ASSESSMENT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION AND ITS EFFECTS ON SURFACE WATER QUALITY: A CASE STUDY OF BUA RIVER IN KASUNGU DISTRICT, MALAWI

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems, particularly in developing countries with inadequate waste management systems. This study assessed the extent of plastic pollution and its effects on surface water quality in the Bua River, Kasungu District, Malawi. The Bua River is a vital freshwater resource supporting domestic, agricultural, and ecological needs in the district, yet it faces increasing pressure from plastic waste originating from nearby settlements, trading centers, and agricultural activities. The main objective of the study was to assess plastic pollution and its effects on surface water quality in the Bua River. The specific objectives were: (1) to identify and quantify plastic waste (macro- and microplastics) along and within the river; (2) to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of surface water in areas affected by plastic pollution; and (3) to examine the impacts of plastic waste on aquatic life and surrounding communities dependent on the river. A descriptive-analytical research design was adopted. Data were collected from three sampling stations along the Bua River during one season. The study employed purposive and systematic sampling techniques, focusing on areas with visible plastic accumulation. Field observations and surveys were conducted to identify and quantify microplastics, while water samples were collected for physicochemical analysis. In situ measurements of pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity were taken at each station. Laboratory analyses were performed to detect and characterize microplastics. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and GIS-based spatial mapping, while qualitative observations were examined through content analysis. The study revealed the levels of plastic pollution and its influence on key water quality parameters in the Bua River. It further highlighted the potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms and the implications for communities relying on the river for various uses. This research provides empirical baseline data on plastic pollution in a Malawian freshwater system, contributing to the limited scientific knowledge on the subject in subSaharan Africa. The findings are expected to inform evidence-based policy interventions, improve enforcement of the Plastic Ban Regulations (2015) and the Environmental Management Act (2017), and support sustainable waste management practices aligned with Malawi’s Vision 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

The Bua River is a vital freshwater resource supporting domestic, agricultural, and ecological needs in the district, yet it faces increasing pressure from plastic waste originating from nearby settlements, trading centers, and agricultural activities. The specific objectives were: (1) to identify and quantify plastic waste (macro- and microplastics) along and within the river; (2) to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of surface water in areas affected by plastic pollution; and (3) to examine the impacts of plastic waste on aquatic life and surrounding communities dependent on the river. This research provides empirical baseline data on plastic pollution in a Malawian freshwater system, contributing to the limited scientific knowledge on the subject in subSaharan Africa. The findings are expected to inform evidence-based policy interventions, improve enforcement of the Plastic Ban Regulations (2015) and the Environmental Management Act (2017), and support sustainable waste management practices aligned with Malawi’s Vision 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

The study was conducted along the Bua River in Kasungu District, Central Malawi. The river originates from Mchinji District and flows eastward through Kasungu into Lake Malawi. It serves as a vital water source for domestic, agricultural, and small-scale industrial uses in the area. The study focused on sections of the river within Traditional Authority (TA) Njombwa, particularly around the Lisadwa estates and surrounding communities. The surrounding catchment faces increasing plastic pollution from nearby settlements, farming activities, and estates such as pyxus, making it an ideal location to assess the impact of plastic waste on surface water quality.

Traditional authority: Scnjombwa

District: Kasungu

Coordinates: -13.24905, 33.53135