Evaluation of Plastic Waste Management Practices in Fish Landing Communities along the Niger River in Kebbi State

This study evaluates plastic waste management practices and the extent of plastic pollution in fish landing and riparian communities along the Niger River in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Plastic waste pollution in freshwater systems is an emerging concern in Nigerian river basins, and fishing communities are simultaneously among the most waste-exposed and most economically affected by plastic pollution through its impacts on fish habitats and gear entanglement. Waste audits were conducted at five fish landing sites along a 60-kilometre stretch of the Niger River, counting and categorising plastic waste types visible on the riverbank and in shallow water margins. Sediment samples were collected to quantify microplastic particle counts per kilogram of dried sediment. Community interviews were conducted with 180 fishing household members to assess waste disposal practices, awareness of plastic pollution impacts, and use of available waste collection services. Results show that single-use sachet water bags constitute 54 percent of plastic waste by item count at landing sites, while fishing rope offcuts and polythene packaging account for most remaining plastic. Microplastic counts in river sediment average 320 particles per kilogram. Only two of the five landing sites have any formal waste collection arrangement, serving fewer than 30 percent of households. Awareness of plastic pollution's ecological impacts is low. The study recommends the establishment of community waste management committees at all landing sites and a regional ban on single-use sachet water packaging in favour of bottle water or reusable containers. Keywords: plastic waste, river pollution, microplastics, fishing communities, Kebbi State.