Application of Geoelectric and Hydrogeological Methods in Delineation of Aquifer Potential and Protective Capacity in Parts of Asaba Metropolis, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Authors

Keywords:

Depth, Resistivity, Thickness, Layer, Curve

Abstract

This study evaluated aquifer potential and protective capacity in parts of Asaba Metropolis, using fifteen Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) with the Schlumberger array. The ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 was used and the maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2) was 300 m. Geoelectrical data were interpreted using WINRESIST and integrated with Dar-Zarrouk parameters to estimate hydraulic conductivity (K) and transmissivity (T). The subsurface comprises three to six geoelectric layers. Aquifer resistivity ranges from 156.0 Ωm to 7365.2 Ωm, aquifer thickness from 3.0 m to 33.7 m, and aquifer depth from 4.9 m to 39.8 m. Longitudinal conductance (S) varies from 0.0111 ℧ to 0.1236 ℧, indicating predominantly poor overburden protective capacity and high vulnerability to surface contamination. Hydraulic conductivity ranges from 0.095 m/day to 3.477 m/day, while transmissivity varies from 0.602 m²/day to 53.353 m²/day, with the highest values occurring in the southwestern sector, indicating the most productive aquifers. High transverse resistance, anisotropy and fracture porosity further delineate favourable groundwater-bearing zones. This study concludes that the integrated geoelectrical approach effectively identified aquifer geometry, groundwater potential and vulnerability, providing a scientific basis for borehole siting, groundwater protection and sustainable water-resource management in parts of Asaba and similar Niger Delta sedimentary terrains.

Author Biographies

Francis Onyemaechi Chukwusa

Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. Lecturer.

Yemi Sikiru Onifade

Physics Department, College of Science, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. Professor.

Victor Babasola Olaseni

Physics Department, College of Science, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. Senior Lecturer.

Moses Oghenenyoreme Eyankware

Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. Lecturer.

Dimensions

Adegboyega, A., Joshua, A. K., Wasiu, O. O. and Eyankware, M. O. (2024). Evaluating Groundwater Resources in Basement Complex areas through Electrical Resistivity Techniques. International Journal of Earth Sciences Knowledge and Applications, 6(3):290-302.

Adeoye, J. A., Jolayemi, V. O., Akande, S. O. (2022). Sedimentology and foraminiferal paleoecology of the exposed Oligocene–Miocene Ogwashi-Asaba Formation in Issele-Uku area, Anambra Basin, southern Nigeria: A paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Journal of Palaeogeography. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jop.2022.09.001

Adetola, B. A. and Igbedi, A. O. (2000). The Use of Electrical Resistivity Survey in Location of Aquifers: A Case Study in Agbede South Western Nigeria. Journal of Nigeria Association of Hydro-geologists, 11:7-13.

Akinseye, V. O., Osisanya, W. O., Eyankware, M. O., Korode, I. A. and Ibitoye, A.T. (2023). Application of second order geoelectric indices in determination of groundwater vulnerability in hard rock terrain in SW. Nigeria. Sustainable Water Resources Management. 9:169, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-023-00936-w

Akintorinwa, O. J. and Olowolafe, T. S. (2013). Geoelectric Evaluation of Groundwater Prospect within Zion Estate, Akure, Southwest, Nigeria. International Journal of Water Resource Environmental Engineering, 5(1):12–28

Akpoborie, I. A., Nfor, B., Etobro, A. A. I. and Odagwe, S. (2011). Aspects of the geology and groundwater conditions of Asaba, Nigeria. Archives of Applied Science Research, 3(2):537- 550.

Aleke, C. G., Ibuo, J. C. and Obiora, D. N. (2018). Application of electrical resistivity method in estimating geohydraulic properties of a sandy hydrolithofacies: a case study of Ajali Sandstone in Ninth Mile, Enugu State, Nigeria. Arabian Journal Geoscience, 11:322. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3638-8

Anomohanran, O. (2022). Evaluation of groundwater potential and aquifer characteristics in parts of the Niger Delta using geoelectric sounding. International Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, 14(1), 12-25.

Aweto, K. E. (2011). Aquifer vulnerability assessment at Oke-Ila area, Southwestern Nigeria. International Journal Physical Science. 6(33):7574–7583, https://doi.org/10.5897/IJPS11.933

Aziz, N. A., Hasan, R. H. and Abdulrazzaq, Z. T. (2018). Optimum site selection for groundwater wells using integration between GIS and hydrogeophysical data. Engineering Technology Journal, 36(6):596–602. https://doi.org/10.30684/etj.36.6A.1

Bayode, S., Ojo, J. S. and Olorunfemi, M. O. (2006). Geo-electric Characterization of Aquifer types in the Basement Complex Terrain of Parts of Osun State Nigeria. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 12(3):377–385. https://doi.org/10.4314/gjpas.v 12i3.16623

Dewashish, K., Rai, S. N., Thiagarajan, S. and Kumari, Y. R. (2014). Evaluation of Heterogeneous Aquifers in Hard Rocks from Resistivity Sounding Data in Parts of Kalmeshwar Taluk of Nagpur District, India. Current Science, 107:1137–1145

