African Journal of
Environmental Science and Technology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0786
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJEST
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 1126

Full Length Research Paper

Investigation of groundwater flow potential in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria, using surficial electrical resistivity method

Daniel N. Obiora
  • Daniel N. Obiora
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Adeolu E. Ajala
  • Adeolu E. Ajala
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Johnson C. Ibuot
  • Johnson C. Ibuot
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 06 August 2015
  •  Accepted: 25 August 2015
  •  Published: 30 September 2015

Abstract

Vertical electrical sounding (VES) employing Schlumberger electrode configuration was carried out in order to study the groundwater flow potential in Makurdi, north central Nigeria. This was done in thirty locations to determine the aquifer resistivity, thickness, longitudinal conductance, hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. From the result, the averages and ranges of these parameters were determined. 2D contour maps of aquifer resistivity, aquifer thickness, longitudinal conductance, hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity were drawn. The distribution of thickness and transmissivity maps provided a means of identifying areas where aquiferous zone is prolific. The classification of the groundwater potential shows 3.3% very low, 26.7% low, 66.7% moderate and 3.3% high potentials. Knowledge of hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity is necessary for the determination of groundwater flow potential through an aquifer.
 
Key words: Aquifer resistivity, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, longitudinal conductance, vertical electrical sounding, thickness, Makurdi.