Research Article

Delineation of depth of water table and groundwater potentials from geoelectric evaluation in Abavo, Delta State and Urhonigbe, Edo State area of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

^1*Ohwona O. Christopher, ¹Marere S. Omamode, ¹Burutu Lawrence K and ²Ohwovorione C. Utehru

¹Department of Industrial Safety and Environmental Management Technology, School of marine, Burutu, Delta State.

²Appligate seismic consultancy, Sapele, Delta State

*Corresponding Author Email: christopherohwona@yahoo.com. Tel: 08134214632.

Accepted 10 December  2013

Abstract

A Geophysical Survey using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out in Abavo and Urhonigbe areas in order to delineate the depth of water table and groundwater potentials of the areas. The Schlumberger Electrode Configuration was employed and a total of six (6) VES stations were sounded, three each for the two communities. The data were interpreted by computer Iteration Techniques where geoelectric model parameters and VES curves were obtained. The results showed that the formation of Abavo and Urhonigbe have curve types HK, AA, and AH. Abavo resistivity varies from (304.3Ωm-21090Ωm) with a corresponding thickness of (25m-149m) and at a depth of (29.6m-177m) in layer 3 (VES2). The aquifer layers 3 (VES 2) and layer 4 are composed of medium sands to gravelly sands, hence, a good site for borehole development. In Urhonigbe area, location 4 and 5 (layer 4) had a resistivity range of (1028.6Ωm-60886.2Ωm) with aquifer thickness and depth ranging to infinity. The layer composed of coarse grained sands to gravelly sands and it is good for citing a borehole. Location 4 and 5 had a confining bed that can prevent groundwater contaminations. The static water table in Abavo and Urhonigbe varies from (35m-50m) and (30m -40m) respectively. The geoelectric section obtained was correlated with the borehole litho-log of the areas and was found consistent.

Keywords: Lithology, Resistivity, Aquifer, Geoelectric Section, VES