Utilizing Aquifer Recharge to Combat Water Shortage in Nigeria:…

Adele-Bolaji discusses the crucial role of aquifer recharge in addressing water shortages in Nigeria. She highlights challenges due to climate change, inadequate public awareness, and a shortage of environmental experts. Her research emphasizes sustainable water management through innovative practices such as Managed Aquifer Recharge and Aquifer Storage Recovery, underscoring the necessity of effective environmental policies and community education.

Bolatito Adele-Bolaji, an expert in environmental science with educational qualifications from renowned institutions, emphasizes the potential of intentional aquifer recharge (MAR) and aquifer storage recovery (ASR) to alleviate water shortages in Nigeria. Her current research investigates how flooding can be utilized for aquifer recharge and promotes responsible water management practices. In a recent interview, she highlighted pressing environmental challenges in Nigeria and provided insights into her findings and their implications for sustainable water usage.

Adele-Bolaji identified climate change as the primary challenge facing government agencies focused on environmental protection in Nigeria. The increasing prevalence of extreme weather events, particularly flooding, complicates environmental management. Additionally, inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations leads to further ecological degradation due to practices such as illegal waste disposal and inefficient waste management, contributing to a negative carbon footprint affecting public health and environmental stability.

In assessing public awareness of environmental issues, Adele-Bolaji noted an overall gradual improvement, although stark contrasts remain between rural and urban populations. Rural areas often experience low awareness levels due to restricted access to educational resources, limiting community understanding of sustainable practices. Urbanization exacerbates environmental challenges, necessitating improved public education on ecological responsibilities and the dire implications of environmental degradation.

Her research focuses on the finite nature of freshwater resources, highlighting that only 2.5 percent of the Earth’s water is suitable for human consumption, while the remainder is saltwater. Increasing demands from population growth have led to groundwater depletion and contamination. Thus, her dissertation examines sustainable groundwater management practices, emphasizing Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) as strategies to mitigate overexploitation of water resources.

In Nigeria, where flooding is a significant issue, implementing rain gardens and permeable surfaces is crucial for MAR. Rain gardens capture and filter stormwater uniquely, allowing for aquifer replenishment. These strategies serve not just to manage water shortages but also to enhance sustainable water resource management.

Adele-Bolaji argues that her findings can help mitigate Nigeria’s water management issues by addressing the challenges posed by recurrent flooding and promoting sustainable practices. Increasing awareness and implementing effective recharge strategies can significantly improve water supply resilience and conservation efforts.

Nigeria faces a dearth of environmental experts, with many qualified professionals emigrating due to better opportunities abroad—a phenomenon that exacerbates the existing challenges in the environmental sector. Although committed individuals remain, the overall expertise pool is insufficient for addressing Nigeria’s escalating environmental issues.

The exodus of environmental professionals weakens institutional capacities and slows progress in managing environmental projects, prolonging degradation and delaying necessary interventions. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive strategy that includes enhanced working conditions, better educational pathways, and supportive governmental policies to retain local expertise.

Adele-Bolaji commented on the awareness among Nigerian leaders regarding global environmental issues, acknowledging the ongoing effort to translate global solutions to local contexts. However, the implementation often falters due to weak enforcement and limited political resolve. Conferences featuring experts provide crucial guidance, but the disconnect between advice and practical action poses a challenge to effective environmental management.

The topic of water privatization remains contentious, poised between potential efficiencies and challenges of access and affordability. While privatization could lead to improved service delivery, it also risks raising costs for vulnerable populations. Ensuring that regulatory frameworks protect marginalized communities is critical to balancing efficiency with equitable access to water.

Bolatito Adele-Bolaji’s research highlights the critical role of Managed Aquifer Recharge and Aquifer Storage Recovery in addressing Nigeria’s water shortage. Her insights into the challenges of climate change, public awareness, and the shortage of environmental experts are essential for understanding the broader implications of sustainable water management practices. Furthermore, effective strategies must be established to retain local expertise and create a supportive environment for implementing environmentally sound practices in Nigeria.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com