Geophysical and Physicochemical Investigation of Leachate Plume Distribution and Its Impact on Groundwater Resources in Some Parts of Nasarawa State

Authors

Keywords:

Groundwater contamination, Leachate plume, Electrical resistivity, VES, Physicochemical analysis, Dumpsites, Nasarawa State

Abstract

Groundwater contamination resulting from indiscriminate waste disposal has become a major environmental and public health concern in many developing countries, especially where groundwater serves as the primary source of domestic water supply. This study assessed the impact of leachate migration from selected dumpsites in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, on groundwater quality and subsurface conditions using an integrated geophysical and physicochemical approach. The research focused on delineating leachate plumes, evaluating groundwater contamination, and examining the hydrogeological implications of dumpsite activities. The methodology combined reconnaissance surveys, electrical resistivity investigations, and laboratory analysis of groundwater samples. Geophysical surveys involved Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger array and two-dimensional (2D) resistivity imaging. Ten VES stations were established across Nasarawa Toto, Lafia Site 1, and Lafia Site 2, including control locations situated away from the dumpsites. Groundwater samples collected from boreholes were analyzed for physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations. The geophysical results revealed extensive low-resistivity anomalies associated with leachate-contaminated zones in the shallow subsurface. Resistivity values within contaminated topsoil and sandy clay layers ranged from 3.7 to 52.7 Ωm, whereas control locations recorded higher values between 52.3 and 123.9 Ωm, indicating relatively uncontaminated conditions. The contamination was mainly restricted to depths of 0–18.1 m, with evidence of lateral migration through permeable sandy clay formations. Lafia Site 2 exhibited the highest level of contamination, characterized by an extremely low resistivity value of 3.7 Ωm, while Lafia Site 1 showed deeper contaminant penetration due to highly permeable subsurface materials. The presence of fresh basement rocks with resistivity values exceeding 1000 Ωm acted as barriers to deeper contaminant movement. Water quality analysis confirmed significant groundwater deterioration near the dumpsites. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals, including cadmium, lead, nickel, cobalt, manganese, chromium, and copper, exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits in several locations. High levels of nitrate,...

Dimensions

Adedinni, M. O., Arogundade, A. B., Ore, O. T., Adenika, C. I., Adebayo, A. S., Akinlade, G. O., Awoyemi, M. O., & Oyekunle, J. A. O. (2023). Geophysical and geochemical study of the contaminant impact of Oke-Tage solid waste dumpsite, Southwestern Nigeria. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 4704–4704. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31948-3

Adelusi, A. O., Akinlalu, A. A., & Adebayo, S. S. (2013). Geophysical and hydrochemistry methods for mapping groundwater contamination around Aule area, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria. International Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, 5(7), 442-451.

Adeniji, A., Obiora, D. N., Omonona, O. V., & Ayuba, R. (2013). Geoelectrical evaluation of groundwater potentials of Bwari basement area, Central Nigeria. International Journal of the Physical Sciences, 8(25), 1350–1361. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijps2013.3951

Adesina, A., & Omosuyi, G. O. (2005). Goeelectric investigation of bedrock structures in the mini-campus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria and the geotechnical significance. Nigeria Journal of Pure and Applied Physics, 4, 32-40.

Adewole, T. (2009). Waste management towards sustainable development in Nigeria: A case study of Lagos state. International NGO Journal, 4(4): 173– 179.

Afolagboye, L. O., Ojo, A. A., & Talabi, A. O. (2020). Evaluation of soil contamination status around a municipal waste dumpsite using contamination indices, soil-quality guidelines, and multivariate statistical analysis. SN Applied Sciences, 2(11). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-03678-y

Ahmad, W., Alharthy, R. D., Zubair, M., Ahmed, M., Hameed, A., & Rafique, S. (2021). Toxic and heavy metals contamination assessment in soil and water to evaluate human health risk. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94616-4

Ajibade, O. S. & Ajayi, I.R. (1999). Environmental gamma radiation levels of some areas of Ekiti and Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Nig. J. of Phys., 11: 17-21.

Akaamaa, W. W., Onoja, S. B., Nwakonobi, T. U., & Udochukwu, M. O. (2023). Hydro-geochemical and quality assessment of groundwater from sedimentary formation in the Middle Benue trough. Nigeria International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, 8(1), 213-229.

