Impact of waste from the municipal slaughterhouse in Nkongsamba on plant diversity (Littoral-Cameroon)

Paper Details

Research Paper 09/12/2025
Views (9)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

Impact of waste from the municipal slaughterhouse in Nkongsamba on plant diversity (Littoral-Cameroon)

Valerie Njitat Tsama*, Yanick Borel Kamga, Adélaïde Tschimkap Nkidja, François Victor Nguetsop, Zache Ambang
J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(6), 66-78, December 2025.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2025; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

Waste management in Cameroonian cities remains a major concern. This study aims to assess the impact of untreated waste from the municipal slaughterhouse in Nkongsamba (Barehock) on vegetation. To achieve this objective, a floristic inventory of the different study sites (upstream, near the slaughterhouse, downstream) was carried out based on surface surveys combined with itinerant surveys. Twenty-five square plots of 100 m2 were spread out on each site, following the four cardinal points. Indeed, the inventories generated a floristic list of 105 species from 79 genera and 41 families. The greatest species richness was recorded at the downstream site, with 81 species from 70 genera belonging to 35 families, compared to the other sites. These results reveal a dominance of ruderal taxa and pollution bio-indicators, such as Commelina benghalensis, Achyranthes aspera, Sida acuta, Tithoniadi versifolia, Echinocloa pyramidalis, Echinocloa cruis-parvonis, Brillantaisia owariensis, and Eleusine indica, reflecting ecological disturbance of the plant environment. In addition, faeces could be recycled by using as compost, thereby promoting urban and peri-urban agriculture in Cameroonian cities threatened by food insecurity.

Adamou M. 2010. Study of the lower Tarka Valley (Niger): characterization and use of water resources. Final internship report, 17–76. https://www.memoireonline.com/04/12/5659/

Ayoade F, Olayioye EO. 2016. Évaluation microbiologique des pratiques ménagères et de l’impact environnemental de certains abattoirs dans les États de Lagos et d’Ogun au Nigeria. Revue des biosciences appliquées 99, 9363–9372. https://doi.org/10.4314/jab.v99i1.2

Bullock JM, Bonte D, Pufal G, da Silva Carvalho C, Chapman DS, García C, Matthysen E, Delgado MM. 2018. Human-mediated dispersal and the rewiring of spatial networks. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 33, 958–970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2018.09.008

Chevalier P. 2002. Fiches synthèses sur l’eau potable et la santé humaine: entérocoques et streptocoques fécaux. Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 5 p.

Defo C, Fonkou T, Mabou PB, Nana P, Manjeli Y. 2015. Collecte et évacuation des boues de vidange dans la ville de Bafoussam, Cameroun (Afrique centrale). VertigO – la revue électronique en sciences de l’environnement 15(1). https://doi.org/10.4000/vertigo.15994

Fonkou T, Agendia P, Kengne Y, Amougou A, Nya J. 2002. The accumulation of heavy metals in biotic and abiotic components of the Olezoa wetland complex in Yaoundé, Cameroon (West Africa). Proceedings of the International Symposium on Environmental Pollution Control and Waste Management (EPCOWM 2002), Tunis, 29–33.

Fonkou T. 1996. Épuration par voie naturelle des eaux usées du campus de l’Université de Yaoundé I. Thèse de doctorat de 3ᵉ cycle, Université de Yaoundé I, 152p.

Fonkou T. 2006. Essais d’épuration d’eaux usées agro-industrielles par marécages artificiels: cas des effluents de African Distilling Company (ADIC) à Mbandjock. Thèse de doctorat PhD, Université de Yaoundé I, 170p.

Gonmadje F, Doumenge C, McKey D, Tchouto GPM, Sunderland TCH, Balinga MPB, Sonké B. 2011. Tree diversity and conservation value of Ngovayang’s lowland forests, Cameroon. Biodiversity and Conservation 20(12), 2627–2648. https://doi.org/10.25081/jes.2020.v11.6305

Jimoh TY, Olayeri AA, Falebita TE, Reis GA, Olufowobi BI, Saba AO. 2022. Environmental impacts of Agbara abattoir waste on the ecosystem of Ologe Lagoon, Nigeria. Journal of Advances in Biology and Biotechnology 25(5), 11–17. https://doi.org/10.9734/JABB/2022/v25i530281

Kengne IM, Amougou A, Soh EK, Tsama V, Ngoutane MM, Dodane PH, Koné D. 2008. Effects of faecal sludge application on growth characteristics and chemical composition of Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase and Cyperus papyrus L. Ecological Engineering 34(3), 233–242.

