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<p>This study explores the implications of aquifer properties for sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure planning in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, using geoelectrical techniques. A total of 27 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) curves and complementary Electrical Resistivity Tomography tomograms were jointly analyzed to derive primary and secondary geoelectric indices relevant to groundwater assessment. Key evaluated parameters, including bulk water resistivity (BWR), porewater resistivity, porosity, aquifer thickness, depth to aquifer, formation factor, tortuosity, hydraulic conductivity, permeability, and transmissivity—were normalized and visualized using a heatmap. To prioritize aquifer characteristics by WASH vulnerability, Pareto analysis and a Pairwise Comparison Matrix were applied. Permeability, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity emerged as the most critical indicators, followed by aquifer thickness, porosity, and proximity to surface water channels. While formation factor and tortuosity were secondary, they provided insights into aquifer filtration and flow dynamics. These parameters were integrated into a WASH suitability heatmap to guide strategic groundwater-based infrastructure development. Topography and sediment distribution significantly influenced aquifer behavior. Elevated terrains (56% of the area) served as recharge zones, marked by coarse sediments and higher resistivity that favor infiltration. In contrast, discharge zones (44%) were located in low-lying areas with finer sediments, higher ionic concentrations, and lower resistivity, raising water quality concerns. Hydraulic conductivity varied with landscape: loosely packed sediments in flat areas supported higher flow, whereas steeper, compact zones restricted it. High-yield locations (e.g., VES 10, 12, 13, and 18 station location area) exhibited favorable aquifer characteristics, high transmissivity, porosity, and permeability, indicating efficient groundwater flow and storage, making them suitable for borehole drilling, solar-powered pumps, and piped water systems in rural and peri-urban areas. Conversely, low-performing zones (e.g., VES 1, 7, 14, and 20 station location area) showed limited capacity, shallow or discontinuous layers, and elevated contamination risks, often reflected in low BWR values (&lt; 20 Ωm) due to salinity, waste infiltration, or proximity to river channels. In general, the study offers a replicable, cost-effective model for WASH-oriented groundwater planning. By integrating geophysical data with public health priorities, it supports resilient, inclusive, and evidence-based strategies for sustainable water supply development in coastal and riverine environments of the Niger Delta and similar regions.</p>

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Geoelectrical characterization of aquifer systems for sustainable WASH infrastructure development in coastal Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月1日

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  • Nyakno George,
  • Ifiok Udoinyang,
  • Aniekan Ekanem,
  • Ndifreke Udosen,
  • Jewel Thomas,
  • Emmanuel Agbo,
  • Eteng Ebri

摘要

This study explores the implications of aquifer properties for sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure planning in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, using geoelectrical techniques. A total of 27 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) curves and complementary Electrical Resistivity Tomography tomograms were jointly analyzed to derive primary and secondary geoelectric indices relevant to groundwater assessment. Key evaluated parameters, including bulk water resistivity (BWR), porewater resistivity, porosity, aquifer thickness, depth to aquifer, formation factor, tortuosity, hydraulic conductivity, permeability, and transmissivity—were normalized and visualized using a heatmap. To prioritize aquifer characteristics by WASH vulnerability, Pareto analysis and a Pairwise Comparison Matrix were applied. Permeability, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity emerged as the most critical indicators, followed by aquifer thickness, porosity, and proximity to surface water channels. While formation factor and tortuosity were secondary, they provided insights into aquifer filtration and flow dynamics. These parameters were integrated into a WASH suitability heatmap to guide strategic groundwater-based infrastructure development. Topography and sediment distribution significantly influenced aquifer behavior. Elevated terrains (56% of the area) served as recharge zones, marked by coarse sediments and higher resistivity that favor infiltration. In contrast, discharge zones (44%) were located in low-lying areas with finer sediments, higher ionic concentrations, and lower resistivity, raising water quality concerns. Hydraulic conductivity varied with landscape: loosely packed sediments in flat areas supported higher flow, whereas steeper, compact zones restricted it. High-yield locations (e.g., VES 10, 12, 13, and 18 station location area) exhibited favorable aquifer characteristics, high transmissivity, porosity, and permeability, indicating efficient groundwater flow and storage, making them suitable for borehole drilling, solar-powered pumps, and piped water systems in rural and peri-urban areas. Conversely, low-performing zones (e.g., VES 1, 7, 14, and 20 station location area) showed limited capacity, shallow or discontinuous layers, and elevated contamination risks, often reflected in low BWR values (< 20 Ωm) due to salinity, waste infiltration, or proximity to river channels. In general, the study offers a replicable, cost-effective model for WASH-oriented groundwater planning. By integrating geophysical data with public health priorities, it supports resilient, inclusive, and evidence-based strategies for sustainable water supply development in coastal and riverine environments of the Niger Delta and similar regions.