TITLE:
An Assessment of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Regions of Lagos, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Obunadike Callistus, Akerele D. Daniel, Abiodun O. Pelumi, Olisah Somtobe, Oloyede Kunle, Obunadike S. Echezona, Obunadike J. Chinenye
KEYWORDS:
Hydro-Chemical Data Analysis, Saline Incursion, Aquifer Sustainability and Management, Coastal Regions, Ground Water Intrusion
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
25,
2024
ABSTRACT: This paper explains various factors that contribute
to saltwater intrusion, including overexploitation of freshwater resources and
climate change as well as the different techniques essential for effective
saltwater intrusion management. The impact of saltwater intrusion along coastal
regions and its impact on the environment, hydrogeology and groundwater
contamination. It suggests potential solutions to mitigate the impact of
saltwater intrusion, including effective water management and techniques for
managing SWI. The application of A.I (assessment index) serves as a guideline
to correctly identify wells with SWI ranging from no intrusion, slight
intrusion and strong intrusion. The challenges of saltwater intrusion in Lagos
and the salinization of wells were investigated using the hydro-chemical
parameters. The study identifies four wells (“AA”, “CMS”, “OBA” and “VIL”) as having high electric
conductivities, indicating saline water intrusion, while other wells (“EBM”, “IKJ, and “IKO”)
with lower electric conductivities, indicate little or no salt-water intrusion,
and “AJ” well shows slight intrusion. The elevation of the wells
also played a vital role in the SWI across coastal regions of Lagos. The study
recommends continuous monitoring of coastal wells to help sustain and reduce
saline intrusion. The findings of the study are important for policymakers,
researchers, and practitioners who are interested in addressing the challenges
of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions. We assessed the SWI across the
eight (8) wells using the Assessment Index to identify wells with SWI. Wells in
“CMS” and “VIL” has strong intrusions. A proposed classification
system based on specific ion ratios categorizes water quality from good (+) to
highly (-) contaminated (refer to Table 4). These findings underscore the need for attention and effective
management strategies to address groundwater unsuitability for various
purposes.