Abstract

Modeling the transport of suspended particulate matter by the Kwa Ibo River, Umudike, south-eastern Nigeria is the focus of this paper. The model solves the 3D hydrodynamic equations and the suspended matter equations including advection/diffusion of particles, settling and deposition. It is aimed at assessing the extent of the interaction between the Kwa Ibo River and the viable groundwater wells located within the premises of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). In addition, it ascertains the degree of pollutant and contaminant migration from the river to the wells in question. The geology of the area comprises the “quaternary” to recent Benin Formation. Potential aquifer zones delineated earlier using the geo-electric resistivity surveys and well inventory in the area forms the basis for transport modeling. The watershed is modeled with a grid of (50 rows by 40 columns) and with two layers. Lateral in-flow from the north is simulated with constant heads at Government College, Umuahia and outflow at Umuariga in the south.

Key words: Modeling, suspended matter, dispersion, permeability, groundwater, Kwa Ibo River.