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An improved understanding of the environmental impact of open drains in a Nigerian city

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Summary

An investigation has been made of the environmental impact and degree of pollution resulting from open drains in Ibadan city, Nigeria. The parameters measured included: (a) pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, and calcium, magnesium and chloride content of the water, and (b) depth, width, velocity, discharge and waste water generation; in drains located in three areas categorised according to population density. The results illustrate important differences in the wastewater properties of drains in low-medium and high population density (traditional core) areas of the city. While previous attention has been largely focused on the degree of pollution from open drains as characterised by parameters listed under (a), and on environmental hazards such as erosion, flooding and public nuisance, this study went further. It uses the parameters listed under (b) to recommend appropriate technology designs and some management techniques to arrest the problem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    A. Y. Sangodoyin

Authors
  1. A. Y. Sangodoyin
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Additional information

Dr A.Y. Sangodoyin is a member of staff of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ibadan. He is qualified as a civil engineer.

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Sangodoyin, A.Y. An improved understanding of the environmental impact of open drains in a Nigerian city. Environmentalist 11, 185–193 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01263232

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01263232

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