Environmental Education as a Viable Tool in Preventing Groundwater Pollution in Nigeria

Abstract

"Environmental Education as a Viable Tool in Preventing Groundwater Pollution in Nigeria. The study focused on the use of environmental education, particularly at elementary level, to prevent groundwater degradation in Nigeria. This is especially germane because of the relative advantage of groundwater over other sources of water because of its near universal availability, dependability and low capital cost; groundwater remains the preferred source of water in most parts of the country. The development and management of the resource remains central to the success of rural and urban development programmes. Issues discussed in the research include importance of groundwater in meeting supply challenges imposed by ineffective and inefficient public water supply in Nigeria, groundwater resources and use in the country, sources of groundwater pollution, the need for environmental education and developments and techniques in environmental education. The research concluded by suggesting the need for environmental education, particularly at elementary level in addressing problems of environmental degradation and groundwater pollution in particular. This is considered appropriate because, once a good environmental attitude is developed in children, it will be very difficult for them to change their behavior negatively toward matters concerning the environment. Keywords: groundwater, pollution, aquifer, environment, education."