Assessing the Impacts of Plastic Waste Pollution in Exacerbating Urban Flooding in Douala.

Abstract

Plastic pollution is simply the accumulation of plastic waste in the earth’s environment and this accumulation is mainly caused by anthropogenic activities. Plastic waste affects millions of people across the world as it alters habitants and natural processes, causes floods and greatly affects climate change. This thesis explores the impact of plastic waste pollution on exacerbating urban flooding in Douala, Cameroon, with a focus on three distinct study areas: Makepe, Bonapriso, and Bonaberi. The growing issue of plastic waste accumulation in urban environments has led to blocked drainage systems, contributing significantly to the frequency and intensity of flooding. The research aimed to assess the correlation between plastic waste and urban flooding in these areas, providing insights into local perceptions and the role of waste management practices.I made 100 questionnaires that were distributed across these study areas Makepe, Bonaberi and Bonapriso in the ratio 4:3:3 respectively, capturing responses from residents and local stakeholders. I utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods consisting of field surveys, interviews as seen in appendix 2 helped me come up with this questionnaire and statistical analysis, to evaluate the presence of plastic waste in drainage systems and relate to their perception about plastic waste and its impact on flooding. The results indicated an association between the accumulation of plastic waste and blocked drainage systems though other parameters were likes to flood in Douala such as, deforestation, poor drainage system and a high Topographic Wetness index as large catchment areas for watersheds which in turn exacerbated flooding incidents. Moreso, the study found varying levels of awareness and responses to the issue of plastic waste across the study areas. This thesis concludes by recommending strategies for improving waste management system, promoting community awareness, and implementing sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution on urban flooding in Douala I also pointed out some limitations and proposed possible ways to mitigate them.