Ecological implications of environmental contaminants on biodiversity and ecosystem services: The Nigerian Experience

This paper reviews the implications of environmental contamination on Nigerian biodiversity and ecosystem services aimed at identifying the causes, effects and remediation strategies. Literatures on concept of environmental contamination, biodiversity and ecosystem services were discussed. Environmental contaminants are known to be naturally occurring compounds, but anthropogenic activities introduce them in large quantities in different environmental compartments. This leads to the environment’s ability to foster life being reduced as biodiversity become threatened. This occurs due to accumulation of the contaminants in the biosphere as a result of widespread of contaminants and non-degradable state of most them. The paper posits that environmental problems in Nigeria generally are many, diverse in nature and are caused by human interaction with environment for exploits in a number of ways-both in the cities; where industrial activities predominate, and rural areas; where agriculture thrives. The paper observes that these problems are a consequence of environmental contaminants which eventually results to environmental contamination. Remediation of environmental contamination requires special attention to protect all spheres (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere) as a collection. The review proffers possible solutions and recommendations to restore or minimise and prevent further occurrences in Nigeria.