Climate Variability and Microbial Amplification in Urban Stormwater Systems in Nigeria: Implications for Adaptive Treatment Strategies

Abstract

This study examines how climate variability influences microbial contamination in Nigerian urban stormwater systems and assesses the resilience of existing treatment approaches under hydrological stress. Using a structured thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed literature, studies were coded around two objectives: climate-driven microbial amplification mechanisms and treatment performance under high-flow conditions. Quantitative indicators such as log reductions and removal efficiencies were descriptively summarized, while global findings were contextually interpreted in relation to Nigerian rainfall trends, infrastructure conditions, and seasonal disease patterns. The findings indicate that extreme rainfall significantly increases microbial loading through runoff mobilization, sediment resuspension, and mixing with domestic wastewater, effects intensified by inadequate drainage and sanitation systems. Conventional treatment systems are particularly vulnerable to hydraulic overloading during high-intensity storms, leading to reduced microbial removal efficiency. In contrast, adaptive and hybrid treatment configurations show greater resilience under variable flow conditions. The study concludes that climate variability is a key driver of stormwater-related microbial risk in Nigeria and emphasizes the need for climate-informed planning, stronger monitoring systems, and resilient treatment strategies to protect urban water quality.