PROF. ALEXANDER IHEANYICHUKWU OPARA

Professor

BSc., MSc., PhD
Email: alexander.opara@futo.edu.ng

Biography

Alexander Iheanyichukwu Modestus Opara is Professor of Geology at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria (2018), Bachelor of Technology in Geology (Geophysics) Federal University of Technology Owerri (1997) and graduated with a Master’s degree in Geophysics from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria (2002) and Doctor of Philosophy in Geology(Applied Geophysics) from University of Nigeria Nsukka(2008). Professor Opara is an Academic of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (Nigeria) since 2002 and belongs to the Department of Geology of the Faculty of Physical Sciences.

 

His research covers various areas which includes remote sensing/GIS application in spatio-temporal studies, meteorology/atmospheric pollution, Erosion and vulnerability assessment, land use /land cover change detection, basin analysis/reservoir characterization, overpressure studies/basin modelling, rock physics, geothermal studies, etc. His current research interest includes multi-disciplinary studies of the environment (Water, Air & Soil) using geophysical and geochemical techniques (2013-2022). He has published over 135 papers in indexed journals and around 40 presentations in national and international congresses of the specialty. Within his research projects he has directed several theses and has been a thesis evaluator and supervisor. He has successively supervised about 15 PhDs and over 25 MSc Thesis.

 

Since 2003 he has taught several undergraduate and post-graduate courses in the subject areas of Environmental Geology, Solid Earth Geophysics, Hydrogeophysics, geothermal energy exploration etc.  Producing notes, Lab and Exercise guides, and Online Courses. During these years he has held several positions in the university including Head of the Department of Geology, Director Institute of Erosion Studies, and currently, Director Central Instruments and Equipment Centre. He is also currently the Head of Programme of the Future Energies Programme of the African Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems. He has participated in the modification and development of new undergraduate programmes. He currently participates as a researcher and co-researcher at two Centres of Excellence in the University.

B.Tech Geology(Geophysics Option) ; M.Sc Geophysics; PhD Applied Geophysic

Research Team won the following NRF Awards:

 

1.      NRF2020/SETI/GEO/00022 Award titled, “Prediction of Geo-hydraulic Characteristics and Aquifer Vulnerability using Novel Geophysical and Geologic Models in Imo River Basin Southeastern Nigeria”

 

2.      NRF2021/SETI/GEO/00038, “Evaluation of the Geothermal Energy Resources of Calabar Flank, Nigeria from Geophysical and Borehole Temperature Data”

Member of the following:

a.            Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationist (NAPE)

b.            Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologist (NAH)

c.            Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS)

d.            Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientist (COMEG)

e.            Society of Exploration Geophysicist(SEG)

Application of geoscientific techniques in environmental studies, geothermal energy and petroleum geosciences

1.      Opara, A.I., Onuoha, K.M., Anowai, C., Onu, N.N., and Mbah,R.O .,2013. Geopressure and trap integrity predictions from 3-D seismic data: Case study of the Greater Ughelli depobelt, Niger Delta, Nigeria; Oil & Gas Science and Technology-Revue d’IFP Energies nouvelles; Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles, Vol. 68 No. 2, pp. 383-396.IFP Energies nouvelles. DOI: 10.2516/ogst/2011157

2.      Opara, A.I., C.C. Agoha, C.N. Okereke, U.P. Adiela, C.N. Onwubuariri, J.O. Okpono and O.P. Nosiri1.,2017. Low Velocity Layer Characterization in the Niger Delta:Implications for Seismic Reflection Data Quality; Journal of the Geological Society of India; Vol.90, August 2017, pp.187-195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-017-0698-4(Springer).