Egwebe, O., Aigbedion, I. and Ifedili, S. O. A. (2004). Geo-electric Investigation for Groundwater at Ivbiaro Ebesse; Edo State: Nigeria. Journal of Applied Science, 22:146-150

Ejije, C. E and Atakpo, E. A (2025). Delineation of subsurface lithology and aquifer structures using electrical resistivity surveys in parts of Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. Nigerian Journal of Science and Environment. Vol. 23 (1); 61 – 76 ISSN: 3043 – 4440 https://doi.org/10.61448/njsedd231255

El-Gawad, A. M. S. A., Kotb, A. D. M. and Hussien, G. H. G. (2017). Geoelectrical contribution for delineation the groundwater potential and subsurface structures on Tushka area, Egypt. NRIAG Journal Astro Geophysics, 6:379–394

Eyankware, M. O., Akakuru, C. O., Ulakpa, R. O. E. and Eyankware, E. O. (2021). Sustainable management and characterization of groundwater resource in coastal aquifer of Niger delta basin Nigeria. Sustain. Water Resour. Manag. 7:58 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-021-00537-5

Eyankware, M. O. and Aleke, G. (2021). Geoelectric investigation to determine fracture zones and aquifer vulnerability in southern Benue Trough southeastern Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08542-w.

Eyankware, M. O. and Ephraim, B. E. (2021). A comprehensive review of water quality monitoring and assessment in Delta State, Southern Part of Nigeria. Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences. 3(1); 16-28. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v3i1.2900.

Eyankware, M. O., Nnajieze, V. S. and Aleke, C. G. (2018). Geochemical assessment of water quality for irrigation purpose, in abandoned limestone quarry pit at Nkalagu area, Southern Benue Trough Nigeria. Environ Earth Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7232-x

Eyankware, M. O., Ogwah, C. and Selemo, A. O. I. (2020a). Geoelectrical parameters for the estimation of groundwater potential in fracture aquifer at Sub-Urban Area of Abakaliki, SE Nigeria. Int ernational Journal of Earth Science and Geophysics, 6:031

Eyankware, M. O., Selemo, A. O. I., Obasi, P. N. and Nweke, O. M. (2020b). Evaluation of groundwater vulnerability in fractured aquifer using geoelectric layer susceptibility index at Oju Southern Benue Trough Nigeria. Geological Behaviour 4(2):51–55. https://doi.org/10.26480/gbr.02.2020.51.55

Eyankware, M. O., Osisanya, O. W., Akakuru, O. C., Odesa, G. E., Okanigbuan, P. N., Ukor, K. P., Esi, E. O., & Chukwusa, F. O. (2025): Depiction of Aquifer Potential and Vulnerability Mapping: A Case Study of Delta North, Southern Part of Nigeria, Using Geophysical Approach. Discovery Nature, Vol. 2, pp. 1-16

Freeze, R. A. and Cherry, J. A. (1979). Groundwater. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Henriet, J. P. (1976). Direct applications of the Dar-Zarrouk parameters in groundwater surveys. Geophysical Prospecting, 24, 344–353.

Ibuot, J. C., Akpabio, G. T. and George, N. J. (2013). A survey of repository of groundwater potential and distribution using geoelectrical resistivity method in Itu L.G.A., Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. Central European Journal Geoscience, 5(4), 538- 554. https://doi.org/10.2478/s13533-012-0152-5

Keller, G.V. and Frischknecht, F.C. (1966). Electrical Methods in Geophysical Prospecting. Pergamon Press, Oxford.

Kearey, P., Brooks, M. and Hill, I. (2002). An introduction to geophysical exploration, 3rd edn. Blackwell Science Ltd Editorial Offices, Oxford.

Laouini, G., Sunday, E. E. and Okechukwu, E. A. (2017) Delineation of aquifers using Dar Zarrouk parameters in parts of Akwa Ibom, Niger Delta. Nigeria. Journal of Hydrogeology and Hydrology Engineering, 6(1):1–8.

Loke, M. H. (1999). A practical guide to 2D and 3D surveys. In: Electrical imaging surveys for environmental and engineering studies. Course note, 1, pp 8–10

Ma’aji, A. A., Olanrewaju, A. I., Onifade Y. S. and Bello, R. (2024). Evaluation of Radon Concentration in Soil Sample from Boreholes in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics (NJP). Volume 33(1). https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v33i1.2024.205

Maillet, R. (1947). The fundamental equations of electrical prospecting. Geophysics, 12(4):529–556. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1437342

Murat, R. C. (1970). In: TFJ Dessauvagie and AJ Whiteman (eds), African Geology Ibadan Univ. Press, Ibadan, 251-268

Obiora, D. N., Ibuot, J. C. and George, N. J. (2016). Evaluation of aquifer potential, geoelectric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North, southeastern Nigeria, using geoelectric sounding. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.13:435–444 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-015-0886-y

Odunayo T.O. Ike, J.C., Nwokeabia, C. N.C. (2024). Integrated geophysical and GIS approaches for groundwater potential assessment: A case study of Aladja, Delta State, Nigeria. Water Practice & Technology, 19(10), 4282-4298.

