A Nigerian geologist is making waves in the United States with groundbreaking research aimed at protecting freshwater resources in vulnerable coastal communities.
Olaoluwa Emmanuel Oluwaniyi, who bagged both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Geology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, in 2014 and 2018, is now leading innovative efforts to combat seawater intrusion in southern Alabama.
Seawater intrusion—when saltwater infiltrates underground freshwater reserves—has become a growing threat due to over-extraction of groundwater and rising sea levels. With population in the area surging by over 250% since 1990, the increased pressure on groundwater has heightened the risk of saltwater contamination.
“This issue is not just technical,” said Oluwaniyi. “It affects families, farmers, ecosystems, and local economies. Saltwater in freshwater aquifers can make water unfit for drinking and irrigation, damage infrastructure, and increase economic strain.”
In response, Oluwaniyi developed a sophisticated transient numerical model using SEAWAT, a powerful tool for simulating the interactions between saltwater and freshwater in coastal aquifers. His work doesn’t stop at identifying risks; it aims to provide practical, forward-thinking solutions for groundwater management.
Using scenario-based simulations, Oluwaniyi explores various water extraction strategies to determine how different pumping patterns affect saltwater intrusion. His goal: to help communities strike a balance between meeting water demands and preserving aquifer integrity.
“By optimising pumping rates, adjusting well locations, and incorporating climate projections and land-use changes, my research offers adaptive strategies that policymakers and water managers can use,” he said.
Oluwaniyi’s commitment is rooted in a desire to ensure that science drives real-world impact.
“I want to help communities like those in coastal areas protect their freshwater, build climate resilience, and secure sustainable water access for generations.”
His work stands as a testament to how homegrown talent from Nigeria is contributing to solving global environmental challenges—one aquifer at a time.