Relationship between Urban Growth and Water Pollution: Experience of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urban and population growth in the Kano metropolis is causing a total distortion of the natural environment and affecting the environmental quality for human habitation. This study evaluates the extent of water pollution to urban growth environmental impacts in the Kano metropolis. Water pollution samples were taken from existing historic ponds in the metropolis. Two ponds were selected: Haura Wanki with coordinates 11.98319500 and 08.50883333 located along Bayero University Road and Shema Pods with coordinates 12.00631333 and 08.50623333 located in Dala local government along Wudil Road. Selection is based on their location. The sample water was analyzed in the laboratory for physicochemical elements. COD, color, t-hardness, salinity, suspended solid, nitrate, nitrite, iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel were considered in the study. Water quality results reveal suspended solid contents and the salinity level of the Shema Ponds as (248 mg/l and 25 mg/l) and Hauran Wanka Pond with (61 mg/l and 20 mg/l) but Color and t-hardness Hauran Wanka Ponds indicate (501 ml/g and 0.16 mg/l) and Shema Pond with (290 mg/l and 0 mg/l). The water pollution demonstrates that both Ponds are highly polluted because of residents’ solid waste dumping in them, sewer discharge in them, and other pollutants discharged in them. This calls for proactive and effective urban management water pollution guidelines to be developed for the metropolis, which could also be used in Africa and developing nations globally. Keywords: urban growth, water pollution, Kano metropolis, ponds. https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.50.8.6