Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)

The sustainability of coastal environments is becoming a major issue in the face of constantly changing urban populations correlated with anthropogenic activities. As a result, in-depth knowledge is needed to assess the vulnerability of coastal areas in African cities faced with a profusion of solid...

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Main Authors: Leslie Bertha Mouloungui Kussu, Dimitri Essono Milla, Réne Casimir Zoo Eyindanga, Messan Vimenyo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Recycling
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/1/23
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author Leslie Bertha Mouloungui Kussu
Dimitri Essono Milla
Réne Casimir Zoo Eyindanga
Messan Vimenyo
author_facet Leslie Bertha Mouloungui Kussu
Dimitri Essono Milla
Réne Casimir Zoo Eyindanga
Messan Vimenyo
author_sort Leslie Bertha Mouloungui Kussu
collection DOAJ
description The sustainability of coastal environments is becoming a major issue in the face of constantly changing urban populations correlated with anthropogenic activities. As a result, in-depth knowledge is needed to assess the vulnerability of coastal areas in African cities faced with a profusion of solid waste. In Libreville and Lomé, the aim of the study was to carry out a systematic inventory of coastal macrowaste, and to break down and characterize the data collected at 12 sites and 6 sites, respectively. The methodological approach adopted combines documentary research, direct observations and characterization using the MODECOM tool (household waste characterization method) to reveal the widespread presence of macrowaste in the coastal areas of the two towns. With regard to the MODECOM method, the study is based specifically on the sorting of materials according to three granulometric fractions: >100 mm, between 20 and 100 mm, and <20 mm. In addition to the dimensions of the objects, the classification of solid waste according to its nature enabled thirteen (13) categories of macrowaste to be generated. The results show that the quantity of macrowaste inventoried in Libreville was 654.21 kg, while in Lomé the weight of waste collected was 510 kg. On the whole, the proliferation of solid waste is due to physical factors and human activities, especially economic activities and recreational activities, which increase the rate of production. In terms of sustainable material management, the results point to a prosperous future for the biodegradable, non-biodegradable and inert waste streams.
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spelling doaj-art-c8d4e4ad9f784a1d8d9fcfa1f52aab502025-08-20T02:44:39ZengMDPI AGRecycling2313-43212025-02-011012310.3390/recycling10010023Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)Leslie Bertha Mouloungui Kussu0Dimitri Essono Milla1Réne Casimir Zoo Eyindanga2Messan Vimenyo3Regional Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (Cervida Dounedon), University of Lomé, Lomé 01BP1515, TogoSpaces and Societies Laboratory (ESO) UMR-CNRS 6590, Le Mans University, 72085 Le Mans, FranceGeography and Environment Laboratory, Higher Teacher’s Training College, Libreville B.P. 17009, GabonResearch Laboratory on the Dynamics of Environments and Societies, University of Lomé Lomé 01BP1515, TogoThe sustainability of coastal environments is becoming a major issue in the face of constantly changing urban populations correlated with anthropogenic activities. As a result, in-depth knowledge is needed to assess the vulnerability of coastal areas in African cities faced with a profusion of solid waste. In Libreville and Lomé, the aim of the study was to carry out a systematic inventory of coastal macrowaste, and to break down and characterize the data collected at 12 sites and 6 sites, respectively. The methodological approach adopted combines documentary research, direct observations and characterization using the MODECOM tool (household waste characterization method) to reveal the widespread presence of macrowaste in the coastal areas of the two towns. With regard to the MODECOM method, the study is based specifically on the sorting of materials according to three granulometric fractions: >100 mm, between 20 and 100 mm, and <20 mm. In addition to the dimensions of the objects, the classification of solid waste according to its nature enabled thirteen (13) categories of macrowaste to be generated. The results show that the quantity of macrowaste inventoried in Libreville was 654.21 kg, while in Lomé the weight of waste collected was 510 kg. On the whole, the proliferation of solid waste is due to physical factors and human activities, especially economic activities and recreational activities, which increase the rate of production. In terms of sustainable material management, the results point to a prosperous future for the biodegradable, non-biodegradable and inert waste streams.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/1/23macrowasteMODECOM toolsustainable managementLibrevilleLomé
spellingShingle Leslie Bertha Mouloungui Kussu
Dimitri Essono Milla
Réne Casimir Zoo Eyindanga
Messan Vimenyo
Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)
Recycling
macrowaste
MODECOM tool
sustainable management
Libreville
Lomé
title Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)
title_full Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)
title_fullStr Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)
title_full_unstemmed Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)
title_short Physical Characterization of Coastal Macrowaste: A Comparison Between Cities in Central Western Africa (Libreville-Lome)
title_sort physical characterization of coastal macrowaste a comparison between cities in central western africa libreville lome
topic macrowaste
MODECOM tool
sustainable management
Libreville
Lomé
url https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/1/23
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