TITLE:
Characterization of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Two Marshes and the Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes in the Littoral Region of Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Nadege Madountsap Tagnang, Carole Tchinda Metagne, Christelle Flora Ladoh Yemeda, Zorobabel Keïkere Hane, Patrice Brice Mvogo Ottou, Tosam Hycinth Ngong, Jules Priso Richard
KEYWORDS:
Pollution, Soap Effluents, Macrophytes, Douala IV, Littoral-Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
5,
2026
ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to characterize the physico-chemical parameters of two swamps receiving wastewater from soap factories and the distribution of their macrophytes in the localities of Bonaberi and Bomono Ba Mbengue in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. A floristic inventory was carried out in 5 m × 5 m quadrats with 15 quadrats per site. A total of 30 quadrats were used in the two study sites. Physical parameters such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and salinity were measured in situ, while chemical analyses to determine the (nitrate, phosphate, bio-chemical, oxygen demand and iron contents) were carried out in the Laboratory with water samples collected from the two marshes. A total of 65 species of macrophytes divided into 58 genera and 32 families were recorded. The flora is dominated by Commelina bengalensis (6.9%), Costus afer (4%), Commelina diffusa (3.8%), Asystasia gangetica (3.7%). The Bomono Ba Mbengue site had a higher specific richness (40 species) compared to that of Bonaberi (33 species). It appears from the ANOVA test that there is a significant difference between the pH values (11.62 ± 1.17), salinity (591.67 g/L ± 123.56) and conductivity (1283.67 μS/cm ± 214.43) obtained in the marsh waters of Bonaberi and those of Bomono Ba Mbengue which are respectively 6.65 ± 0.35; 12.67 g/L ± 1.15 and 21 μS/cm. The physico-chemical parameters of the wastewater collected in the Bonaberi swamp are particularly higher, reflecting a higher degree of pollution than that of Bomono Ba Mbengue. This study contributes to the management and conservation of coastal wetlands.