1.1 Introduction
The need for water to human survival is something that cannot be over emphasized (Nnadi et al. 2015). The continuity of life on earth is highly dependent upon the water availability (Nnadi et al. 2015). However, over the years, the availability of water and its usefulness has been taken for granted by human beings. Reports have stated that natural rainfall attenuation and infiltration processes as well as altered natural rainfall run-off relationship has been affected by urbanization emanating to the flooding and pollution of water ways (Nnadi et al. 2015). The invention of water channel as a means of urban runoff and wastewater to flow to streams, rivers and oceans has resulted to the degradation of aquatic ecosystem (Hydrosphere), changing the natural pattern of flow of water systems thereby increasing the magnitude of flooding as water overflow their banks (Simpson 2014; Nnadi et al. 2015).
Rainfall is a major source of water which replenishes up to about 90 percent of the world’s supply of surface water (Pan, Lu and Geo 2014; Nnadi et al 2015). It has been reported that several countries vary from the other in terms of seasonal variation, with most places in the world today most especially the Sub Saharan Africa having faced with the challenge of acute water scarcity and drought and this is as a result of change in climate. However, in United Kingdom and other parts of the world today, there is still wastage of water (Ponson, Arkouch and Laville 2014). High quality water has been known to be used for multiple purposes such as watering of gardens, Flushing of toilets, agricultural and horticultural purposes, car washing and this contributes to the reduction in the availability of water from main water sources (Ponson, Arkouch and Laville 2014; Nnadi et al. 2015) Meanwhile in addition to this, Researchers has further emphasized on the need for water globally due to the recent developments of industrial activities, and increase in world population today stating that farmers require more water for irrigation in order to strengthen agricultural output to satisfy human satisfaction (Nnadi et al. 2015; Vaes and Berlamount, 1999). The authors also continued to state that the pattern of rainfall has changed drastically in most countries due to anthropogenic activities such as the emission of Methane (CH4), Vox and other chemical toxigenic substances into the atmosphere which result to global warming, thereby increasing the quest for more water for farmers, industries, and human consumption (Nnadi et al. 2015; Vaes and Berlamount, 1999; Popa et al. 2014).
Another need for major concern arises from the pollutants that are being eroded as a result of urban runoff which is a major cause of urban flooding (Bond 1999). Water runoff from impervious surfaces has the tendency of picking up heavy metals, trash, motor oil and other pollutants from road pathways and parking lots, and fertilizers and pesticides from lawn. Reports have shown that roads and parking lots are key sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated from the combustion of gasoline by-products and other fossil fuels as well as the heavy metals nickel, lead, and zinc etc (Dash 2015). Other pollutants may also include roof runoff which contributes to a high level of synthetic organic compounds and Zinc. Improperly applied/ over applied fertilizer used on lawn, parks, and golf courses have also been known as a measurable source of nitrates and phosphorous in urban runoff (Dash 2015). Erosion of poorly constructed sites can also lead to increased sedimentation in runoff (Dash 2015; Nnadi et al. 2015). Excess discharge of sedimentation may also affect the water quality directly by settling at the bottom of the water bodies.
United States National Research Council (2008) therefore reported that urban runoff has resulted to so many water quality problems (Simpson 2014). The runoff has been said to have the potential of increasing temperatures in streams thereby affecting aquatic life. “The reports further illustrated that a sudden burst of runoff from a rainstorm can cause a fish-killing shock of hot water”. In addition to the report, road salt used to melt stone was also stated to contaminate streams and ground water aquifer (Simpson 2014). Pollutants from urban runoff such as eroded microbes (Viruses, bacteria, and fungi), pesticides, heavy metals from motor vehicles and other sources were also reported to have the potential of destroying wild life populations and fish, vegetation, and may as well contaminate drinking water from streams (Liu and Egodawatta 2015). There were also cases where recreational areas (Beaches) were affected by urban runoff making it unsafe and unpleasant for human comfort (Liu and Egodawatta 2015).