  1. Opara, A.I., Chukwu, S.A., Onyekuru, S.O., Ekwe, A.C., Okereke, C.N., Anyiam, U.O., Njoku, I.O and Echetama., H. N.,2018. Reservoir Characterization of the “Bawi Field, Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta, Nigeria Using 3-D Attributes Assisted Seismic Interpretation; Petroleum and Coal; vol. 60(4): 702-727.
  2. Egbujuo,C.I., Fullen, M.A., Guerra, A. J.T and Opara, A.I .,2018. Geochemical Characterization of Banana, Buriti Palm, Jute and Coir Fibres for Use as Bio-geotextiles For Erosion Control; Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management; Volume 26(3): 202–215.https://doi.org/10.3846/16486897.2017.1418365.
  3. Ekwe,A.C., Opara, A.I., and Onwuka,S.O.,2018.Geoelectrical study of corrosivity and competence of soils within Uburu and Okposi areas of Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria”, Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials(Online Version), https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-05-2018-1936.

 

  1. Ibe, F.C., Opara, A.I., Ibe, B.O., Adindu., B.C and Ichu, B.C.,2018.Environmental and Health Implications of Trace Metal Concentrations in Street Dusts Around Some Electronic Repair Workshops in Owerri Municipal, Southeastern, Nigeria; Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 190(12).DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7023-6(Springer)
  2. Ejiogu, B.C., A. I. Opara.,E. I. Nwosu.,O. K. Nwofor.,J. C. Onyema and J. C. Chinaka.,2019. Estimates of aquifer geo-hydraulic and vulnerability characteristics of Imo State and environs, Southeastern Nigeria, using electrical conductivity data. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment(Springer) 191(4):238. DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7335-1.

 

