Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) in Mapping Oil Spill Contaminated Zones: A Comparative Software Analysis in Domuubonatom, B-Dere, Gokana, Ogoni, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Oil spill contamination remains a persistent environmental challenge in the Niger Delta, particularly in Ogoni, Rivers State, Nigeria, where hydrocarbon pollution has severely impacted soil and groundwater systems. This study applies Electrical Resistivity Tomography to delineate the spatial distribution of oil spill contamination in Domuubonatom, B- Dere, Gokana. Specifically, it investigates the vertical and horizontal dispersion of hydrocarbon plumes, maps highly contaminated zones, and compares the performance of two independent inversion software packages in plume delineation. ERT data were acquired along multiple traverses using the Wenner–Schlumberger array to ensure optimal depth penetration and lateral resolution. The datasets were processed and inverted using two industry-standard software tools to evaluate differences in imaging accuracy and resolution. Results reveal heterogeneous contaminant distribution, with deeper plume penetration observed in permeable sandy formations and lateral spreading in low-relief zones. While one software demonstrated superior vertical resolution, the other provided enhanced lateral continuity of plume structures. The comparative analysis underscores the importance of multi-software integration in improving interpretative reliability. The study highlights the effectiveness of ERT as a non- invasive tool for hydrocarbon contamination assessment and provides a robust framework for environmental monitoring and remediation planning in oil-impacted regions.

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