RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RJPST )

E-ISSN 2579-0536
P-ISSN 2695-2696
VOL. 7 NO. 4 2024
DOI: 10.56201/rjpst.v7.no4.2024.pg35.55


Topographical Influence on Groundwater Recharge: A Combined Slope and Hydrogeophysical Study in Umuahia South, Nigeria

Odoh, Benard Ifeanyi, Nwokeabia, Charity Nkiru, Jude Chetanna Chukwuneke and Ibezue, Victoria Chiebonam


Abstract


Groundwater resources are crucial for sustaining domestic and agricultural activities in Umuahia South, Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. The region's topography and subsurface characteristics significantly influence groundwater recharge and distribution. This study analyzes the slope variations and hydrogeophysical properties to assess groundwater potential and management strategies. The study aims to evaluate the impact of topographical and subsurface parameters on groundwater potential, focusing on slope analysis and hydrogeophysical characteristics in Umuahia South. The study employs a combination of slope analysis and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to assess the area's groundwater potential. Slope analysis categorizes the terrain into five slope classes, while VES surveys examine apparent resistivity, aquifer depth, thickness, and associated hydrogeological parameters. The slope analysis reveals that the majority of the area has gentle slopes (1.87–3.49°), favorable for groundwater recharge. VES results indicate significant spatial variability in aquifer characteristics, with apparent resistivity ranging from 0.06 ?m to 10.70 ?m, depths from 17.61 m to 73.60 m, and aquifer thickness varying between 14.75 m and 45.00 m. High transmissivity at certain VES points suggests substantial groundwater potential, while lower values indicate areas with limited resources. The study highlights the correlation between slope and groundwater dynamics, where gentle slopes promote infiltration, enhancing recharge. The hydrogeophysical analysis underscores the heterogeneity of the subsurface, with varying aquifer characteristics influencing groundwater availability. The findings emphasize the need for targeted groundwater management strategies, particularly in areas with steep slopes and higher resistivity. Umuahia South exhibits favorable conditions for groundwater recharge, particularly in areas with low to moderate slopes. However,


keywords:

Aquifer characteristics, Groundwater recharge, Hydrogeophysical survey, Transmissivity,


References:


