Abstract
This paper examines the interactions and feedbacks between environmental and human variables within the Owo River catchment by analyzing land use change, morphometric dynamics, rainfall stationarity and water quality using statistical approach. The results show that built-up land use grew from 142.92 km2 (12.20%) in 1984 to 367.22 km2 (31.36%) in 2013 at an average growth rate of 7.73 km2 per annum. Total streams length reduced from 622.24 km in 1964 to 556 km in 2010 while stream density reduced from 0.53 in 1964 to 0.47 in 2010. The Mann-Kendall trend test (p-value = 0.022) indicates rainfall non-stationarity. The river has a low level of pollutant loading while annual water abstraction balances water supply. The human environment interaction has not at present critically affected water supply (quality and quantity) but continuous loss of vegetation poses greater challenges.
Highlights
Sustainable economic development and growth in the water sector of developing countries are threatened by environmental challenges such as flood events, water scarcity and urbanization
This paper examines the interactions and feedbacks between environmental and human variables within the Owo River catchment by analyzing land use change, morphometric dynamics, rainfall stationarity and water quality using statistical approach
The results show that built-up land use grew from 142.92 km2 (12.20%) in 1984 to 367.22 km2 (31.36%) in 2013 at an average growth rate of 7.73 km2 per annum
Summary
Sustainable economic development and growth in the water sector of developing countries are threatened by environmental challenges such as flood events, water scarcity and urbanization. The lack of appropriate reform policies has posed greater stress on water resources management [1]. These challenges are directional trajectory of processes and activities that causes stress. It is driven by the relationship and interactions between human and natural processes [2] of watersheds. Document for Development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. [30] Global Environment Monitoring System (2008) Water Quality for Ecosystem and Human Health. In. Chapman, D., Ed., A Guideline to Use of Biota, Sediments and Water in Environmental Monitoring, E and FN Spon, Cambridge, 59-126.
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