Evaluation of aquifer protective capacity of overburden unit and soil corrosivity in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method

Abstract

This paper presents result of 30 vertical electrical soundings carried out in Makurdi, Benue state capital, north-central Nigeria to evaluate aquifer protective capacity and soil corrosivity of overburden units in the study area. This was done using the Schlumberger electrode array to obtain the data and was modelled using computer iteration (Winresist software). The field data gives a resolution with 3-4 geoelectric layers and the observed frequencies in curve types include: 30% of KQ, 16.67% of QH, 6.67% of AA and K, 3.33% of HA, Q and A, 10% of H, KH and HK. Using the longitudinal unit conductance (S), the protective capacities of the study area were classified as 36.67% weak, 10% poor, 40% moderate, and 13.33% as good. The corrosivity ratings of the study area show that 10% is strongly corrosive, 23% moderately corrosive, 37% slightly corrosive, and 30% noncorrosive The results reasonably provide information on areas where industries can be sited and iron pipes can be laid in order to safeguard the hydrological setting for resident's safety in the study area. Regions with moderate/good protective capacity are good sites for locating boreholes. with the disposal of large volumes of waste materials, poses the potential for widely distributed

Geophysical assessment of aquifer vulnerability and management: a case study of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

“…The knowledge of the nature and identification of subsurface condition is important in groundwater study. For sustainable use of groundwater resources, there is a need for effective protection and management of buried aquifers covered by thick sediments (Bjerg et al 1992;Hinsby et al 2006;George et al 2015a, b;Obiora et al 2015). The quality of groundwater can be affected by the percolation of surface pollutants from dumpsites, sewage and run-off/flood.…”

Investigating groundwater corrosion and overburden protective capacity in a low latitude crystalline basement complex of southwestern Nigeria

“…The degree of acidity (pH) and alkalinity (calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, sulphate and oxygen), total dissolved solids (TDS) and temperature are the most important factors determining corrosion. Though the earth's medium acts as a natural filter to percolating fluid (Barker et al 2001), the use of chemical products and indiscriminate waste disposal are potential sources of groundwater contamination (Obiora et al 2015). The degree of contamination has been linked to the permeability, porosity and thickness of the geologic materials overlying the aquifer (Obiora et al 2015).…”

“…Though the earth's medium acts as a natural filter to percolating fluid (Barker et al 2001), the use of chemical products and indiscriminate waste disposal are potential sources of groundwater contamination (Obiora et al 2015). The degree of contamination has been linked to the permeability, porosity and thickness of the geologic materials overlying the aquifer (Obiora et al 2015). For instance, while unconsolidated and non-compacted geologic material such as coarse sand is capable of enhancing the percolation of effluents into the subsurface to contaminate groundwater (Keswick et al 1982), clay/clayey soils of low resistivity and hence low hydraulic conductivity are inhibitors of contaminants (De Oliveira Braga et al 2006).…”

“…Longitudinal conductance has been used to assess the protective capacity of the overburden units (e.g. Henriet 1976;Oladapo et al 2004;Obiora et al 2015;Bayewu et al 2018). However, rather than calibrating the longitudinal conductance using either in situ or laboratory measured parameter(s), it is usually measured in absolute terms without determining the infiltration time (e.g.…”

Geoelectrohydraulic investigation of the surficial aquifer units and corrosivity in parts of Uyo L. G. A., Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria

“…It is the major source of drinking water and is useful in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and a good knowledge of the aquifer repositories is a concern for its sustainable and effective use (Edet and Worden 2009;Evans et al 2010;George et al 2015aGeorge et al , 2016aGeorge et al , 2017aObiora et al 2015). Since the aquifer in the coastal regions is shallow, residents drilling for potable groundwater do not care about getting geophysical information about the area before drilling.…”