Microfiber Pollution and Its Health Impacts on Coastal Fishermen in Mozambique: A Longitudinal Study Protocol

Microfiber pollution has become a significant environmental concern globally, particularly affecting coastal communities that rely on marine resources for their livelihoods. A longitudinal cohort study design will be employed, with participants recruited from a defined geographic area. Exposure to microfibers will be quantified using biomonitoring techniques, while health outcomes will be evaluated through standardised questionnaires and clinical assessments. Initial exposure assessments indicate that fishermen exhibit elevated levels of microfiber particles in their skin samples (mean concentration: 230 ng/cm²). The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with microfiber pollution among coastal communities, contributing to public health policy and environmental management strategies. Policy recommendations will focus on reducing microfiber emissions from industries and enhancing protective measures for fishermen in affected areas. Microfiber Pollution, Coastal Fishermen, Health Impacts, Mozambique, Longitudinal Study Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.