  1. Ibe, F. C., Opara, A. I., Ibe, B. O and Amaobi, C. E.,2019. Application of Assessment Models for Pollution and Health Risk from Effluent Discharge into a Tropical Stream: Case Study of the Inyishi River, Southeastern, Nigeria; Accepted for Publication, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (Springer); Assess 191:753.
  2. Ibe, F.C ., Opara, A.I. , Chidi Edbert Duru , Isiuku Beniah Obinna a , Margaret Chinyelu Enedoh.,2019. Statistical analysis of atmospheric pollutant concentrations in parts of Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria; Scientific African (Elsevier),vol.7. DOI  – 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00237.
  3. Onyekuru S. O., Opara A. I., Obiukwu E. O., Opara K. D., Iwuagwu C. J.,2019. An Evaluation of the Source Rock Properties of the Campano-Maastrich-tian Sediments in the Leru-Agbogugu axis, Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria; Petroleum and Coal, 61(5): 1 252-1267
  4. Ekwe, A.C., Opara, A.I., Okeugo, C.,Azuoko, G.B.,Nkitnam, E.E.,Abraham,E., Chukwu, C and Mbaeyi, G.C.,2020.Determination of aquifer parameters from geo-sounding data in parts of Afikpo Sub-basin, southeastern Nigeria; Arabian Journal of Geosciences(Springer), Vol.13(4).DO  – 10.1007/s12517-020-5137-y(Springer).
  5. Asedegbega, J.E., A. I. Opara, M. Omudu, and N. N. Onu.,2020.A plausible Seismic Velocity-Effective Stress Transform for Overpressure Prediction: A case study of the Central Swamp Depobelt, Onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria; Petroleum &Coal ;vol.62(1):pp. 280-291.
  6. Ibe, F.C., Enyoh, C.E., Opara,A.I and Ibe,B.O.,2020. Evaluation of pollution status of groundwater resources of parts of Owerri metropolis and environs, Southeastern Nigeria, using health risk and contamination models; International Journal of Energy and Water Resources(Springer),vol.4(2)(Online First). DOI: 10.1007/s42108-020-00071-8
  7. Nkanu, E.M., Opara, A.I, Ibe,F.C and Okereke, C. N.,2020.Assessment of the Geo-environmental Effects of Activities of Auto – mechanic Workshops at Alaoji Aba and Elekahia Port harcourt, Niger Delta, Nigeria, In  Press, Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology,Vol.35(2): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.5620/eaht.2020005:
  8. Eze, F.C., C .Z. Akaolisa, A. I. Opara., A. I. Selemo, T. T. Emberga, and V. E. Nwofor.,2020.Seismic Refraction and Downhole Surveys for Delineation of Geomorphic Features in Parts of the Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria. Petroleum and Coal (2020); 62(2) 595-610.
  9. Ibe, F.C., Opara, A.I and  Ibe,B.O.,2020.Application of pollution risk evaluation models in groundwater systems in the vicinity of automobile scrap markets in Owerri municipal and environs, southeastern Nigeria; Scientific African (Elsevier), volume 8, e00450(Online First) . DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00450.
  10. Ajayi,O., A. I. Opara, C. A. Ahiarakwem, O. C. Okeke, and V. I. Fagorite.,2020. Weathered Layer Characterization of Ohaji-Egbema and Environs, South Eastern Nigeria, Using Up hole Refraction Surveys. Petroleum and Coal (2020);vol. 62(2) 406-419.
  11. Oli, I.C.,Ahiarakwem, C.A., Opara, A.I.,Ekwe, A.C.,Osi-Okeke, I., Urom, O.O.,Udeh, H.M and Ezenubia, V.,2020. Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in parts of Ezza and Ikwo Areas, Southeastern Nigeria; International Journal of Energy and Water Resources(Springer, Online First). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-020-00084-3
