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Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
Ground water in Nigerian urban centres: problems and options
1Division of Environmental Health College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Schriftenreihe Des Vereins Fur Wasser-, Boden- Und Lufthygiene
|June 8, 2000
Summary
Groundwater quality in major Nigerian cities is poor, with high levels of nitrate, lead, and coliforms exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Contamination sources include waste disposal, industrial pollution, and inadequate environmental policies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Public Health
Background:
- Groundwater is a critical water source in many Nigerian urban centers.
- Assessing groundwater quality is essential for public health and environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality of groundwater in major Nigerian cities.
- To compare water quality parameters against World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive groundwater study was conducted across selected cities in southern, eastern, and northern Nigeria.
- Water quality parameters including nitrate, lead, coliform index, iron, pH, and salinity were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Groundwater quality in studied cities significantly falls below WHO recommended levels for several parameters.
- Elevated levels of nitrate, lead, and coliforms were observed, exceeding WHO limits.
- Iron levels were high with low pH values, and salinity intrusion was noted in coastal areas of Lagos.
- Water quality was notably poorer in high-density, low-income areas.
Conclusions:
- Poor groundwater quality in Nigerian urban areas is linked to sullage intrusion, improper waste disposal, industrial activities, and hazardous waste dumping.
- Factors such as lead from gasoline, traffic, leachate seepage, weak governmental policies, and community attitudes contribute to contamination.
- Urgent interventions are needed to address groundwater pollution and protect public health.
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