural growth units (27-29 0 C) as control. The plants were grown under screen house for 95 days. Agronomic parameters such as plant height, root length and plant yield and biochemical components (chlorophyll a and b and carotene) were determined. Results showed that elevated temperature decreased biochemical properties by 29 % (at 30–32 0 C) and 34 % (at 36-38 0 C) for total chlorophyll (Chlorophyll a and b) and 0.6–11 % (at 30-41 0 C) for carotene. With organic compost amendments, chlorophyll a and b and carotene levels increased and growth advanced from 219-340.3 cm, 30–65 g and 5–9 g for height, shoot biomass and root biomass respectively. For the control (without compost), the measured parameters decreased. Increasing ambient temperatures adversely affected photosynthetic pigment production thus putting food security at risk while the adverse effect was mitigated by application of compost.
The study assessed burning and consequent alkali production as options for management of wood was... more The study assessed burning and consequent alkali production as options for management of wood waste. Management of municipal solid waste in Nigeria has become a hydra-headed problem; the menace of solid waste in the environment has never justified both the efforts of government and individuals; and hence the need for continual research on various options for sustainable management of solid wastes. Nine different common African wood species-Irvingia gabonensis (Orokoro), Celtis Zenkeri (Ita), Albizia zygia (Ayunre), Terminalia superba (Afara), Cola gigantia (Obi), Cordia millennia (Omo), Funtumia elastica (Ire), Ceiba petandra (Araba) and Ficus exasperata (Obobo), were assessed for combustion and alkali production as options for management of wood waste. The wood waste (sawdust) from these species was obtained from a wood factory located behind Bodija market in Ibadan. Ashing was conducted on saw dusts in porcelain crucibles at 500 o C for 4 hours in a muffle furnace for the determination of ash contents. Extraction of potash from the ashes was done using distilled water with a set of filtration system made up of 4-litre transparent plastic bottle with ash sediment itself serving as a sieve while the extract solution leaked out through pin-holes made at the bottom of the bottle. The purity of the crude potash and proportions of hydroxides and carbonates were determined by titrimetry; while recrystallization of the crude potash was carried out on three of the wood species which showed low purity to evaluate possible enhancement of their purity. The average reduction in volume of sawdust was 95% after combustion. The ash content obtained ranged from 1.25 to 8.80%; potash content, 2.77 to 26.88%; crude potash purity, 4.50 to 96.50%. Volumetric estimation may portray a better picture of ash and potash yield potentials of the plant materials, and hence expressed as 1.42 to 15.18 kg/m 3 , for ash content; potash yield ranged between 4.74 to 53.76 kg/m 3 of ashes and 0.21 to 1.53 kg/m 3 of saw dust. The hydroxide content obtained ranged from 0.00 to 1.22%; carbonate content, 4.09 to 96.09%; non-alkali content, 3.50 to 95.50%. The purity was enhanced from 61.50% to 83.10% for Albizia zygia, 65.00% to 80.90% for Funtumia elastica, and 46.50% to 68.00% for Ceiba pentandra.
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2010
... Land-based sources of pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. ... Case study of the use of urb... more ... Land-based sources of pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. ... Case study of the use of urban waste by near-urban farmers of Kano, Nigeria. ... An analysis of agricultural solid waste management and its effect on government spending in Ibadan metropolis of Oyo state, Nigeria. ...
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Papers by Joshua O Babayemi
Results: The 33 African countries (total population of 856,671,366) with available data for more than 10 years
imported approximately 86.14 Mt of polymers in primary form and 31.5 Mt of plastic products between 1990 and
2017. Extrapolating to the continental level (African population of 1.216 billion in 54 countries), about 172 Mt of polymers
and plastics valued at $285 billion were imported between 1990 and 2017. Considering also the components of
products, an estimated 230 Mt of plastics entered Africa during that time period, with the largest share going to Egypt
(43 Mt, 18.7%), Nigeria (39 Mt, 17.0%), South Africa (27 Mt, 11.7%), Algeria (26 Mt, 11.3%), Morocco (22 Mt, 9.6%), and
Tunisia (16 Mt, 7.0%). Additionally, primary plastic production in 8 African countries contributed 15 Mt during 2009–
2015. The assessment showed that environmentally sound end-of-life management of waste plastics by recycling and
energy recovery is in its infancy in Africa, but recycling activities and thermal recovery have started in a few countries.
Conclusions: Globally, the perception is that production and consumption of plastics can only increase in the future.
Solutions are needed to tackle this global challenge. Certain policies and plastic bag bans could help reduce plastic
consumption in the near future, as demonstrated by Rwanda. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative solutions
such as the introduction of biodegradable polymers and other alternatives, especially for packaging.
health, animals, and vegetation, as well as on soil, air, and water quality.
The objective of this article is to discuss the current relationships among
pollution, environmental quality, and human health within the frame of anthropogenic activities in developing countries. In addition to personal observations, we review relevant literature on conditions throughout
the developing world and case studies on conditions and activities in Nigeria. Key findings show the significant, adverse contributions
to human health and environmental risk from current waste generation and handling practices, indoor and outdoor air pollution, wastewater and effluent generation and disposal, the hazardous nature and pollution
potential of wastes, and the human behaviors that contribute to pollution
in developing countries. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the various segments of society of the human health hazards posed by pollution as well as a need for the comprehensive development and enforcement of appropriate policies to prevent a descent into an abyss of deteriorating human and environmental health.
(PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic pollutants
(POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. In this study, a preliminary
material and substance flow analysis of commercial
pentabromodiphenyl ether (c-PentaBDE) was conducted for
motor vehicles—a major use sector for POP-PBDE in polyurethane
(PUR) foam—for Nigeria. The methodology of the
Stockholm Convention PBDE inventory guidance was used
for the calculation of c-PentaBDE. Material/substance flow
analysis was conducted applying the STAN software. The
time frame for this analysis was 1980–2010, considering that
this was the period when POP-PBDE-containing vehicles
were largely imported into Nigeria.
It is estimated that the approximately 19 million passenger
cars imported from 1980 to 2010 contained ca. 270 t of POPPBDEs
in ca. 401,000 t of PUR foam. A major share of cars
from the USA and only a small share of cars from Europe and
Asia were impacted. This simplified material and substance
flow of PUR foams and POP-PBDEs in motor vehicles demonstrated
the potential for environmental/human contamination
and pollution of recycling/reuse for Nigeria and other
developing countries.
The study developed the first preliminary inventory of endof-
life vehicles for Nigeria, following which the environment
ministry has taken up the important issue of end-of-life vehicles
management. Considering that a range of other pollutants
are contained in vehicles (e.g. heavy metals, flame retardants,
PCBs, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons
and waste oil), this initiated activity should finally lead
to an integrated management of pollutants and resources
from the transport sector.
Results: The 33 African countries (total population of 856,671,366) with available data for more than 10 years
imported approximately 86.14 Mt of polymers in primary form and 31.5 Mt of plastic products between 1990 and
2017. Extrapolating to the continental level (African population of 1.216 billion in 54 countries), about 172 Mt of polymers
and plastics valued at $285 billion were imported between 1990 and 2017. Considering also the components of
products, an estimated 230 Mt of plastics entered Africa during that time period, with the largest share going to Egypt
(43 Mt, 18.7%), Nigeria (39 Mt, 17.0%), South Africa (27 Mt, 11.7%), Algeria (26 Mt, 11.3%), Morocco (22 Mt, 9.6%), and
Tunisia (16 Mt, 7.0%). Additionally, primary plastic production in 8 African countries contributed 15 Mt during 2009–
2015. The assessment showed that environmentally sound end-of-life management of waste plastics by recycling and
energy recovery is in its infancy in Africa, but recycling activities and thermal recovery have started in a few countries.
Conclusions: Globally, the perception is that production and consumption of plastics can only increase in the future.
Solutions are needed to tackle this global challenge. Certain policies and plastic bag bans could help reduce plastic
consumption in the near future, as demonstrated by Rwanda. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative solutions
such as the introduction of biodegradable polymers and other alternatives, especially for packaging.
health, animals, and vegetation, as well as on soil, air, and water quality.
The objective of this article is to discuss the current relationships among
pollution, environmental quality, and human health within the frame of anthropogenic activities in developing countries. In addition to personal observations, we review relevant literature on conditions throughout
the developing world and case studies on conditions and activities in Nigeria. Key findings show the significant, adverse contributions
to human health and environmental risk from current waste generation and handling practices, indoor and outdoor air pollution, wastewater and effluent generation and disposal, the hazardous nature and pollution
potential of wastes, and the human behaviors that contribute to pollution
in developing countries. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the various segments of society of the human health hazards posed by pollution as well as a need for the comprehensive development and enforcement of appropriate policies to prevent a descent into an abyss of deteriorating human and environmental health.
(PBDEs) have been listed as persistent organic pollutants
(POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. In this study, a preliminary
material and substance flow analysis of commercial
pentabromodiphenyl ether (c-PentaBDE) was conducted for
motor vehicles—a major use sector for POP-PBDE in polyurethane
(PUR) foam—for Nigeria. The methodology of the
Stockholm Convention PBDE inventory guidance was used
for the calculation of c-PentaBDE. Material/substance flow
analysis was conducted applying the STAN software. The
time frame for this analysis was 1980–2010, considering that
this was the period when POP-PBDE-containing vehicles
were largely imported into Nigeria.
It is estimated that the approximately 19 million passenger
cars imported from 1980 to 2010 contained ca. 270 t of POPPBDEs
in ca. 401,000 t of PUR foam. A major share of cars
from the USA and only a small share of cars from Europe and
Asia were impacted. This simplified material and substance
flow of PUR foams and POP-PBDEs in motor vehicles demonstrated
the potential for environmental/human contamination
and pollution of recycling/reuse for Nigeria and other
developing countries.
The study developed the first preliminary inventory of endof-
life vehicles for Nigeria, following which the environment
ministry has taken up the important issue of end-of-life vehicles
management. Considering that a range of other pollutants
are contained in vehicles (e.g. heavy metals, flame retardants,
PCBs, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons
and waste oil), this initiated activity should finally lead
to an integrated management of pollutants and resources
from the transport sector.