DELINEATION OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIALS USING DAR ZARROUK PARAMETERS IN OTUKPO AND ENVIRONS, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Water shortage is a major challenge to inhabitants of Otukpo and its environs for decades especially during dry season period. Geophysical survey was carried out to delineate the groundwater potential of the study area using Dar-Zarrouk Parameters to determine possible areas of drilling boreholes. A total of thirty (30) Vertical Electrical Soundings were carried out using Schlumberger array of electrode configuration with maximum electrode spacing, AB/2 = 215m. The field data were analyzed using interperx 1x1-D computer software. The results show that the aquifer longitudinal conductance value ranges from 0.112Ω-1 to 2.52Ω-1 with mean value of 1.12Ω-1. Similarly, the transverse resistance value ranges from 1047.35Ωm2 to 18468.52Ωm2 with mean value of 3945.66Ωm2. Additionally, the transmissivity ranges from 41.79m2/day to 1231.94m2/day with mean value of 522.58m2/day. Furthermore, the hydraulic conductivities of the aquifers range from 7.63m/day to 234.26m/day with mean value of 36.02m/day. Classification of groundwater potential on the basis of transmissivity reveals that 50% of the aquifer has high underground water potential, 40% has moderate underground water potential while the remaining 10% has low underground water potential. Considering the results obtained, the location of establishments which are sources of underground water contamination should be discouraged in areas of moderate aquifer protective capacities. It is, therefore, recommended that for economic and environmental considerations, predrilling investigation should be carried out in the study area.
Authors : Ankidawa, B.A., Omepa, C., Seli, A.B., Kabiru, M.W., Dennis, Y.B., Vanke, I. and Ibrahim, S.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 9(1) Date Uploaded : 6th August 2023