Dr. Oluniyi Fadare comes from Nigeria. He co-founded the PAN-African micro (nano) plastic research network (PAN-microplast), an initiative comprising researchers on plastic pollution in African and non-African countries, of which he is the coordinator. The aim of the Network is to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across Africa within the field of plastic pollution. Oluniyi has also conducted different research on micro(nano) plastics with African countries in focus, and he is engaged in public advocacy on reduction, reuse and recycle of plastic materials.
Social responsibility for Young Scientists
A limited number of African extracts are involved in microplastic pollution research to date due to the non-availability of analytical facilities and experts. Oluniyi is engaged in the training of Young African Scientists on techniques used to identify and characterize plastic particles in the environment.
Your research work relates to SDGs
UN Sustainable Development Goal, under Goal 6 (6.3. 6.6) specifically addresses lack of access to clean water and sanitation faced by 30% and 60% of people, respectively. One of the aims of SDG 6 is to “implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.” Goal 14 (14.1.1b) addresses Life under Water. The obstacle to these two goals is mismanaged plastics. Mismanaged plastics enter the aquatic environment, breaking down into smaller pieces, referred to as microplastics. Microplastics act as a vector for persistent organic pollutants in the aquatic system, pollute freshwaters, and it threatens biodiversity. Microplastics have become a global concern due to their impacts on clean water, sanitation, and aquatic lives. My focus is to understand the effects of microplastics on water sources for human consumption and aquatic organisms.
Your Local context priorities and challenges
My local context educates secondary school students in Nigeria on the impact of plastic pollution on our planet through school outreaches, seminars, and workshops. The challenges are the lack of regulations on mismanaged and single-use plastics in Nigeria. Also, poor awareness of plastic pollution among the local people.
Your actions towards the SDGs and sustainability
The current knowledge of environmental micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution is driven by studies performed predominantly by and in wealthier countries. However, mismanaged plastics and their consequences affect low- and middle- income countries over-proportionately. My research helps to bring to the fore the effects of plastic pollution in different environmental compartments across Africa. For instance, microplastics presence was identified in different brands of salts produced in African countries. The finding is vital for food safety and public health.
Change and impact resulting from your Action
More people are now aware of the impact of mismanaged plastics on the environment and are willing to educate others. Dialogue is ongoing with policymakers are different levels to develop a frame on regulating single-use plastics.
Future Aims and Targets towards SDGs
The future aim is to train more younger researchers from Africa in (micro) plastic pollution research. Also, the future target is to organize outreaches in a minimum of twenty-four workshops per year in the next five years.