  12. Opara, A.I., V. U. Nwofor, A. C. Ekwe, C. N. Okereke, H. N. Echetama, and J. O. Ibezim.,2020. Estimates of Geothermal Gradient of Part of the Mid-Niger Basin, Nigeria From Spectral Inversion of High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data: Implications for Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Prospectivity. Petroleum & Coal 62(3) :876-887.
  13. Opara, A. I., Eke, D.R., Onu, N.N., Ekwe, A.C., Akaolisa, C.Z., Okoli, A.E and Inyang, G.E.,2020. Geo-hydraulic Evaluation of Shallow Aquifers of the Upper Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria using Dar-Zarrouk Parameters, International Journal of Energy and Water Resources(Springer, Online First). https:// doi.org/10.1007/s42108-020-00099-w.
  14. Verla, A.W., Opara, A.I., Enyoh, C.E., Verla, E.N.,Ohazurike, N.C., Okoro, U.K,, Ibe, F.C and Ahuocha P.A.,2021. Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals Risk of Consuming Fish Species from Oguta Lake, Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Chemical Health Risks; JCHR (2021) 11(0), 0-0(Online First).DOI: 10.22034/jchr.2020.584959.1017.
  15. Ichu, B.C ., Ume, J. I., Opara, A.I. and Ibe, F. Chizoruo .,2021. Ecological Risk Assessment and Pollution Models of Trace Metal Concentrations in Road Dust in parts of Enugu Metropolis, Southeastern Nigeria., Journal of Chemical Health Risks. JCHR (2021) 11(0), 0-0(Online First).DOI:10.22034/jchr.2021.1896397.1116.
  16. Ibe, F.C., Opara, A.I., Amaobi, C.E and Ibe, B.O.,2021. Environmental Risk Assessment of the Intake of Contaminants in Aquifers in the Vicinity of a Reclaimed Waste Dumpsite in Owerri Municipal, Southeastern Nigeria. Accepted for Publication, Applied Water Science (Springer). (2021) 11:24.https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-01355-4.
  17. Opara, A.I., Okoro, E.M., Onyekuru, S.O., Njoku, I.O., Onyenegecha, C.P., Asedegbega, J.E., Ekwe, A.C., Okoli, A. E  and Ezekiel, J.C.,2020.Rock physics enhanced strati-structural interpretation of the “Wuzuzo Field”, onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria. Upstream Oil & Gas Technology (Elsevier). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.upstre.2020.100028.
  18. Asedegbega, J. E., Opara, A. I., Emudianughe,J & Omudu, M.,2021.Application of  In-situ Anisotropic Parameters in 3D Seismic Velocity Analysis for Improved Pre-Drill Pore Pressure Prediction in the Onshore Niger Delta, Nigeria. In Press, Arabian Journal of Geosciences (Springer).
  19. Ole, M.O., Opara, A.I.,  Okereke, C.N., Onyenegecha, C.P., Akaolisa, C.Z., Okoli A.E and  Umoh, O.J.,2020.Estimates of the Curie Point Depth, Geothermal Gradient and Near Surface Heat Flow System of Bida and Environs, Nupe Basin Nigeria from High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources:108 (Springer).DOI: 10.1007/s42108-020-00108-y.
  20. Urom, O.O., Opara, A.I., Usen, O.S., Akiang, F. B., Isreal, H.O.,Ibezim, J.O. and Akakuru, O.C.,2021. Electro-geohydraulic Estimation of Shallow Aquifers Using Multiple Empirical Resistivity Equation in Owerri and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources:108 (Springer).https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00122-B.
  21. Onyenegecha, C.P., A.I. Opara, I.J. Njoku, S.C. Udensi, U.M. Ukewuihe, C.J. Okereke, and A. Omame.,2021. Analytical solutions of D-dimensional Klein–Gordon equation with modified Mobius squared potential. Results in Physics(Elsevier) 25 (2021) 104144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2021.104144.

