Hydrology–Water Quality Interactions in a Data-Scarce Tropical River Basin: An Integrated Assessment of Seasonal Dynamics and Water Quality Drivers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v5i2.7933Keywords:
Cross-Correlation Analysis, Flow Duration Curve (FDC), Hydrology–Water Quality Interactions, Nigeria, Runoff Processes, Tropical River BasinAbstract
This study presents an integrated assessment of hydrological dynamics and water quality in the Ogbese River Basin, southwestern Nigeria, with the aim of elucidating the processes controlling water quality variability in a data-scarce tropical environment. A three-year dataset (2021–2023) comprising hydrological variables (rainfall and discharge) and water quality parameters (physicochemical, heavy metals, and microbial indicators) was analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, non-parametric trend analysis, flow duration curves (FDC), cross-correlation functions (CCF), and principal component analysis (PCA). Results revealed strong seasonal variability, with wet-season conditions characterized by increased discharge, turbidity, and Escherichia coli concentrations, while dry-season conditions showed elevated electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. Trend analysis indicated increasing tendencies in rainfall, discharge, turbidity, and microbial contamination, although only rainfall exhibited statistically significant change (p < 0.05). FDC analysis demonstrated high hydrological variability and relatively limited low-flow persistence, while cross-correlation results showed a rapid water-quality response to rainfall with minimal lag. Exploratory PCA identified three dominant controlling factors: geogenic mineralisation, organic pollution, and runoff-driven metal mobilisation influenced by anthropogenic activities. This study presents a process-based framework by integrating hydrological and water quality analyses using multiple complementary techniques within a short-term dataset, demonstrating the potential of such approaches as early diagnostic tools in data-limited basins. The findings highlight the critical role of rainfall-driven processes in controlling contaminant transport and underscore the need for integrated watershed management strategies to ensure sustainable water resource use.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abiodun B Laniyan, Funmilayo M. Alayaki, Oladapo S. Abiola, Adebola A Adekunle, Oluwaseun T. Olurin, Akintayo O. Ojo
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