We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantitative analysis of plastic waste accumulation in coastal Ghana: Implications for waste management
Summary
Researchers conducted a quantitative analysis of plastic waste accumulation patterns along the coastal region of Accra, Ghana, evaluating dispersal distributions and spatial clustering to understand the implications for waste management in a developing country lacking robust plastic waste handling infrastructure.
The presence of plastic waste in coastal regions creates major environmental and financial problems mainly for underdeveloped countries which lack proper waste handling infrastructure. The research evaluates plastic waste patterns dispersal distributions and spatial clustering forms throughout Accra Winneba and Cape Coast coastal zones in Ghana through statistical quantitative methods. Researchers performed systematic field surveys throughout the three areas to evaluate plastic waste types using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). They determined the main waste categories in the survey zones. Multi-variate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) evaluated the proportional distribution of plastic waste categories while Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) assessed patterns of site-based waste composition similarities. PET Bottles together with Hard Plastics appear as the principal waste types present throughout every study site. The plastic waste accumulation levels in Cape Coast stand out from other areas because Fisherman Equipment together with Styrofoam products account for higher waste amounts stemming from tourism and fishing sector dominance. The plastic waste composition found in Accra and Winneba produces similar clusters which align within the HCA. Results from ANOVA testing reveal there are no statistically important differences (p > 0.05) found between total plastic waste measurements among study sites. Global data confirms that the factors behind plastic pollution include urban growth coupled with insufficient control amendments and robust economic development systems. The resolution of this problem needs new policies combined with better waste infrastructure elements, along with active community participation. Multiple sectors of government agencies along with local communities need to join forces with industry stakeholders to achieve sustainable waste management practices that minimize plastic pollution in Ghana's coastal regions.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Investigation of Abundance and Spatial Distribution of Marine Debris on Ghanaian Urban Coastal Beaches
Marine debris abundance and spatial distribution were comprehensively assessed on three urban coastal beaches in Ghana along the Gulf of Guinea. The study characterized debris types and distribution patterns, documenting significant plastic accumulation with implications for coastal ecosystem health, public safety, and eco-tourism.
Solid Waste Management in Coastal Ghana
This paper assessed solid waste management challenges in coastal communities of Ghana, finding that inadequate infrastructure leads to plastics and other waste being dumped directly into coastal waters or on beaches. The study highlights how waste management failures in developing coastal regions directly drive marine plastic pollution.
The Health-trash Nexus in Challenging Environments: A Spatial Mixed Methods Analysis of Accra, Ghana
This mixed-methods study in Accra, Ghana analyzed the spatial relationship between waste disposal practices and health outcomes in a rapidly urbanizing city. Open dumping and poor waste management create conditions where microplastics and other contaminants accumulate near communities, with direct public health consequences.
The Coastal Environment of Elmina in Ghana - Appraising the Causes and Effects of Coastal Pollution
This study examined coastal pollution in Elmina, Ghana, one of the country's major tourist destinations, finding that marine debris including plastic waste has severely degraded the coastline and reduced its appeal for tourism. The research highlights how inadequate waste management in developing coastal communities creates environmental and economic harm.
Assessing microplastic contamination levels in ghana's mangrove wetlands
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination levels in Ghana's mangrove wetlands, examining how the morphology of mangrove root systems traps and accumulates plastic particles of all sizes and assessing the threat posed to these ecologically critical coastal ecosystems.