Kengne NIM. 2008. Potentials of sludge drying beds vegetated with Cyperus papyrus L. and Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase for faecal sludge treatment in tropical regions. PhD thesis, Plant Biology.

Koné-Bodou PJ, Kouame KV, Fe Doukoure C, Dope ACY, Kouadio AS, Zie Ballo Tidou AS. 2019. Risques sanitaires liés aux déchets ménagers sur la population d’Anyama (Abidjan-Côte d’Ivoire). VertigO – la revue électronique en sciences de l’environnement. https://doi.org/10.4000/vertigo.24417

Kouadja GS, Kouame AC, Kouadio KE, Kouassi NC, Kouao BJ. 2021. Caractéristiques nutritionnelles d’un pâturage de jachère dans la savane de Korhogo, au nord de la Côte d’Ivoire. European Scientific Journal 17(37), 310. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2021.v17n37p310

Kowarik I. 2011. Novel urban ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation. Environmental Pollution 159, 8–9.

Mahamane A, Saadou M, Danjimo MB, Saley K, Yacoubou B, Diouf A, Morou B, Mamane Maarouhi I, Soumana T, Tanimoune A. 2009. Biodiversité végétale au Niger: état des connaissances actuelles. Annales de l’Université de Lomé (Sciences) 18, 81–93.

Maire AL, Bourguignon Y, Martin P, Mombrial F, Prunier P. 2020. Formations rudérales annuelles et pluriannuelles. Guide des milieux naturels de Suisse, 10 p.

Mbog MS. 2013. Évaluation de la gestion des déchets liquides hospitaliers: cas des eaux usées du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yaoundé. Mémoire de Master.

Melom S, Mbayngone E, Bechir AB, Ratnan N, Mapongmetsem PM. 2015. Floristic and ecological characteristics of plant formations in Messenya, Chad (Central Africa). Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences 25(1), 3799–3813.

Momo SMC, Kamga YB, Tiokeng B, Nguetsop VF, Avana ML, Kemeuze V. 2017. Diversité floristique et variation altitudinale de la structure des formations à Gnidia glauca (Fresen.) Gilg dans les forêts communautaires de Kilum–Ijim (Nord-Ouest Cameroun). European Scientific Journal 13(6), 21.

N’gouran KP, Ouattara K, N’Guessan Koffi A, Kpangui KB, Barima Yao SS. 2023. Impact des boues de vidange sur la diversité floristique résiduelle des sites de dépotage de Daloa, Centre-Ouest, Côte d’Ivoire. Afrique Science 23(5), 55–68. https://www.afriquescience.net

Nyikob MCN, Anjah MG, Wouokoue TJB, Nkemnkeng FJ. 2020. Phytosociology of Echinops giganteus in the western highlands of Cameroon. European Scientific Journal 16(36), 345–360. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2020.v16n36p345

Ojekunle OZ, Lateef ST. 2017. Impact environnemental des rejets de déchets d’abattoir sur la qualité des eaux de surface et des eaux souterraines à Abeokuta. Journal of Environmental Analysis and Toxicology 7, 509. https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0525.1000509

Omar M, Al Sayed N, Barré K, Halwani J, Machon N. 2018. Drivers of the distribution of spontaneous plant communities and species within urban tree bases. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 35, 174–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2018.08.018

Omotosho OO, Emikpe BO, Lasisi OT, Oladunjoye OV. 2016. Abattage des porcs dans le sud-ouest du Nigeria: particularités, préoccupations sur le bien-être animal et implications pour la santé publique. Revue Africaine des Maladies Infectieuses 2, 146–155. https://doi.org/10.21010/ajid.v10i2.11

ONU. 2012. Conserver la biodiversité peut améliorer la santé humaine dans les villes du monde. Rapport. http://www.cbd.int/subnational/partners-and-initiatives/cbo

Ouattara I, Diya A, Diarra Y, Dembele O, Konate A. 2022. Acteurs et stratégies de gestion des déchets solides ménagers à Bamako. Revue Africaine des Sciences Sociales et de la Santé Publique 3(2), 75–90.

Ramirez N, Dezzeo N, Chacon N. 2007. Floristic composition, plant species abundance, and soil properties of montane savannas in the Gran Sabana, Venezuela. Flora 202, 316–327.

Saulais M. 2011. Colonisation végétale des bassins d’infiltration et de rétention: caractérisation de la flore et évolution des caractéristiques physico-chimiques de l’horizon de surface végétalisé. Thèse INSA, Lyon, 245 p.

Seou E, Akame L, Boukpessi T. 2022. Diversité floristique et caractéristiques structurales des groupements végétaux du bassin du Zio (Sud-Togo). Géographie Physique et Environnement 17, 83–98.

