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Assessment of Waste Generation and Management Strategies at Eleko and Elegushi Beaches, Lagos State, Nigeria
Summary
Researchers studying two popular Lagos beaches found trash piles up most on weekends and holidays, with plastic and nylon waste making up a significant chunk of the litter alongside natural shells. The good news: cleanup efforts seemed to keep pace with visitor crowds, meaning waste didn't get dramatically worse even during busy periods, but the steady presence of plastic waste is a reminder that this trash can break down into microplastics that end up in seawater, seafood, and eventually our own bodies. The takeaway is that consistent beach cleanups and better public awareness about proper disposal can make a real difference in protecting
Coastal tourism is a significant economic activity in many regions, including Nigeria, where beaches like Eleko and Elegushi in Lagos State attract thousands of visitors annually. This study investigates the waste accumulation patterns at Eleko Beach (EB) and Elegushi Royal Beach (ERB), focusing on the influence of human activities during peak visitation periods. A Clean Coast Index analysis (CCI) revealed that waste levels peaked during weekends and holidays, with EB reaching 4.57 items per square meter and ERB 3.98 items. At EB, shells (28.86%), plastics (11.01%), and nylon waste (10.71%) are prominent, while ERB shows higher percentages of shells (36.01%) and nylon waste (13.42%). EB also recorded a greater total litter count (672 items) compared to ERB (447 items), indicating more severe waste management issues. T-test analyses demonstrated no significant differences in waste volume and sand litter density between pre- and post-peak periods at both beaches (p-values > 0.05), suggesting effective waste management practices. These findings reveal that consistent cleanup efforts and visitor behavior, rather than sheer numbers, significantly impact litter accumulation. The persistent presence of plastic waste underscores the need for targeted interventions, including enhanced public awareness campaigns and improved waste disposal facilities, to mitigate ongoing pollution challenges.