ISSN 1058-3912
Electronic journal of the International Association
for Environmental Hydrology
On the World Wide Web at http://www.hydroweb.com
JEH Volume 6 (1998), Paper 9, October 1998
Posted
October 26, 1998
THE IMPACT OF URBANIZATION AND PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES, OWERRI,
NIGERIA
K.M. Ibe and G.N. Njemanze
Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Short-term surface water and groundwater pollution surveys of the Owerri
urban area and environs were conducted to establish current levels of pollution.
An attempt has been made to show the relationships between pollution levels,
population density, and industrial and agricultural activities. The spatial
distribution of pollutants due to a poor land use system and human activities
were investigated, thus emphasizing integrated planned development as a
preventive measure for arresting pollution levels in fast growing urban
centers. The total groundwater stored in the area amounts to 7.87 x 10
9 m 3 . Twenty five percent of this is released as
base flow into the adjacent rivers (Otamiri and Nworie). The annual groundwater
recharge is 3.4 x 10 9 m 3 . The enormous volume
of groundwater stored and the comparatively low cost of development makes
groundwater a better alternative supply source to the area.
Reference: Ibe, K.M. and G.N. Njemanze, The Impact of Urbanization
and Protection of Water Resources, Owerri, Nigeria, Journal of Environmental
Hydrology, Vol. 6, Paper 9, October 1998.
K.M. Ibe
Department of Geology
Federal University of Technology
Owerri, Nigeria