JASEM ISSN 1119-8362 Full-text Available Online at J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Mgt.

2005
All rights reserved www.bioline.org.br/ja Vol. 9 (1) 157 - 160

Geoelectric investigation of the aquifer characteristics and groundwater potential in

Kwale, Delta state, Nigeria

OSEJI J O; ATAKPO E A; *OKOLIE E C

Department of Physics, Delta State University Abraka

ABSTRACT: Subsurface geo-electrical survey using the electrical resistivity (VES) method and drillers logs were
carried out in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State in order to investigate the aquifer
characteristics and ground water potential of the subsurface formations. Nineteen vertical electrical soundings were
carried out within the town and its environment using the Schlumberger array configuration. The data was interpreted
using the conventional curve matching and computer iteration method. The results reveal a five layer HKH, KQH and
AKH type curves. The true resistivity of the top soil varies from 55-236m while the thickness varies from 0.7-1.0m.
The second layer has resistivity ranging from 37-627 and thickness ranging from 1.3-3.6m. This layer is composed of
clay to sand. The third layer, which constitutes an aquifer, has resisitivity varying from 2.7 to 411m while the
thickness varies from 4-17m. It is composed of fine-grained sand. The fourth geoelectric layer has resistivity values
ranging from 114 to 168m while the thickness varies form 15 to 35m. This layer is composed of fine to medium-
grained sand. The soft layer has resistivity ranging from 326-2308m. This layer is composed of medium coarse-
grained soil and it constitutes an aquifer of very good quality groundwater. The average depth of this aquifer is between
30-40m. These results were correlated with lithological logs from boreholes drilled in the study areas and were found to
be consistent. @JASEM

In the past, residence of Kwale depended on the
slow-running River Niger for their domestic water
needs but today increased activities from companies
have drastically polluted the river and rendered it
unfit for use. Unfortunately, this is the only available
source despite increased demand for potable water in
Kwale due to increase in population within the last
few years. However, with recent technological
development groundwater is the choice for domestic
and industrial use. A better knowledge of the aquifer
formation and characteristics (confined or
unconfined) in this area is therefore important so as
to ascertain whether the aquifer is prone to
contamination or not. To achieve this, hydro-
geological and geophysical studies were necessary in
the study area. Hence the study was carried out to
establish a baseline geophysical data and
hydrological characteristics using the vertical
electrical sounding method and lithological logs of
the area. The vertical electrical method was chosen
for this study because the instrumentation is simple,
field logistics are easy and straight forward while the
analysis of data is less tedious and economical Zhody
et al , (1974), Ekine and Osobonye, (1996), and Ako and Olorunfemi
(1989). The resisitivity technique was successfully
used in investigating groundwater potential in
different geological settings. Emenike (2000) also
used this method to explore for groundwater in a
sedimentary environment. The geophysical data
obtained and the analyses were correlated with
groundwater lithological logs from ten boreholes in
the study area.
*Corresponding author
Geology Of The Study Area:The study area, Kwale is
located in Ndokwa West L.G.A of Delta State. It is
underlain by the continental sands of the Benin
formation. The geology of the Niger Delta has been
extensively described by several authors including,
Akpokodje and, Etu-Efetobor (1987), Short and
Stauble (1965), Asseez (1976). The subsurface
sedimentary sequence has been subdivided into three
stratigraphic units.-the Benin, Agbada and Akata
formations (Kogbe and Asseez (1979). The Benin
formation consists of sand, gravely sand, sandy clay
and clay intercalations. The formation is known for
its high aquifer potential. The lithological units of
this area are generally composed of sands and clayey
sand. The area has a flat topography and is situated
by the bank of river Niger. It is thickly populated and
of high economic importance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The electrical resisitivity method was used for the
investigation. A total of nineteen VES stations were
surveyed in the study area. Four VES stations were
established and surveyed in Ishiukpo quarter while
three VES stations were established and surveyed in
each of the following quarters; Ogbe-Uku, Alama-
Ossai, Ogbe-Akala, Ogbe- Utim and Ogbe-Ovili, The
resisitivities of the layers were measured using the
ABEM SAS 300 terrameter and SAS 2000 Booster.
The schlumberger electrode configuration having a
maximum current electrode spread of 500m was
used. The apparent resisitivity values obtained from
the measurement were plotted against half the current
electrode spacing on a log-log graph in order to
determine the apparent resisitivities and thicknesses
 Geoelectric investigation 158
of the layers. The curves were interpreted thicknesses obtained from the partial curve matching
quantitatively by matching small segments of the results were used for computer iteration using the
field curves using two-layer model curves and the resist software Vander, (1988).
corresponding auxiliary curves. The resistivities and

Table 1: Resistivities, Layer Thickness and Curve Types of Selected Ves Stations.
VES STATION LAYER RESISTIVITIES m THICKNESS (m) CURVE TYPE
1 55 0.7
2 37 1.3
1 3 337 6.6 > < > <
4 123 16.3 HKH 1 3
2 4 5
5 1029 -
1 217 0.7
2 165 1.4
3 3 411 3.6 > < > <
4 114 141 HKH 1 2 3 4 5
5 2308 -
1 96 0.8
2 73 1.7 > < > <
6 3 387 17.3 1 2 3 4 5
4 166 38.0 HKH
5 625 -
1 283 0.5
2 627 1.6 < > > <
9 3 313 5.9 1 2 3 4 5
4 156 30.9 KQH
5 1138 -
1 236 0.9
2 367 3.0 < > > <
12 3 217 7.6 1 2 3 4 5
4 164 17.1 KQH
5 326 -
1 36 0.8
2 40 3.6
17 3 301 12.9 < < > <
4 168 32.9 AKH 1 2 3 4 5
5 1142 -