Shannon CE. 1948. A mathematical theory of communication. Bell System Technical Journal 27, 379–423.

Sorensen TA. 1948. A method of establishing groups of equal amplitude in plant sociology based on similarity of species content and its application to analyses of the vegetation on Danish commons. Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskabsskrifter 5, 1–34.

Timothy DO. 2020. Pourquoi les abattoirs au Nigeria représentent une menace pour la santé et l’environnement. https://theconversation.com/why-abattoirs-in-nigeria-pose-a-threat-to-health-and-the-environment-139893

Tiokeng B, Nguetsop VF, Mapongmetsem PM, Tacham WN. 2015. Biodiversité floristique et régénération naturelle sur les hautes terres de Lebialem (Ouest Cameroun). International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences 9, 56–68. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v9i1.6

Tita Awa M. 2008. Water pollution of the Nkoup river system and its environmental impact on Foumbot town (Western Cameroon). PhD thesis, University of Yaoundé I, 212 p.

Tsama VN, Kamga YB, Wafo Djumyom VG, Nguetsop VF. 2025. Impact of sewage sludge on plant diversity in the Nomayos area, Central Region of Cameroon. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences.

Vergnes A, Le Saux E, Clergeau P. 2017. Preliminary data on low aerial plankton in a large city center, Paris. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 22, 36–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.01.012

Wouokoue TJB, Anjah GM, Nguetsop VF, Fonkou T. 2017. Floristic diversity of the savanna ecosystems in three altitudinal zones of the Bambouto Mountains, West Cameroon. Cameroon Journal of Biological and Biochemical Sciences 25, 52–59.

Wouokoue TJB, Avana TLM, Froumsia M, Hamawa Y, Ngyete MCN, Nguetsop VF, Fonkou T. 2020. Savanna highlands of Cameroon: floristic composition, functional traits and conservation status. Asian Journal of Research in Botany 4(4), 81–99. https://www.journalajrib.com/index.php/AJRIB/article/view/30128

Wouokoue TJB, Avana TML, Hamawa Y, Nguetsop VF, Tsobou R, Ngnignindiwou MJ. 2020. Floristic diversity and management of fodder resources of the natural pastures of the savanna highlands of Western Cameroon. Journal of Experimental Sciences 11, 28–34.

Wouokoue TJB, Nguetsop VF, Fonkou T. 2017. Floristic diversity of western highlands savannas of Cameroon. International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology 4(4), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2017.404.002

Zébazé Togouet SH, Njiné T, Kemka N, Foto Menbohan S, Niyitegeka D, Ngassam P, Boutin C. 2006. Composition et distribution spatio-temporelle des protozoaires ciliés dans un petit lac hypereutrophe du Cameroun (Afrique centrale). Revue des Sciences de l’Eau 19, 151–162. https://doi.org/10.7202/013535ar

Zébazé Togouet SH, Njiné T, Kemka N, Foto Menbohan S, Niyitegeka D, Ngassam P, Boutin C. 2006. Composition et distribution spatio-temporelle des protozoaires ciliés dans un petit lac hypereutrophe du Cameroun (Afrique centrale). Revue des Sciences de l’Eau 19, 151–162. https://doi.org/10.15553/c2018v732a12

Related Articles

Validation of satellite rainfall monitor (SRM) estimates against automated rain gauge observations in the Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Philippines

Elgin Joy N. Bonalos*, Johniel E. Babiera, Peter D. Suson, J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(6), 79-90, December 2025.

Prevalence of malaria and dengue virus co-infection in Delta State, Nigeria

P. A. Agbure, O. P.G. Nmorsi, A. O. Egwunyenga, J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(6), 40-52, December 2025.

Different rates of paclobutrazol application on Ilocos white garlic (Allium sativum L.) under La Union condition

Evangeline P. Buccat, Analyn V. Sagun, Angelina T. Gonzales, J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(6), 30-39, December 2025.

Cycloastragenol suppresses the abnormal proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro

Saravanan Surya, Shanmugam M. Sivasankaran, Manoharan Pethanasamy, Azhamuthu Theerthu, Raju Kowsalya, J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(6), 20-29, December 2025.

Biometric characteristics of Portunus validus (Herklots, 1851) from Loango Bay, Republic of the Congo

M. Mikia, A. Tsoumou, B. R. C. Olabi Obath, I. Mady-Goma Dirat, J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(6), 9-19, December 2025.

Myrtenal downregulates hormonal receptors in DMBA induced mammary carcinoma in Sprague-Dawley rats

Manoharan Pethanasamy, Shanmugam M. Sivasankaran, Saravanan Surya, Raju Kowsalya, J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 27(5), 143-151, November 2025.