Hydrological Modeling of Aquifers and Their Ground Water Potentials: Implications for Water Resources Planning and Management in Parts of Obio/Akpor L.G.A, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined the hydrological modeling of aquifers and their ground water potentials for the purposes of water resources planning and management. This was done using the electrical resistivity method employing the schlumberger electrode configuration at randomly selected stations to obtain the thicknesses and resistivities of each layer and depth to the presumably conglomeratic sand stone and its resistivity. Findings showed that the top soil layer resistivity values vary from 59.3 to 248.4 ohm-m and thickness of 0.6 to 3.9 m. The second layer has resistivity values ranging from 45.0 to 743.5 ohm-m and a thickness range of 1.5 to 13.8 m. The wet sand is characterized by resistivity values ranging from 144.8 to 1930.2 ohm-m and a thickness range of 3.8 to 65.8 m. The conglomeratic sand/sand stone has resistivity values ranging from 55.8 to 7719.8 ohm-m. The depth to this bottom layer varies from 6.6 to 89.5 m. Findings indicate that the entire profile is a sedimentary formation represented by lithological units of sand and clayey sand which make for a good groundwater potentials. However, the groundwater potential zones of the study area in terms of transmisivity revealed four distinct classes representing “very good” (Mgbuosimini, Rumuigbo, Okporo, Rumuomasi and Rumuodara), “good” (Alakahia, Rumuodomaya, Oginigba and Rumuola), “moderate” (Aluu, Rumuekeni, Rumuokoro, Rumuobiakani and Rumueme), and “low” (Ogbogoro, Ozuoba, Akpajio, Elelenwo, Eliozu, Rumuepirikon, Rumuokwuta, Rumuebekwe and Rumurolu) groundwater potential in the area. Well logging should therefore be incorporated in borehole development process for safe and sustainable yield of groundwater in Obio/Akpor.

Carbon Monoxide Concentration Monitoring in Akure—A Comparison between Urban and Rural Environment

Air pollution has been identified to be one major problem associated with urbanisation, particularly in developing countries. In this regard, this paper utilizes data from a year-long experiment of simultaneous measurements to examine and compare the variations of carbon monoxide concentrations, a major air pollutant at urban and rural site in Akure, a medium-sized tropical city in south western Nigeria. The comparison was done to assess the urban influence on the air pollutant. CO concentrations at the urban centre have been identified to exhibit distinct diurnal and day-of-week variations with respect to traffic rush hours. It is also observed that the concentrations at the urban centre were 2 - 3 times higher than that of the rural site which exhibited a consistent cyclic diurnal pattern throughout the week. Results further identified the major cause of CO concentration in the urban centre to be vehicular as consistent increase of the air pollutant from 08:00 to 16:00 during the weekdays is found to be associated with “school runs and rush hours” and also rises through the midnight hours on days linked with social events, particularly Saturdays. In relation to human health and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, results showed that CO concentrations at the urban centre exceeded the WHO 8-hour average recommendation during daytime throughout the weekdays.