Assessment of Groundwater Potential and Aquifer Characteristics in the Vicinity of Igun, Eku and Oria in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the groundwater potential and aquifer characteristics of locations in Igun, Eku and Oria in Delta State, Nigeria. Nine vertical electrical soundings using the Schlumberger configuration were conducted to assess the geoelectric properties of the subsurface, while down-hole loggings and pumping test were employed to evaluate the aquifer characteristics of the area. The geoelectric data were interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iteration techniques to determine the resistivity, thickness and depth of the subsurface formations. The result revealed the presence of four geoelectric layers comprising of lateritic/loamy topsoil, clay, fine-medium grain sand, and coarse sand. Analysis of the geoelectric interpretation indicates that the third and fourth layers are water bearing horizons. Result further indicates that the fourth layer with a resistivity range of 2212 to 7148 Ωm and depth range of 24.7 to 31.9 m is more prolific than the third layer aquifer. The result of hydrogeological investigation showed that the electrical conductivity of the groundwater aquifer in Igun, Eku and Oria are 0.028, 0.032 and 0.024 mS/m respectively, while their corresponding total dissolved solid are 91.08, 95.92 and 79.53 mg/m 3 . The result also showed that the transmissivity of the groundwater in Igun, Eku and Oria are 0.0728, 0.0873 and 0.0679 m 2 /min respectively while their corresponding storativity were obtained as 3.21 × 10 -4 , 4.71 × 10 -4 , and 2.87 × 10 -4 . These results obtained from the three locations have shown that the groundwater aquifer is reliable in terms of quality and yield as they conform to international standards.