Abdulrazzaq, Z. T., Agbasi, O. E., Aziz, N. A., & Etuk, S. E. (2020). Identification of potential
groundwater locations using geophysical data and fuzzy gamma operator model in Imo,
Southeastern Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-
01264-6
Abija, F. A., & Nwankwoala, H. O. (2018). Characterization of Aquifers Using Geo-electrical
Methods in parts of Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. Sumerianz Journal of Scientific
Research, 1(1), 1–7. https://ideas.repec.org/a/sum/sjsrsm/2018p1-7.html
Adagunodo, T. A., Akinloye, M. K., Sunmonu, L. A., Aizebeokhai, A. P., Oyeyemi, K. D., &
Abodunrin, F. O. (2018). Groundwater Exploration in Aaba Residential Area of Akure,
Nigeria. Frontiers in Earth Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2018.00066
Ameh, M., Amadi, A. N., Unuevho, C. I., & Ejepu, J. S. (2020). Hydrogeophysical Investigation of
Groundwater Systems in Otukpo, Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. Journal of Chemical
Society of Nigeria, 45(5). https://doi.org/10.46602/jcsn.v45i5.525
Ashaolu, E. D., Olorunfemi, J. F., Ifabiyi, I. P., Abdollahi, K., & Batelaan, O. (2020). Spatial and
temporal recharge estimation of the basement complex in Nigeria, West Africa. Journal of
Hydrology Regional Studies, 27, 100658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2019.100658
Bassey, P., Lawrence, O., & Ailego, J. (2019). Geo-electrical Resistivity Evaluation of Groundwater
Potential at University Of Benin Ugbowo Campus, Benin-City, Edo State of Nigeria, Using
the Schlumberger Array. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 23(9),
https://doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v23i9.23
Ebenezer, O. K., & Martins, E. O. (2017). Geoelectrical Evaluation Of The Variation In The Spatial
Distribution Of Aquifers In The Basement Complex – A Case Study Of Laduga Community,
Kaduna State, North Central, Nigeria. IOSR Journal of Applied Geology and Geophysic,
05(04), 35–44. https://doi.org/10.9790/0990-0504013544
Ekanem, A. M., George, N. J., Thomas, J. E., & Nathaniel, E. U. (2019). Empirical Relations Between
Aquifer
Geohydraulic–Geoelectric
Properties
Derived
from
Surficial
Resistivity
Measurements in Parts of Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. Natural Resources Research,
29(4), 2635–2646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-019-09606-1
Eke, D. R., Opara, A. I., Inyang, G. E., Emberga, T. T., Echetama, H. N., Ugwuegbu, C. A., Onwe,
R. M., Onyema, J. C., & JC, C. (2015). Hydrogeophysical Evaluation and Vulnerability
Assessment of Shallow Aquifers of the Upper Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria.
American Journal of Environmental Protection, 3(4), 125–136. https://doi.org/10.12691/env-
3-4-3
Ezebunanwa, A. C., Eronin, J. I., Okorie, V., Mbagwu, E. C., & Uchenna, N. A. (2019). Facies
Analysis of Eocene Sediment of Umuahia Area, Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Geography
Environment
and
Earth
Science
International,
1–22.
https://doi.org/10.9734/jgeesi/2019/v23i430174
Ezema, O. K., Ibuot, J. C., & Obiora, D. N. (2020). Geophysical investigation of aquifer repositories
in Ibagwa Aka, Enugu State, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method. Groundwater for
Sustainable Development, 11, 100458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100458
Fagbohun, B. J., Olabode, O. F., Adebola, A. O., & Akinluyi, F. O. (2017). GIS-Based Sub-Basin
Scale Identification of Dominant Runoff Processes for Soil and Water Management in
Anambra Area of Nigeria. Contemporary Trends in Geoscience, 6(2), 80–93.
https://doi.org/10.1515/ctg-2017-0007
Harry, T., Asuaiko, E., Akata, N., & Akpan, N. (2020). Mapping Ground Water Potential Recharge
Zones in Parts of Akwa Ibom State Using Geographic Information System (G.I.S).
https://doi.org/10.7176/cer/12-2-08
Ibeh, C. U. (2020). Effect of changing groundwater level on shallow landslide at the basin scale: A
case study in the Odo basin of south eastern Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 165,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2020.103773
Igwe, O., Ifediegwu, S. I., & Onwuka, O. S. (2020). Determining the occurrence of potential
groundwater zones using integrated hydro-geomorphic parameters, GIS and remote sensing
in Enugu State, Southeastern, Nigeria. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 6(3).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-020-00397-5
Ijioma, U. D. (2021). Delineating the impact of urbanization on the hydrochemistry and quality of
groundwater wells in Aba, Nigeria. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 240, 103792.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103792
Iserhien-Emekeme, R. E., Ofomola, M. O., Ohwoghere-Asuma, O., Chinyem, F. I., & Anomohanran,
O. (2020). Modelling aquifer parameters using surficial geophysical techniques: a case study
of Ovwian, Southern Nigeria. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 7(4), 2297–2312.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-020-01030-2
Kudamnya, E. A., Edet, A., & Ekwere, A. S. (2021). Analysing principal components of
physiographic factors affecting groundwater occurrences within Keffi, North-Central Nigeria.
The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Science, 24(3), 665–674.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2021.08.005
Mohammed, I., & Taofiq, S. (2021). Geo-electric assessment for groundwater potential at permanent
site of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State North Western, Nigeria.
Global
Journal
of
Earth
and
Environmental
Science,
6(1),
14–26.
https://doi.org/10.31248/gjees2020.078
Ndubueze, D. N., Igboekwe, M. U., & Ebong, E. D. (2019). Assessment of Groundwater Potential in
Ehime Mbano, Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics, 7(3), 134–144.
https://doi.org/10.12691/jgg-7-3-4
Nebeokike, U. C., Igwe, O., Egbueri, J. C., & Ifediegwu, S. I. (2020). Erodibility characteristics and
slope stability analysis of geological units prone to erosion in Udi area, southeast Nigeria.
Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 6(2), 1061–1074. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-
020-00741-w
Ngah, S. A., & Eze, C. L. (2017). Typical Hydraulic Properties of Deep Aquifers of Niger Delta from
Pumping Test Data. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 05(11), 139–148.
https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2017.511010
Nwachukwu, S., Bello, R., & Balogun, A. O. (2019). Evaluation of groundwater potentials of Orogun,
South–South part of Nigeria using electrical resistivity method. Applied Water Science, 9(8).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-1072-z
Odunze-Akasiugwu, S. O., & Obi, G. C. (2017). Stratigraphic relations and habitat of the Bende fish
teeth,
southeastern
Nigeria.
Arabian
Journal
of
Geosciences,
10(11).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-017-3034-9
Oguama, B. E., Ibuot, J. C., Obiora, D. N., & Aka, M. U. (2019). Geophysical investigation of
groundwater potential, aquifer parameters, and vulnerability: a case study of Enugu State
College of Education (Technical). Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 5(3), 1123–
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-019-00595-x
Ogungbade, O., Ariyo, S. O., Alimi, S. A., Alepa, V. C., Aromoye, S. A., & Akinlabi, O. J. (2022). A
combined GIS, remote sensing and geophysical methods for groundwater potential
assessment of Ilora, Oyo central, Nigeria. Environmental Earth Sciences, 81(3).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10199-x
Ohwoghere-Asuma, O., Iserhien-Emekeme, R., Aweto, K. E., & Ofomola, M. O. (2020). Geophysical
investigation of resistivity and groundwater quality in Ogbe-Ijoh coastal area of the western
Niger Delta of Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-
1144-0
Okiongbo, K. S., & Akpofure, E. (2015). Hydrogeophysical Characterization of Shallow
Unconsolidated Alluvial Aquifer in Yenagoa and Environs, Southern Nigeria. Arabian
Journal for Science and Engineering, 41(6), 2261–2270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-015-
1827-2
Opara, A. I., Eke, D. R., Onu, N. N


DOWNLOAD PDF

Back