Scrutinate proclivity of regional aquifer hydraulic parameters: apriorisms for borehole failures within parts of the middle Benue Trough, Nigeria

Abstract

Water borehole failures in Nigeria's middle Benue Trough are caused by imprecise aquifer features. This study employed empirical data to understand hydraulic parameters, anticipate regional groundwater potential, and explain borehole failures in difficult geological locations. 89 VES stations and quantitative data interpretation were required to determine the geoelectric properties beneath each station. Aquifer layers were delineated and their resistivity and thickness combined using geo-environment specific relations to yield transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity for both basement complex and sedimentary environments variously. Results show that aquifer resistivity ranges from 4.5 – 984.4 ohm-m; aquifer layer thickness varies from 4.4 m – 96.7 m with average thicknesses in sedimentary environment considerably greater; hydraulic conductivities range from 0.056 – 30.15 m/day, Transmissivity values range from 0.31 – 1281.36 m2/day. Log transformed transmissivity values range from 3.51 – 7.1 m2/day. Approximately 60.34% of the entire study area falls within transmissivity magnitude III and IV and can only support withdrawals for local water supply adequate for small communities and private consumption only and this may be the inferred cause for the low yield and high borehole failure rates. Understanding hydraulic characteristics is critical for 6controlling groundwater; research advances knowledge of transmissivity and conductivity in complex terrain.