Akinlalu, A. A., Olowe, O. S., Afolabi, D. O., & Aladejana, O. O. (2025). Data driven frequency ratio modeling for iron-ore exploration using aster and aeromagnetic datasets in parts of Nasarawa, Northcentral Nigeria. Discover Geoscience, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44288-025-00202-w

Ako, B. D., Adeniyi, F. I. & Adepoju, J. F. (1990). Statistical tests and chemical quality of shallow groundwater from a metamorphic terrain, IleIfe/Modakeke, South-West. Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 10(4): 603–613. https://doi.org/10.1016/0899-5362(90)90027-C

Aliyu, M., Ojo, A. O., & Olorunfemi, M. O. (2016). Geoelectrical And Hydrogeochemical Characterisation Of The Basement Complex Aquifers In The Area Around The Abuja City Centre, Nigeria.

Anjali, Singh, R. P., Agarwal, A., Singh, J., & Gangwar, R. K. (2026). A Review on Impact of Improper Solid Waste Disposal on Groundwater Contamination near Landfill Sites. Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18671541

Ariyo, Omosanya, & Oshinloye. (2013). Electrical resistivity imaging of contaminant zone at Sotubo dumpsite along Sagamu-Ikorodu Road, Southwestern Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 7(5), 312–320. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajest13.1479

Ariyo, S. O., Adegoke, S., Bayewu, O. O., Ishola, S., & Alaka, A. O. (2024). Delineating Leachate Plume Migration at the Alaro Municipal Dumpsite using Electrical Resistivity Imaging. Research Square (Research Square). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4546856/v1

Bello, H. I., Alhassan, U. D., Salako, K. A., Rafiu, A. A., Adetona, A. A., & Shehu, J. (2019). Geoelectrical investigation of groundwater potential, at Nigerian Union of Teachers Housing estate, Paggo, Minna, Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0922-z

Black, R. R., Caby, R., Moussine-Pouchkine, A., Bayer, R., Bertrand, J.M., Boullier, A.M., Fabre, J., & Lesquer, A. (1979). Evidence for Late Precambrian plate tectonics in West Africa. Nature, 278, 223 – 227.

Boateng, T. K., Opoku, F., & Akoto, O. (2019). Heavy metal contamination assessment of groundwater quality: a case study of Oti landfill site, Kumasi. Applied Water Science, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0915-y

Boretti, A., & Rosa, L. (2019). Reassessing the projections of the World Water Development Report. Npj Clean Water, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-019-0039-9

Bosede, O., Osotuyi, A. G., Olaiya, B. T., Salako, A. O., Schulman, J., & Omoniyi, A. R. (2023). Geoelectric Signatures From A Leachate Plume Mapped From A Basement Complex Terrain In Akure, Nigeria. Open Journal of Physical Science (ISSN 2734-2123), 4(2), 13–29. https://doi.org/10.52417/ojps.v4i2.519

Chandra, S., Auken, E., Maurya, P. K., Ahmed, S., & Verma, S. K. (2019). Large Scale Mapping of Fractures and Groundwater Pathways in Crystalline Hardrock By AEM. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 398–398. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-36153-1

Chiazor, S. N.-C., Okanigbuan, Ibrahim, O. I., Adeoye, A., Tobi, O., & Onugba, A. (2024). Hydrogeophysical Investigation for Groundwater Development in the Crystalline Terrain of Ohaganyi Area of Lokoja, North-Central, Nigeria. In Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4690498/v1

Chukwudi, C. E., & Shukwunweizu, M. A. M. (2023). Using vertical electrical sounding and 2D resistivity tomography to investigate Osogbo central waste dumpsite, Osun State, Nigeria. International Journal of the Physical Sciences, 18(1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijps2022.5020

Chungam, B., Vinitnantharat, S., & Wangyao, K. (2022). Evaluation of the Proper Electrode Spacingfor ERI Surveys in Open DumpsitesUsing Forward Modeling. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 32(1), 535–545. https://doi.org/10.15244/pjoes/155969

Donno, G. D., Melegari, D., Paoletti, V., & Piegari, E. (2025). An integrated study of hard and soft cluster analyses for detecting leachate in a MSW landfill site using geoelectrical data. Waste Management, 195, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2025.01.034

