<p>Groundwater remains a vital source of potable water in many developing regions, particularly in areas such as Delta State, Nigeria, where surface water is often unreliable. Adequate characterisation of subsurface aquifers is essential for sustainable development. This study aimed to assess aquifer properties and their controlling factors using geoelectrical sounding and geospatial analysis. A total of 23 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were surveyed. Apparent resistivity, depth, and thickness were derived from interpreted VES curves, while transverse resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity were computed as Dar Zarrouk parameters. These were spatially analysed alongside slope and land use/land cover (LULC) data to evaluate aquifer distribution and recharge potential. Apparent resistivity ranged from 33.01 to 83.40 Ω·m, transmissivity varied between 8.06 and 14.60 m<sup>2</sup>/s, and aquifer thicknesses ranged from 13.00 to 22.10&#xa0;m. High-transmissivity zones were observed near VES 3, VES 10, and VES 2. Slope analysis revealed that low-gradient areas were more favourable for recharge, while LULC data indicated that forest and rangeland were the most favourable for infiltration. A clear correlation was observed between transmissivity and both surface slope and land cover. Areas with forested land and gentle terrain exhibited better groundwater recharge and transmission capacity. Conversely, steep slopes and built-up areas constrain infiltration. This study identifies priority zones for borehole development and provides a scientific basis for sustainable groundwater management. This work uniquely combines Dar Zarrouk parameters with slope and LULC spatial analysis to prioritise zones for groundwater exploitation in a sedimentary terrain.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Evaluating the spatial influence of topography and land use on aquifer transmissivity in sedimentary terrains of Delta State, Nigeria

  • J. E. Okonkwo,
  • O. E. Agbasi,
  • C. O. Igili

摘要

Groundwater remains a vital source of potable water in many developing regions, particularly in areas such as Delta State, Nigeria, where surface water is often unreliable. Adequate characterisation of subsurface aquifers is essential for sustainable development. This study aimed to assess aquifer properties and their controlling factors using geoelectrical sounding and geospatial analysis. A total of 23 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were surveyed. Apparent resistivity, depth, and thickness were derived from interpreted VES curves, while transverse resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity were computed as Dar Zarrouk parameters. These were spatially analysed alongside slope and land use/land cover (LULC) data to evaluate aquifer distribution and recharge potential. Apparent resistivity ranged from 33.01 to 83.40 Ω·m, transmissivity varied between 8.06 and 14.60 m2/s, and aquifer thicknesses ranged from 13.00 to 22.10 m. High-transmissivity zones were observed near VES 3, VES 10, and VES 2. Slope analysis revealed that low-gradient areas were more favourable for recharge, while LULC data indicated that forest and rangeland were the most favourable for infiltration. A clear correlation was observed between transmissivity and both surface slope and land cover. Areas with forested land and gentle terrain exhibited better groundwater recharge and transmission capacity. Conversely, steep slopes and built-up areas constrain infiltration. This study identifies priority zones for borehole development and provides a scientific basis for sustainable groundwater management. This work uniquely combines Dar Zarrouk parameters with slope and LULC spatial analysis to prioritise zones for groundwater exploitation in a sedimentary terrain.