Ogholaja, R. E., Akpoyibo, O., Vwavware, O. J. and Chukwusa, F. O. (2025). Application of Dipole-Dipole Electrical Resistivity for Subsurface Probing Within Golf Club Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Nigerian Journal of Theoretical and Environmental Physics, njtep.nipngr.org. Volume 3(1), pp. 1-9.

Ojo, O. T., Chiaka, I. J. and Nwokeabia, C. N. (2024). Integrated geophysical and GIS approaches for groundwater potential assessment: A case study of Aladja, Delta State, Nigeria. Water Practice & Technology, 19(10), 4282-4298.

Oladapo, M. I. and Akintorinwa, O. J. (2007). Hydrogeophysical study of Ogbese, southwestern. Nigeria Global Jouranl Pure Applied Sciences, 13(1):55–56

Olobaiyi, S. B, Ogban, F. E., Ejechi, B. O. and Ugbe, F. C. (2007). Quality of groundwater In Delta State, Nigeria. Journal of Environment and Hydrology, 15(1);1-10.

Olorunfemi, M. O., Ojo, J. S. and Akintunde, M. O. (1999). Hydrogeophysical evaluation of the groundwater potentials of the Akure metropolis. Journal Mining Geology, 35:207–228

Olorunfemi, M. O. and Fasuyi, S. A. (1993). Aquifer types and the geoelectric/hydrogeologic characteristics of part of the central basement terrain of Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 16(3), 309–317.

Oloruntola, M. O., Bayewu, O. O. and Mosuro, G. O. (2017). Groundwater occurrence and aquifer vulnerability assessment of Magodo Area, Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria. Arab J Geosci 10:110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-017-2914-3

Omosuyi, G. O., Ojo, J. S. and Olorunfemi, M. O. (2008). Geoelectric Sounding to Delineate Shallow Aquifer in the Coastal Plain Sands of Okitipupa Area, Southwestern Nigeria. Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 9(2): 562-577

Onifade, Y. S., Olaseni, V. B., and Chukwusa, F. O. (2023). Delineation of Subsurface Lithology and Aquifers in Kajola Town, Ondo State Using Geoelectrical Resistivity Techniques, Discovery Scientific Society Journal, Vol. 59, Issue 327, pp.1-11.

Opara, A. I., Edward, O. O. I., Eyankware, M. O., Akakuru, O. C., Oli, I. C. and Udeh, H. M. (2022). Use of geo electric data in the determination of groundwater potentials and vulnerability mapping in the southern Benue Trough Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-022-04485-1

Oteri, A. U. and Atolagbe, F. P. (2003). Saltwater Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers in Nigeria. The Second International Conference on Saltwater Intrusion and Coastal Aquifers.

Oteri, A. U. (1990). Delineation of sea water intrusion in a coastal beach ridge of Forcados. Journal of Mining Geology, 26(2):225–229

Short, K. C. and Stauble, A. J. (1967). Outline of Geology of Niger Delta. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petr. Geol. 54(5):761-779

Sunday, I. O., Wasiu, O. O., Saleh, S. A., Eyankware, M. O. and Chukwusa, F. O. (2025): Application of High-Resolution aeromagnetic data for determination of depth to magnetic sources using source parameter imaging in Niger State, Nigeria. World News of Natural Sciences. Vol. 61, Issue 2, pp. 199-214.

Suneetha, N. and Gupta, G. (2018). Evaluation of groundwater potential and saline water intrusion using secondary geophysical parameters: A case study from western Maharashtra, India. E3S Web of Conferences. 54:00033. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf /20185400033

Todd, D. K. and Mays, L. W. (2004). Groundwater hydrology. John Wiley & Sons, Technology & Engineering. Page 146-157. ISBN: 0471059374, 9780471059370. Edition 3.

Umayah, O. S. and Eyankware, M. O. (2022). Aquifer evaluation in southern parts of Nigeria fromgeo-electrical derived parameters. World News of Natural Science. 42; 28-43.

Warmate, T. (2016). Aquifer assessment in part of Niger Delta. Journal Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies, 2(12): 1220–1225

Yungul, S. H. (1996). Electrical methods in geophysical exploration of sedimentary basins. Chapman & Hill, London.

Zohdy, A. A. R., Eaton, G. P. and Mabey, D. R. (1974). Application of surface geophysics to groundwater investigations. United State Geophysical Survey, Washington.

Published

2026-08-01

How to Cite

Chukwusa, F. O., Onifade, Y. S., Olaseni, V. B., & Eyankware, M. O. (2026). Application of Geoelectric and Hydrogeological Methods in Delineation of Aquifer Potential and Protective Capacity in Parts of Asaba Metropolis, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(4), 220-235. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i4.2026.673

How to Cite

Chukwusa, F. O., Onifade, Y. S., Olaseni, V. B., & Eyankware, M. O. (2026). Application of Geoelectric and Hydrogeological Methods in Delineation of Aquifer Potential and Protective Capacity in Parts of Asaba Metropolis, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(4), 220-235. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i4.2026.673