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The resistivities, thickness and curve types from the interpreted sounding curves of randomly selected VES
stations from each of the Quarters studied are as shown in table 1. From the table, VES 1, 3 and 6 are five layer
HKH type curves, while VES 9 and 12 are five layer KQH type curves. VES 17 is a five layer AKA type curve.
The interpreted curves are presented as geo-electric section (Fig. 1). The first geoelectric layer corresponds to
the top soil with resistivity ranging from 55-236m reflecting the various compositions and moisture constant
of the top soil. It is composed of clay, fine sand and decomposed organic materials. The thickness varies from
0.7-1.0m.

The second geoelectric layer of VES 1, 2, 6 and 17 has resistivity ranging form 37-73m and thickness ranging
from 1.3-3.6m. The resistivity is diagnostic of clayey layer. This may act as a confining layer however because
of the small clay thickness, it may be susceptible to pollution. The resistivity of the second layer of VES 9 and
12 ranges from 367-627m and the thickness ranges from 1.6-3.0m. This layer is composed of fine sand and
does not act as a confining layer. The third geoelectric layer has resistivity ranging from 217 to 411m and
thickness ranging from 4-17m. It is composed of fine-grained sand. This layer constitutes the first aquifer. The
fourth geoelectric layer has resistivity value ranging from 114 to 168m and thicknesses from 15 to 35m. This
layer is composed of fine to medium grain sand with little clay and iron content. The fifth geoelectric layer has
resistivity ranging from 326-2308m. The thickness of this layer is not defined since it is the last layer. This
layer consists of medium to coarser grained sand which constitutes an aquifer of very good quality groundwater.
The average depth of this aquifer is between 30-40m. The VES interpretations correlate well with information
from borehole lithologic logs obtained in the study area (Fig.2).

Oseji et al
 Geoelectric investigation 159

Bore
hole 1 VES 1 VES 3 VES 6 VES 9 VES 12 VES 17 Bore
hole 2

37 m 165 m 73 m 627 m 367 m 40 m

10 411 m 387 m 313 m 217 m 301 m
337 m
10
20
20
956 m
114 m 20
123 m 164 m

168 m
30
166 m
30
30
326 m LEGEND
2308 m 1138 m Topsoil
40
1029 m Fine Sand
sand Fine-medium

50 1142 m Clay
Silty
625 m Coarse
60
FIG 1 : GEOELECTRIC SECTION OF STUDY

Depth [m]
Depth [m]
LATERITIC SOIL
3 LITHOLOGY LATERITIC SOIL
FINE GRAINED SAND 3
6 FINE GRAINED SAND
MEDIUM GRAINED 6
9 VERY FINE MEDIUM GRAINED SAND
9
MEDIUM GRAINED
12 12
MEDIUM GRAINED FINE GRAINED SAND
15 15
MEDIUM GRAINED CLAYEY SAND
18
18 FINE GRAINED SAND
FINE GRAINED SAND 21
21
FINE GRAINED SAND
24
MEDIUM GRAINED SAND
24 FINE GRAINED SAND
27
FINE GRAINED SAND COARSE GRAINED SAND
27 30
FINE GRAINED SAND
30
FINE GRAINED SAND FIG.2b: BOREHOLE LITHOLOGY KWALE VES 2
33
FIG.2a: BOREHOLE LITHOLOGY KWALE VES 1

Oseji et al
 Geoelectric investigation
Conclusion: The results of the interpreted data and
the lithologic logs from boreholes indicate five geo-
electric layers, which are not confined. The second
layer, which may act as a confining bed, is not thick
enough so in the event of pollution the ground water
may occur. From the study, it is recommended that
boreholes are drilled to 30-34m to harness potable
water within the 2nd aquifer.
REFERENCES
Ako, A O; Olorunfemi, M O (1989): Geoelectric
survey for groundwater in the Newer Basalts
of Vom Plateau State. Nig Journal of Mining
and Geology Vol 25 (1& 2) pp 247-450.
Akpokodje, E U; Etu-Efetobor, J O (1967): The
occurrence and economic potential of clean
sand deposits of the Niger Delta. Journal of
African Earth Sciences Vol 1 pp 61-65
Ekine, A S; Osobonye, (1996): Surface Geo-electric
sounding for the determination of Aquifer
characteristics in parts of Bonny Local
Government Area of River State. Nigeria
Journal of Physics Vol. 85, pp 93 97.
Oseji et al
160
Etu- Efeotor, J O; Akpokodje, E G (1990): Aquifer
systems of the Niger Delta. Nigerian Journal
of Mining Geology Vol 26 (2) pp 279-284.
Kogbe, L A (1981): Geology of Nigeria. Rock view
(Nig) Ltd. Jos pp 235-335.
Short, K C; Stauble, A J (1967): Outline of Geology
of Niger Delta. American Association of
petroleum Geologist Vol. 51 No 5 pp. 761-
779.
Vander, V (1988): RESIST ITL MBL Research
Project
Zhody, A R; Eaton, G I; Masay, D R (1974):
Application of Subsurface Geophysics to
Groundwater investigation. Technical Water
Resources Investigation, Washington
Geological Survey No 2401-2543.