Geophysical Investigation and Groundwater in Okpe and Its Surroundings, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract

Geophysical investigation involving groundwater flow modeling was carried out in Orekepe, Delta state to determine the parameters that guarantee groundwater quality. The study entailed the carrying out of twenty-five (25) vertical electrical sounding (VES) using Schlumberger configuration with a maximum current electrode separation of 250 m. VES sounding within the study area was used to calculate transmissivity (T) and hydraulic conductivity (H). Groundwater Vista Version 3 groundwater modeling software was used to calculate the mass balance summary, section raw, and groundwater flow direction using the values of the aquifer parameters that were determined in this investigation. According to resistivity sounding results, the investigation encountered layers that ranged in number from three to four different layers. Further derivation from T and H led to the conclusions that the corresponding values were 0.2694 to 1.9826 m2/day and 0.037 to 0.042 m/day. According to groundwater modeling findings, groundwater moves along the SW to NE axis of the research region with a about 0.002 gradient toward the NE. Based on the direction of groundwater flow, the water-bearing units may be prone to contaminants. It, therefore, recommended that constant monitoring and management of groundwater using several scientific methods should be carried out from time to time.