Vertical Electrical Sounding of Water-Bearing Sub-Surface of Issele-Azagba in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

An electrical resistivity survey involving vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique was carried out in Issele-Azagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. This was aimed at investigating the lithologic boundaries and classification of the various subsurface formations. The data obtained were subjected to a twofold interpretative procedure involving initial partial curve matching and computer iteration. Results showed that a maximum of five subsurface layers was delineated from the geoelectric sections. This is made up of loamy topsoil underlain by relatively continuous sandy units composed of different compaction, wetness and clay content. The result also showed that the fifth substratum of the geoelectric section was the aquiferous sand relevant in groundwater development within the study area. Analysis of the result had shown that the aquifers identified in this study were vulnerable contamination percolating from the surface due to the absence of a protective aquitards.