The Effect of Human Induced Ocean Pollution on Health Outcomes in Coastal Communities of Limbe
Mukete Emmanuel Mbella 1 , Evenye Anny Lydia Ngale2 & Chuaibou Moumom3
1Department of Management Sciences, Higher Technical Teachers Training College (HTTTC) Kumba- University of Buea-Cameroon. Email: mbellamukete@gmail.com
2Department of Management Sciences – Higher Institute of Management Studies (HIMS) Buea Email: anny10lydia10@gmail.com
3 Department GICE, ESSEC, University of Douala, mchuaibou@yahoo.fr
To cite: Mukete et al. (2026). The Effect of Human Induced Ocean Pollution on Health Outcomes in Coastal Communities of Limbe. Journal of Tertiary and Industrial Sciences (JTIS), 6(3), 137–166. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22179190
Submission Date: 27/05/2026 Acceptance Date: 10/08/2026
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