Ejepu, J. S., & Olasehinde, P. I. (2014). Groundwater Potential Evaluation in the Crystalline Basement of Gidan Kwano Campus, Federal University of Technology, Minna, North-Central Nigeria Using Geoelectric Methods. Universal Journal of Geoscience, 2(4), 123–132. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujg.2014.020403

Ekwok, S. E., Akpan, A. E., Kudamnya, E. A., & Ebong, E. D. (2020). Assessment of groundwater potential using geophysical data: a case study in parts of Cross River State, south-eastern Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 10(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-01224-0

Esteban, E., Calvo, E., & Albiac, J. (2021). Ecosystem Shifts: Implications for Groundwater Management. Environmental and Resource Economics, 79(3), 483–510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10640-021-00569-7

Farouq, A. U., Mallam, A., & Osagie, A. U. (2025). Hydrogeological Evaluation of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), 2178–2178. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1302

Ganiyu, S. A., Badmus, B. S., Oladunjoye, M. A., Aizebeokhai, A. P. & Olurin, O. T. (2015). Delineation of leachate plume migration using electrical resistivity imaging on lapite dumpsite in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Geosciences, 5(2): 70– 80. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.geo.20150502.03

Ganiyu, S. A., Olutoki, J. O., Ajewole, O. O., & Bello, A. (2025). Characterization and Monitoring of Leachate Plume migration in Active Dumpsite within Basement Complex of Southwest Nigeria using Integrated Geophysical Methods. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 34(3), 174–188. https://doi.org/10.62292/10.62292/njp.v34i3.2025.441

Gunarathne, V., Phillips, A. J., Zanoletti, A., Rajapaksha, A. U., Vithanage, M., Maria, F. D., … Bontempi, E. (2023). [Review of Environmental pitfalls and associated human health risks and ecological impacts from landfill leachate contaminants: Current evidence, recommended interventions and future directions]. The Science of The Total Environment, 912, 169026–169026. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169026

Gutberlet, J., & Uddin, S. M. N. (2017). Household waste and health risks affecting waste pickers and the environment in low- and middle-income countries. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 23(4), 299–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/10773525.2018.1484996

Hasan, M. K., Shahriar, A., & Jim, K. U. (2019). Water pollution in Bangladesh and its impact on public health. Heliyon, 5(8).

Jasechko, S., Seybold, H., Perrone, D., Fan, Y., Shamsudduha, M., Taylor, R. G., … Kirchner, J. W. (2024). Rapid groundwater decline and some cases of recovery in aquifers globally. Nature, 625(7996), 715–721. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06879-8

Jia, Y., Pan, Y., Shang, H., Guo, X., Li, W., Li, H., & Shan, H. (2012). Three-Dimensional (3D) Dynamic Monitoring for an Underground Contamination Process Induced by Landfill Leakage. Environmental Forensics, 13(1), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/15275922.2011.643336

Kuang, X., Liu, J., Scanlon, B. R., Jiao, J. J., Jasechko, S., Lancia, M., … Zheng, C. (2024). The changing nature of groundwater in the global water cycle. Science, 383(6686). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adf0630

Lachassagne, P., Dewandel, B., & Wyns, R. (2021). Review: Hydrogeology of weathered crystalline/hard-rock aquifers—guidelines for the operational survey and management of their groundwater resources. Hydrogeology Journal, 29(8), 2561–2594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-021-02339-7

Lall, U., Josset, L., & Russo, T. A. (2020). A Snapshot of the World’s Groundwater Challenges. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 45(1), 171–194. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-102017-025800

Loáiciga, H. A., & Doh, R. (2023). Groundwater for People and the Environment: A Globally Threatened Resource. Ground Water, 62(3), 332–340. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.13376

Mohammed, A., & Ibrahim, A. (2014). Geo-Electrical Data Analysis to Demarcate Groundwater Pocket Zones In Kaltungo And Environes, Northeastern Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Applied Geology and Geophysic, 2(3), 43–50. https://doi.org/10.9790/0990-0234350

Mosuro, G. O., Omosanya, K. O., Bayewu, O. O., Oloruntola, M. O., Laniyan, T. A., Atobi, O., Okubena, M., Popoola, E. A., & Adekoya, F. (2016). Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to leachate infiltration using electrical resistivity method. Applied Water Science, 7(5), 2195–2207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-016-0393-4

