We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Effect of Human Induced Ocean Pollution on Health Outcomes in Coastal Communities of Limbe
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of 150 people living in coastal communities in Limbe, Cameroon found that plastic waste and oil spills in the ocean are linked to real health problems, including breathing issues, skin irritation, and contaminated seafood. Interestingly, chemical pollution didn't show the same clear connection, suggesting plastic and oil pollution may be the bigger day-to-day health threats in these areas. The takeaway: better trash and wastewater management, community clean-ups, and keeping people away from oil-contaminated beaches could meaningfully protect the health of coastal residents.
Abstract This study examined the effects of human-induced ocean pollution on health outcomes in coastal communities of Limbe, Cameroon. Using exploratory research design, primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to 150 respondents across five coastal communities: Idenau, Down Beach, Bota Land, Wovia, and Ngeme. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression [Ordinary Least Square (OLS)]. Results revealed that plastic pollution and oil spillage have significant positive effects on health outcomes, while chemical pollution showed no statistically significant direct impact. Findings suggest that exposure to plastic waste and petroleum contamination leads to respiratory infections, skin irritations, and seafood contamination, which compromise public health in the affected areas. Based on this, it was recommended that there is need to upgrade solid waste collection and wastewater filtration systems to prevent microplastics and debris from entering coastal waters. Organised community led beach and river clean-ups to reduce the volume of microplastics breaking down into harmful micro and nano plastics. The findings on oil spillage indicated that there is need enforce strict exclusion zones to keep community members away from impacted beaches, marshes and volatile fumes. Keywords: Chemical Pollution, Plastic pollution, Oil spillage, Health Outcomes, and Coastal Communities, Limbe
More Papers Like This
The Effect of Human Induced Ocean Pollution on Health Outcomes in Coastal Communities of Limbe
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of five coastal communities in Limbe, Cameroon found that plastic waste and oil spills in ocean water are linked to real health problems for residents, including breathing issues, skin irritation, and contaminated seafood. Interestingly, chemical pollution didn't show the same direct connection to health issues. The takeaway: better trash and wastewater management, community beach cleanups, and keeping people away from oil-contaminated areas could meaningfully protect the health of people living near polluted coastlines.
Health Risk Assessment of Marine Plastic Pollution in Communities along the Coastline of Lagos, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
A health risk assessment of three coastal communities in Lagos, Nigeria found that plastic debris in marine sediments and water contained phthalate esters and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at concentrations above WHO safety limits. Children and adults — particularly in the Orimedu community — faced elevated cancer and non-cancer health risks from exposure to these plastic-associated toxins through coastal activities and fishing. This study provides some of the first quantitative health risk data for West African coastal populations exposed to marine plastic pollution.
Dampak Pencemaran Laut terhadap Kesehatan Masyarakat Pesisir
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together news reports from coastal areas in Indonesia (like Lampung and Aceh) to show how ocean pollution—industrial waste, plastic, oil spills, and sewage—is making people sick. Communities that rely on seafood are seeing more skin problems, digestive issues, breathing trouble, and even poisoning from eating contaminated fish and shellfish, on top of losing income as fish catches shrink. The takeaway: cleaning up our oceans isn't just an environmental issue—it directly protects the health and livelihoods of people who depend on the sea for food.
Health and Environmental Hazard of Plastic Waste in The Communities of Niger Delta
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated plastic waste health impacts in Niger Delta communities by analyzing water, fish, sediment, and human blood samples for physico-chemical parameters and contaminants. Microplastics and associated chemical pollutants were detected, highlighting risks to residents in areas with poor waste management infrastructure.
Perspective on Microplastic Pollution in the Coasts of Cameroon: Sources, Transport, Current State, Impacts, Mitigation, and Recommendation
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes available research on microplastic sources, transport, distribution, and ecological and health impacts along the coastal regions of Cameroon, where inadequate plastic disposal near fishing and tourism hubs is especially severe. The findings underscore how developing nations with limited waste infrastructure face disproportionate microplastic contamination risks, threatening both marine food chains and the health of coastal communities.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.