AQUIFER CHARACTERISATION AND
EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY
USING GEOELECTRIC METHOD
Womuru, E.N. and Ibim, D.F
Department of Physics,
Ignatius Ajuru University of
Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Email: edwinwomuru@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The
study is carried out in parts of Port Harcourt L.G.A, Rivers State, Nigeria. A
total of twelve (12) vertical electrical sounding locations were occupied using
the Schlumberger electrode configuration in the evaluation of the aquifer
characteristics and ground water quality in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The
study was aimed at characterizing the aquifer in the area as well as assessing
its potential risk to contaminant seepage in terms of the aquifer hydraulic
properties and protective capacity of the overburden rock materials using Dar
zarouk parameters. The results show a lithology that is dominated by sands of various
grades with minor delineable intercalating clay/shale impermeable bed. The
study area is characterized by low values of the protective capacities Pc,
of the overburden rock materials and high aquifer porosities and
transmissivities.
The low value of the protective capacities makes the aquifer
system in the area highly vulnerable and susceptible to surface contamination.
A high porosity and transmissivity value of the aquifer materials signifies
highly permeable aquifers with significant storativity, which enhances the
migration and circulation of contaminants within the ground water system over large
areas. These disclosures are signs that the ground water quality may have been functionally
defective (impaired) in the area and borehole water samples should be randomly
sampled for contaminant loads based on this analysis.
Key words: Aquifer transmissivity,
Dar Zarouk Parameters, Protective capacity, Ground water quality.
INTRODUCTION
Groundwater
as the main source of potable water supply for agricultural, industrial, and domestic
uses has been under severe stress of deterioration and contamination due to
urbanization, industrial and agricultural related activities. The impact of
these activities on soil and groundwater is frightening with years of highly
destructive effects on humans and the ecosystem. Groundwater is said to be
contaminated when it is not fit for the intended purpose and therefore
constitute an inconvenience to the user. The high commercial and industrial
activities in the area have increased environmental concern in relation to
waste production and management and ground water contamination. The unrestricted
and random dumping of waste materials on the land surface, landfill and water
bodies has placed the groundwater at the risk of being contaminated.
Location Map of the Study Area
The study area lies
in Port Harcourt metropolis traced by latitude 4.71670 to 4.8000N
and longitude 6.96770 to 7.05000E (Fig. 1). READ MORE>>>>>>>>>
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