Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Groundwater Dynamics in Selected Local Government Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 131 - 142, 31.08.2024

Benard Ifeanyi Odoh Charity Nkiru Nwokeabia

Abstract

This research investigates the shifts in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns from 2017 to 2023 and their impact on groundwater resources. The objective is to evaluate how these changes affect groundwater recharge, quality, and availability. Utilizing LULC data sourced from Sentinel-2 imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), the study employs supervised classification methods to categorize LULC classes. Terrain slope analysis offers insights into water flow dynamics and soil stability. The findings reveal substantial alterations in LULC types during the study period, predominantly driven by urban expansion and agricultural intensification. Notable changes include declines in tree cover and flooded vegetation, alongside expansions in built-up and agricultural areas. These shifts have significant implications for groundwater recharge, impacting both its availability and quality. Urbanization and agricultural growth emerge as key drivers of change, leading to diminished natural recharge zones, heightened surface runoff, and increased contamination risks. Moreover, the influence of terrain slope adds complexity to groundwater dynamics, affecting water movement and soil integrity. The study emphasizes the critical importance of adopting sustainable land management practices and strategic urban planning to safeguard groundwater resources. It underscores the intricate relationship between land use alterations, terrain characteristics and groundwater dynamics, highlighting the necessity for targeted management approaches to enhance groundwater recharge and preserve its quality amidst evolving environmental challenges.

Keywords

Change Detection Analysis, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Sentinel-2 Imagery, Terrain Slope, Urbanization Impacts

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