Abstract
Shallow groundwater vulnerability mapping of the southwestern Nigeria sedimentary basin was assessed in this study with the aim of developing a regional-based vulnerability map for the area based on assessing the intrinsic ability of the aquifer overlying beds to filter and degrade migrating pollutant. The mapping includes using the established seven parameter-based DRASTIC vulnerability methodology. Furthermore, the developed vulnerability map was subjected to sensitivity analysis as a validation approach. This approach includes single-parameter sensitivity, map removal sensitivity, and DRASTIC parameter correlation analysis. Of the Dahomey Basin, 21% was classified as high-vulnerability and at risk of pollution, 61% as moderate vulnerability, and 18% as low vulnerability. Low vulnerability areas of the basin are characterised by thick vadose zones, low precipitation, compacted soils, high slopes, and high depth to groundwater. High-vulnerability areas which are prone to pollution are regions closer to the coast with flat slopes and frequent precipitation. Sensitivity of the vulnerability map show the greatest impact with the removal of topography, soil media, and depth to groundwater and least impact with the removal of the vadose zone. Due to the subjectivity of the DRASTIC method, the most important single parameter affecting the rating system of the Dahomey Basin DRASTIC map is the impact of the vadose zone, followed by the net recharge and hydraulic conductivity. The DRASTIC vulnerability map can be useful in planning and siting activities that generate pollutants (e.g., landfill, soak away, automobile workshops, and petrochemical industries) which pollute the environment, groundwater, and eventually impact the environmental health of the Dahomey Basin’s inhabitants.
Highlights
The reliance on groundwater by many third world countries is due to many reasons, including its low susceptibility to surface pollution compared to surface water
Sensitivity of the vulnerability map show the greatest impact with the removal of topography, soil media, and depth to groundwater and least impact with the removal of the vadose zone
Due to the subjectivity of the DRASTIC method, the most important single parameter affecting the rating system of the Dahomey Basin DRASTIC map is the impact of the vadose zone, followed by the net recharge and hydraulic conductivity
Summary
The reliance on groundwater by many third world countries is due to many reasons, including its low susceptibility to surface pollution compared to surface water (rivers, lakes, and springs). This paper has been aimed at developing a regional-based vulnerability map of the Dahomey Basin of Nigeria’s shallow aquifers, using the DRASTIC-based parameters which will serve as a background for pollution migration prediction and associated health risks that might have an eventual impact. The main purpose of assessing the intrinsic vulnerability of the shallow aquifer is to predict the risk associated with such an aquifer [26] and the capacity of the overlying beds serving as a filter of contaminants released from the surface. Examples of these contaminants are nitrate from pit latrines, heavy metals from non-engineered landfills, trace metals from automobile workshops, and microbial loadings. USA [30], and assessment of groundwater in the Melaka State of Malaysia [31]
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