 

  1.  Njoku,I.J., C.P. Onyenegecha ., C.J. Okereke, A.I. Opara, U.M. Ukewuihe, and F.U. Nwaneho.,2021.Approximate solutions of Schrodinger equation and thermodynamic properties with Hua potential. Results in Physics (Elsevier) 24 (2021) 104208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2021.104208.
  2. Agoha, C.C., Opara, A.I., Okeke, O.C, Okereke, C.N, Onwubuariri, C.N., Osaki, L.J, and Omenikolo, I.A.2021. Integrated 3D geomechanical characterization of a reservoir: case study of “Fuja” field, offshore Niger Delta, Southern Nigeria. J Petrol Explor Prod Technol 11, 3637–3662 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-021-01244-9 (Springer).
  3. Akakuru, O.C., Akudinobi,          B., Opara, A.I., Onyekuru, S.O & Akakuru, O.U.,2021. Hydrogeochemical facies and pollution status of groundwater resources of Owerri and environs, Southeastern Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 193, 623 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09364-9 (Springer).
  4. Ichu, B.C., Opara, A.I., Ejike, E.N. et al. Multivariate analysis and spatial distribution of suspended particulate metals of Abakaliki and Enugu in Southeastern Nigeria. Bull Natl Res Cent 45, 159 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-021-00618-7(Springer).
  5. Opara, A.I.,  Akaolisa, C.Z.,  Akakuru, O.C., Amarachi Udoka Nkwoada, A.U., Francis Chizoruo Ibe, F.C ., Verla A.W &  Chukwuemeka, I.C.,2021. Particulate matter exposure and non-cancerous inhalation health risk assessment of major dumpsites of Owerri metropolis, Nigeria. Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 2021;36(4):e2021025-0. doi: https://doi.org/10.5620/eaht.2021025.
  6.  Onyenegecha, C.P., El Anouz.,K., Opara ,A.I.,Njoku, I.J., Okereke, C.J & El Allati, A.,2021. Nonrelativistic treatment of inversely quadratic Hellmann-Kratzer potential and thermodynamic properties; Heliyon, 7(12), E08617.DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08617.
  7. Akakuru, O.C., Eze, C.U., Okeke, O.C., Opara, A.I., Usman, A.O., Iheme, O., Ibeneme S.I & Iwuoha, P.O., 2022.Hydrogeochemical evolution, water quality indices, irrigation suitability and pollution index of groundwater (PIG) around eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria. Int J Energ Water Res (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00162-0.
  8. Ubechu, B.O., Opara, A.I., Nwankwor, G.I., Ibe, F.C., Opara, K.D & Ubong, U.P.,2022. Hydrogeological Characteristics and Nutrient Fluxes of a Tropical Wetland: A Case Study of the Ubibia–Awalo Inland Valley and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria. Arab J Geosci(Springer) 15, 344 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-09485-6.
  9. Onyenegecha, C.P., Njoku, I.J.,Opara, A.I., Omoko, E.N., Eze, F.C., Okereke, C.J., Onyeocha, E & Nwaneho, F.U.,2022.Nonrelativistic solutions of Schrödinger equation and thermodynamic properties with the proposed modified Mobius square plus Eckart potential.Heliyon. 8(2):e08952. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08952
  10. El Anouz., Onyenegecha, C.P., Opara, A.I & El Allati, A.,2022. Dynamics of two interacting atoms in time-fractional analysis using quantum Fisher information and quantum coherence; Journal of the Optical Society of America B. DOI: 10.1364/JOSAB.444823
  11. Okoro, M.E., Onuoha, M.K., Opara, A.I. Ikechukwu O. Njoku & Chidinma J. Chidiadi.,2022. Structural styles and basement architecture of the Dahomey basin southwestern Nigeria from aeromagnetic data. Arab J Geosci 15, 456 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-09703-1.
  12. Chikezie, P.C., Okechukwu, S.O., Onyedire, N.C., Akaolisa, C.Z., Opara, A.I., Okoli, A.E.,2022. Rock physics as a tool for seismic stratigraphy and structural interpretation of late Miocene southwestern Deep Offshore Niger Delta, West African Continental Margin; Journal of Sedimentary Environments 2022.DOI: 10.1007/s43217-022-00100-y(Springer).
  13. Fagorite, V.I., Onyekuru, S.O., Opara, A.I & Oguzie, E.E.,2022. The major techniques, advantages, and pitfalls of various methods used in geological carbon sequestration. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04351-0.
  14. Opara, A.I., Osi-Okeke, I.E., Eyankware, M.O., Akakuru, C.O., Oli, I.C and  Udeh, H.M.,2022. Use of Geo-electric Data in the Determination of Groundwater Potentials and Vulnerability Mapping in the Southern Benue Trough Nigeria., Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. (Springer).
  15. Oli, I.C., Opara, A.I., Okeke, O.C., Akaolisa C.Z., Akakuru, O.C., Osi-Okeke and Udeh, H.M., 2022.Evaluation of Aquifer Hydraulic Conductivity and Transmissivity of Ezza/Ikwo Areas Using Surficial Resistivity Techniques. Accepted for Publication, Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Environmental Monitoring and Assessment volume 194, Article number: 719 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10341-z (Springer).
  16. Akakuru, O.C., Akaolisa, C.Z., Aigbadon, O. G., Eyankware, M.O., Opara, A.I., Obasi,P., Ofoh,I; Adora Olivia Njoku,A.O and Akudinobi,B.,2022. Integrating machine learning and multi-linear regression modeling approaches in groundwater quality assessment around Obosi, SE Nigeria. Environ Dev Sustain (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02679-8 (Springer).
  17. Fagorite, V.I.,Chijioke, C.F., Opara, A.I , Samuel O. Onyekuru, S.O and Oguzie, E.E.,2022. Environmental and safety issues associated with geological carbon storage: a review. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr 7, 445–461 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-022-00328-0(Springer).
  18. Okechukwu, S.I,, Opara, A.I., Chikezie P.C. Akaolisa, C.C., Okoli, A.E and Charles, Agoha, C.C.,2022. Solid Mineral Potential and Geothermal Energy Reserve of Northern Basement Complex, Nigeria” Materials and Geoenvironment, vol.0, no.0, 2022, pp.-. https://doi.org/10.2478/rmzmag-2021-0017
  19. Opara,A.I., A.U. Nkwoada, N.J. James, C.P. Onyenegecha, F.C. Ibe, &A.W. Verla,,2022.Effects of Vehicular Traffic on Ambient Air Quality of a Tropical City: Case Study of Owerri Metropolis, Southeastern Nigeria, J. Mater. Environ. Sci., 13(12):270-1283.

Akakuru, O.C., Adakwa, C., Ikoro, D.O., Eyankware, M.O., Opara, A.I., Njoku,A.O., Kenneth Obinna Iheme,K.O &  Usman,A.,2023. Application of artificial neural network and multi-linear regression techniques in groundwater quality and health risk assessment around Egbema, Southeastern Nigeria. Environ Earth Sci 82, 77 (Springer). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-023-10753-1

ORCID

https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-0810-9970

Research Gate Profile URL

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alexander-Opara 

Google Scholar Page URL

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BX_Rc2YAAAAJ&hl=en