International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2572

Full Length Research Paper

Application of integrated geophysical methods in environmental studies: A case study of oil spillage in Thange Area Makueni County, Kenya

K’orowe Maurice O.
  • K’orowe Maurice O.
  • Department of Physics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Nairobi, Kenya.
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Mwanzia Dorothy K.
  • Mwanzia Dorothy K.
  • Department of Physics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Nairobi, Kenya.
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Obonyo Evance O.
  • Obonyo Evance O.
  • Department of Physics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Nairobi, Kenya.
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Kitavi Stephen M.
  • Kitavi Stephen M.
  • Department of Physics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Nairobi, Kenya.
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Masila Karen N.
  • Masila Karen N.
  • Department of Geology, School of Physical Sciences, College of Physical and Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Machimbo Evans W.
  • Machimbo Evans W.
  • Department of Geology, School of Physical Sciences, College of Physical and Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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  •  Received: 28 June 2018
  •  Accepted: 12 September 2018
  •  Published: 31 August 2020

Abstract

This research was conducted with the aim of mapping the extent of soil and ground water hydrocarbon contamination from an oil pipeline leak point within the area. An integrated geophysical survey approach involving horizontal electrical profiling (HEP), vertical electrical sounding (VES) and Gravity Survey was applied. Resistivity and gravity lows were identified as aquifer zones confined within basalts and potential migration zones of Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL’s). An integration of the geophysical findings showed two potential migration paths: one trending (SW-NE) and the other (NE-SW) both influenced by geologic factors.

Key words: Resistivity, horizontal electrical profiling (HEP), vertical electrical sounding (VES), hydrocarbons, gravity, light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL’s).

 

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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