Evaluation of Groundwater Potential using Vertical Electrical Sounding and Dar Zarouk Parameters in Guyuk and its Environs, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Eighteen Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were carried out to evaluate the groundwater potential in Guyuk and its environs, Northeastern Nigeria, using the Schlumberger configuration with a maximum current electrode spacing of 200m to evaluate groundwater potential and aquifer protective capacity. Interpretation of the VES data identified four curve types: H-type (50%), Q-type (22.22%), A-type (16.67%), and HA-type (11.11%). These percentages were calculated by dividing the number of occurrences of each curve type by the total number of VES stations (18) and multiplying by 100. Iso-resistivity contour maps generated at AB/2 = 20 m and 80 m identified two major groundwater-favourable anomalies within the north-western and south-western parts of the study area. The computed Dar Zarouk parameters yielded longitudinal conductance values ranging from 0.001 to 0.87 S, corresponding to weak to good aquifer protective capacity, and transverse resistance values ranging from approximately 1,200 to 19,000 Ωm², indicating low to high groundwater potential. The highest groundwater potential was associated with VES 7, VES 10, VES 15, and VES 18, where elevated transverse resistance values reflect thick and permeable aquifer units capable of supporting productive groundwater development. Areas characterized by relatively high longitudinal conductance values possess enhanced natural protection against contamination, making them suitable for sustainable groundwater exploitation. Overall, the north-western and south-western sectors were identified as the most favourable zones for borehole development. The integration of VES data with Dar Zarouk parameters provides a reliable approach for aquifer characterization, groundwater exploration, optimal borehole siting, and groundwater-resource management in the study area.