Nwankwo, L., Olasehinde, P. I., & Osundele, O. (2013). Application of electrical resistivity survey for groundwater investigation in a basement rock region: A case study of Akobo - Ibadan, Nigeria. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.4314/ejesm.v6i2.2

Okunowo, O. O., Adeogun, O. Y., Ishola, K., & Alli, S. (2020). Delineation of leachate at a dumpsite using geo-electrical resistivity method: a case study of Abule Egba, Lagos, Nigeria. SN Applied Sciences, 2(12). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-03573-6

Okwesili, N., Yakubu, J. A., & Ossai, N. M. (2024). Aerogravity Data Anomalies Investigation Within Lafia And Akiri Areas, Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria Employing Forward And Inverse Modelling Technique. Earth Science Malaysia, 8(2), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.26480/esmy.02.2024.143.150

Olayinka, A.I. & Olorunfemi, M.O. (1992) Determination of Geoelectric Characteristics in Okene Area and Implications for Borehole Siting. Journal of Mining and Geology, 28, 403-411.

Olayinka, K. O., & Alo, B. I. (2004). Studies on industrial pollution in Nigeria: The effect of textile effluents on the quality of groundwater in some parts of Lagos. Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences, 3(1), 44-50.

Oni, A. G., Agunbiade, O. J., Oluwawemimo, M. A., Kolawole, S. I., & Ayowole-Obi, A. O. (2023). Resistivity measurements and water quality analysis for the assessment of the impact of Ile-Oluji waste dumpsite in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria, on the environment. In Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2665887/v1

Oyawoye, M. O. (1972). The basement complex of Nigeria. In T.F.J. Dessauvagie and A.J. Whiteman (eds). African Geology, Ibadan, 66 – 102.

Ozoko, D. C., Onyekwelu, I. L., & Aghamelu, O. P. (2022). Multivariate and health risks analysis of heavy metals in natural water sources around Enugu dumpsite, southeastern Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 12(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-022-01746-9

Pandey, L. M. S., & Shukla, S. K. (2017). Detection of leachate contamination in Perth landfill base soil using electrical resistivity technique. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 13(3), 249–260. https://doi.org/10.1080/19386362.2017.1339763

Pokhrel, Y., Hanasaki, N., Wada, Y., & Kim, H. (2016). Recent progresses in incorporating human land–water management into global land surface models toward their integration into Earth system models. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Water, 3(4), 548–574. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1150

Raji, W. O., & Adeoye, T. O. (2016). Geophysical mapping of contaminant leachate around a reclaimed open dumpsite. Journal of King Saud University - Science, 29(3), 348–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2016.09.005

Siddiqua, A., Hahladakis, J. Ν., & Al-Attiya, W. A. K. A. (2022). [Review of An overview of the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling and open dumping]. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(39), 58514–58536. Springer Science+Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-21578-z

Song, S. Y., Kim, B., Jeong, J., Park, S., & Nam, M. J. (2023). 4D interpretation of time-lapse electrical resistivity monitoring data to identify preferential flow path in a landfill, South Korea. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(5), 625–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11149-1

Uneke, L. A., Paulinus, A. P., Ayagere, S., & State, R. (2015). Modeling Longitudinal Movement of Leachate in Soils by Means of Electrical Resistivity and Moisture Content. American Journal of Environmental Engineering, 5(5), 141–145. http://www.sapub.org/global/showpaperpdf.aspx?doi=10.5923/j.ajee.20150505.02

Published

2026-08-05

How to Cite

Emmanuel, P. A., Olugbenga, A. T., & Farouq Ado Umar, F. A. U. (2026). Geophysical and Physicochemical Investigation of Leachate Plume Distribution and Its Impact on Groundwater Resources in Some Parts of Nasarawa State. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(4), 263-291. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i4.2026.689

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 4 (2026): Nigerian Journal of Physics - Vol. 35 No. 4

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Paul Amade Emmanuel, Adeeko Tajudeen Olugbenga, Farouq Ado Umar Farouq Ado Umar

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Emmanuel, P. A., Olugbenga, A. T., & Farouq Ado Umar, F. A. U. (2026). Geophysical and Physicochemical Investigation of Leachate Plume Distribution and Its Impact on Groundwater Resources in Some Parts of Nasarawa State. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(4), 263-291. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i4.2026.689

Most read articles by the same author(s)