The impact of different land use types on groundwater quality in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. As observed in recent studies, including Ayeni et al (2024), the quality of groundwater is significantly influenced by various land use practices, including residential, industrial, and agricultural activities. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies to mitigate contamination risks and ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources in the region.
In residential areas, poor sanitation infrastructure and improper waste disposal practices contribute to elevated levels of contaminants such as chloride in groundwater. A significant percentage of water samples from residential areas did not meet drinking water standards, highlighting the urgent need for improved sanitation facilities and waste management practices. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders to implement regulations and infrastructure improvements aimed at safeguarding groundwater quality. Similarly, industrial and agricultural activities also play significant role in influencing groundwater quality.
While industrial zones exhibited relatively better groundwater quality due to effective waste management practices, agricultural areas showed variations in nutrient concentrations attributed to fertilizer application. These underscore the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices and implementing pollution control measures in industrial zones to prevent groundwater contamination. Overall, proactive measures are needed to address the diverse challenges posed by different land use types and ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources in Ibadan and other urban areas across Nigeria.
