Fluid boundaries: A cross-country exploration of groundwater quality amid threats from climate change

Abstract

Even though access to improved water supply sources in the world is known to have risen, this is not the case in least-developed countries (LDCs), where water demand exceeds the availability of resources in several places culminating in water stress or water scarcity. As if that's not enough developmental issues, the onset of the effect of climate change is pushing these countries into severe water and socio-economic crises. Climate change has not only affected the availability of water resources but the quality also. The groundwater quality status of some LDCs have been reviewed to ascertain the level of vulnerability of the groundwater resources in the wake of climate change. Parameters such as pH, TDS, nitrate and biological contaminants were used as indicators of pollution of the groundwater resources. Most of the groundwater resources have deteriorated due to both anthropogenic and geogenic factors and the suggested effects of climate change will exacerbate the situation. The study revealed significant contamination of groundwater in various regions, with high levels of nitrate, nitrite, and biological contaminants such as coliform bacteria, posing serious public health risks and underscoring the need for improved water management practices. The paper further proposes frameworks and policies that can be put in place to safeguard the integrity of the groundwater resources for socio-economic empowerment and improvement in the livelihoods of the people.

Keywords

• Groundwater resource management
• Climate change
• Toxicity
• Pollution
• Adaptation measures