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Quantitative analysis of plastic waste accumulation in coastal Ghana: Implications for waste management
Summary
This study used principal component analysis, MANOVA, and hierarchical cluster analysis to quantify plastic waste accumulation and spatial distribution along coastal zones in Ghana. PET bottles and hard plastics dominated all study sites, with Cape Coast showing distinct patterns due to higher fishing and tourism activity.
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.