This then bring us to the need for sustainable water resource management strategy which involves the application of water harvesting for reuse. Researchers have further buttressed on the importance of harnessing storm water, recommending that this approach might help to increase the availability of water resources and on other hand reduce the rate in water pollution which is a potential component for sustainability of water management strategy. To expatiate on this, Nigeria is a good example because this country has an uneven and seasonal distribution of rainfall. In this country, the length of rainy season tends to decrease from south to north. Rainfall is heavier in the south most especially in south east with an estimation of about 3,000mm and 1800mm a year in south east and south west respectively while in the northern part of the country, the reverse is the case with annual precipitation not more than 500mm (Nnadi et al. 2015; Encyclopedia 2007; Olaniran 1991). In other word such seasonal variations in northern part of the country therefore call for the need for harvesting and storing rainwater for reuse. Reports have illustrated that there could be infrastructures required for sustainability of water resource management strategy which might serve for dual purposes such as the storage of water under parking lot (Simpson 2014). They also continued to state that the strategy would be advantageous as it will go a long way to meeting the objectives of Sustainability Urban Drainage System (SUDS, managing runoff at very little extra costs (Nnadi et al. 2015; Newman et al. 2004).
Pratt, Newman and Bond (1999) in the year 1999 proposed that porous pavement have the potential to store water for reuse. Alongside his proposal, there have been a couple of practical examples that have been built in recent years. Most car parks, in hotels, shopping plazas, and residential compound in some countries today are accompanied by landscaped areas (Bond 1999). It could be known that landscape around such hard paved areas helps beautify the environment. Trip Atlas (2009) therefore emphasized on the need for more architectural designs to accommodate nature in the spaces and this must be implemented by man.
In issues relating to sustainable urban drainage system, landscape part of city square or car park can be used as part of storm water route for disposal. The City of Portland Oregon, USA is a practical example where this is being implemented. There was a time when this particular city had a major challenge in trying to improve on their designs for 51 acre development of Auto Warehousing Corporation (AWC) auto storage facility at the port of Portland (Terminal 6). During the project so many options were considered by the design team to minimise the massive volume of storm water that may be generated from surfacing the site. In the summer of 2006, they had an alternative by constructing porous pavement systems with the use of vegetated swales which contributed 100% infiltration of water onsite. In addition to this is a practical example by the authors (TES, 2007; Nnadi et al. 2015) which involve the use of specialized engineering soil to enable planting of trees in relation with pervious pavements. The author further stated that some exciting developments are being established by Permavoid in Netherland where these specialized designed tree planting chambers are being utilized.
In the area of French (filter) drains, French drain consist of trenches which are filled with pea gravel sloped to convey water from one particular area to another. For a more efficient drainage system, perforated drained pipe surrounded by larger gravel may be utilized in lieu of pea gravel alone. French drains are usually installed in open areas like car parks, buildings, city squares easily contaminated by eroded waste water. Nnadi et al. (2015) therefore stated that there is every likelihood for the occurrence of potential pathogenic microbes such as Escherichia.Coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Pseudomas spp to be found in waste water stored underneath which could be channelled to rivers, streams, or dry wells, and may cause harm to man.
This research offers an assessment of the microbial quality of water as well as its biodegradation within the environment with regard to understanding the biodegradation processes for enhanced exploitation in bioremediation challenges of urban runoff in filter (French) drain.
1.2 Research Questions
Outlined below are key questions that will be answered by this research:
• What are the characteristics of microbes and fungal present in effluents from filtered (French) drains?
• What is the total hydrocarbon content in effluents from filter (French) drains?
• What is the elemental analysis of effluents from filter (French) drains?
1.3 Aims and Objectives
The aim of this research is to provide an underlining assessment of the menace of oil pollution as well as its biodegradation within the environment with regard to understanding the biodegradation processes for enhanced exploitation in bioremediation challenges of urban runoff in filter (French) drains.
• To examine the characteristics of microbes and fungal present in effluents from filtered (French) drains.
• To determine the total hydrocarbon content in effluents from filter (French) drains.
• To determine the elemental analysis of effluents from filter (French) drains
References
Tes (2007) Tree Box Hp. Bolstoen, Amsterdam: Drain Products, Bolstoen, Amsterdam. Available from < www.nationalebomenbank.nl and www.treebox.nl> {15 May 2015}
Last Completed Projects
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