Impact of Littered Sachet Water Plastics on Soil Infiltration Capacity in Agricultural Lands of Gwagwalada, Nigeria

The ubiquitous consumption and indiscriminate disposal of sachet water plastics across Nigeria have exacerbated environmental degradation, particularly affecting soil health in agricultural landscapes. Recent studies reveal that polyethylene-based microplastics, which dominate sachet water waste, can significantly alter soil structure, reduce porosity, and limit microbial diversity, thereby degrading soil functionality (Ahmad, H. A., Abdullahi, A., & Bugaje, M. A., 2024, Wang et al., 2022, Zhou et al., 2023). This study investigates the impact of these non-biodegradable plastics on the soil infiltration capacity of farmlands in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Employing a double-ring infiltrometer in controlled field settings, infiltration rates were measured in both littered and non-littered agricultural plots. The results showed a marked reduction in infiltration capacity in the littered plots. Specifically, infiltration rates ranged from 1.2 mm/hr to 0.12 mm/hr in non-littered plots, whereas rates in littered plots ranged from 0.96 mm/hr to 0.12 mm/hr. These reductions suggest that plastic waste interferes with soil water dynamics by obstructing infiltration pathways and promoting soil compaction. Furthermore, the accumulation of plastics on farmlands can inhibit root penetration, reduce microbial enzymatic activity, and potentially impair plant growth and crop yield. The study underscores an urgent need for the development and implementation of sustainable plastic waste management policies, farmer education, and community-level recycling programs to safeguard soil health, ensure agricultural sustainability, and mitigate long-term environmental risks in peri-urban farming regions.