Spatial Dynamics and Ecological Consequences of Domestic Waste Streams in Coastal Urban Communities: A Case Study of Bonny Island, Nigeria

George; Nsini R; Falasy; Anamelechi; Onuoha; Faith Oluebube

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no8.2025.pg90.108

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Spatial Dynamics and Ecological Consequences of Domestic Waste Streams in Coastal Urban Communities: A Case Study of Bonny Island, Nigeria

George, Nsini R, Falasy, Anamelechi, Onuoha, Faith Oluebube

Abstract

This study investigates the ecological repercussions of domestic waste disposal in selected communities on Bonny Island, Nigeria, highlighting the environmental vulnerabilities exacerbated by inadequate government-provided waste evacuation infrastructure. The absence of effective systems has fostered widespread indiscriminate disposal practices among residents, with particularly severe impacts on populations residing near informal dumpsites and adjoining aquatic ecosystems subjected to runoff-induced pollution. Data was obtained through structured questionnaires, subsequently sorted, edited, and coded for analysis. Descriptive statistical techniques—including frequency tables, percentage distributions, multiple bar charts, and weighted means—were used to interpret responses measured on a Likert scale. The findings reveal that open burning remains the predominant waste disposal method, favored for its simplicity but responsible for extensive and persistent environmental degradation and public health risks. In contrast, environmentally sustainable alternatives—such as composting—are significantly underutilized, reported by only 5% of respondents. Waste segregation and recycling emerged as promising strategies for reducing the waste burden and mitigating ecological harm. This study advocates for a multi-pronged approach to sustainable waste management, including the development of resilient infrastructure, strict regulatory oversight, and the promotion of community engagement. Addressing the domestic waste crisis on Bonny Island requires a paradigm shift toward shared responsibility between government stakeholders and local populations, framing waste management not merely as a technical challenge but as an ethical imperative to protect environmental integrity and human well-being.

Keywords

UrbanizationWaste GenerationInformal Waste DisposalPublic Health Risks

References

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Spatial Dynamics and Ecological Consequences of Domestic Waste Streams in Coastal Urban Communities: A Case Study of Bonny Island, Nigeria

Abstract

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