Climate Change Variability and Impacts on Aquifers Performance and Groundwater Production at Akerebiata Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Akerebiata area is located around Latitude N 8° 30' 50.87988", longitude E 4° 33' 10.5598" and Latitude N 8° 31' 2.112", Longitude E 4° 33' 9.417". The study aim to investigate groundwater production in extreme weather conditions.

Methodology: Pumping test and weather variability measurements were carried out between extreme weather conditions to get precise aquifer performance. Dipper, stopwatch, graduated plastic container, riser pipe, 1 h.p submersible pump, 5.5 KVA generator and field notebook were used to collect the field data. Suitable measuring datum of 0.5 m was taken from the ground level. MetPRO weather variability instrument was partly used to collect seasonal data as it’s a highly portable, accurate, durable, rugged and designed for wide varieties of environmental study.

Findings/Results: Results obtained showed from 2001-2010 weather pattern, a total of highest 392°C maximum air temperature was recorded against the lowest recorded air temperature of 368°C and continued till 2012 that recorded a total of 395°C. Recorded values from this 2013 to 2020 ranges from 405°C to 412°C except for 2015 that recorded 399°C. The rainfall precipitation varied between highest 1860.4mm in 2010 to 1352 mm in 2006. Sunshine varied from around 10 hours around January to 5.5 hours in August. During dry season, measured SWL ranges from 7.8-9.9 meters, TPT ranges from 27991-49922 secs, TRT ranges from 16834-19848 secs, TDD gave 32.8-45.4meters and yield was measured to be 0.53-0.79liter/sec. Moreover, during the wet season, SWL ranges from 1.2-3.9meters, TPT ranges from 51907-69222 secs, TRT ranges from 17603-29807 secs, TDD gave 41.4-52.2meters and yield was measured to be 0.86-1.22Liter/sec.

Conclusion: As climate change continues to affect precipitation patterns in the Akerebiata area, causing increasing pressure on the existing surface water sources, groundwater offers the buffering capacity to protect humanity and provide a reliable potable water supply to inhabitants.