Delineating Aquifer Systems Using Dar Zarouk Parameters Determined from Surface Geoelectric Survey: Case Study of Okigwe District, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study is aimed at delineating the aquifer systems in the study area and hence determining the parts with higher aquifer yield. To achieve this, 120 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out in Okigwe District of Imo State of Nigeria, using the Schlumberger electrode array and a maximum electrode spread of 900 m. Twelve of the VES stations were sited near existing boreholes to enhance interpretation. The resistivity of the aquifers zones varied across the study area. The highest thickness of 104.4m for the aquifer was recorded at Amonze (VES 95). Using an average transmissivity of 1032.0848 m2/day determined from pumping test data of the boreholes in the area, a mean conductance value of 91.222 m/day was obtained for the area. The hydraulic conductivity values obtained from the VES results varied from 9.8854 to 115.9646 m/day. The transmissivity values ranged from 992.04 to 10388m2/day. The storativity or storage coefficient determined for the area ranged from 1.59x10-4 to 7.80x10-3 while the specific capacity was fairly uniform with magnitude of about 877 m3/day. Using Dar Zarrouk parameters determined for the area, three aquifer systems had been identified viz: the Coastal plain sands aquifer, the Bende-Ameki sandstone/shale aquifer and the Ajali sandstone aquifer. The coastal plain sands aquifer serves the Southern part of Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma and the entire Obowo Local Government Areas (LGAs). The Bende-Ameki sandstone aquifer serves part of Ihitte Uboma, the Northern part of Ehime Mbano and Isiala Mbano. The Ajali sandstone aquifer serves the Northwestern part of the study area in Okigwe. Groundwater potential evaluation of the district based on the survey and borehole hydrogeological information revealed that the Southern part of the district is the most prolific in terms of groundwater exploitation and thus the most promising for siting productive boreholes.