Perspective on Microplastic Pollution in the Coasts of Cameroon: Sources, Transport, Current State, Impacts, Mitigation, and Recommendation

Cameroon, like most developing nations, relies heavily on plastic products, which break down into microplastics (MPs). There is limited knowledge about the occurrence and effects of these MPs on the Cameroonian ecosystem. So, the goal of this study was to give a perspective on sources, transport, current state, impacts, mitigation, and recommendations of MPs in the coastal regions of a developing country such as Cameroon. Original research articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were chosen and examined in order to create this viewpoint on MP in Cameroon's coastal regions. It was observed that the inadequate disposal of plastics is at its peak in coastal regions of Cameroon since they have a higher concentration of industries and other activities, such as fishing and tourism. Common sources of MPs include plastic debris, plastic bags and packaging, city dust, tourism and personal care products. The impacts of MPs on the Cameroonian ecosystems, and most especially on the coastal regions, have diverse consequences, such as disruptions in the food chain, toxicity within terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and health challenges for the coastal populations when they consume seafood. Plastic recycling and the introduction of bioplastics, which are biodegradable, are some measures that can be used to mitigate plastic pollution in these areas. This study offers useful suggestions to increase understanding and transition to evidence-based MP contamination in Cameroon's ecosystems and also contributes to advocacy and interventions to protect Cameroonian coastal environments and the communities dependent on them.