Hydrogeophysical Investigations for Groundwater Resources Sustainability in Parts of the Eastern Dahomey Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

Geophysical surveys including geoelectrical resistivity and time-domain induced polarization (IP) techniques have been conducted in Ota in Eastern Dahomey Basin. Thirty vertical electrical sounding (VES) profilings were conducted using a Schlumberger array with an AB/2 range of 180–240 m. Two profiles of 2D electrical resistivity imaging and IP surveys were conducted with Wenner array configuration. The delineated geoelectric layers are topsoil (lateritic clay), clayey sand, sandy clay, sand, and shale or clay units. Two aquifers were delineated in the area with the upper aquifer being a fine-to-medium sand and the lower aquifer of a poorly medium-to-coarse sand unit. The aquifer resistivity ranges are 347.4–411.4 https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> Ω m https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west 1.amazonaws.com/9781003454908/c35032d3-f666-459f-b1ca a1b405d5a7b1/content/C025_equ_0001.tif"/> and 104.5–143.3 https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> Ω m https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west 1.amazonaws.com/9781003454908/c35032d3-f666-459f-b1ca a1b405d5a7b1/content/C025_equ_0001.tif"/> for the upper and lower aquifer, respectively. The hydraulic parameters of both aquifers were estimated using established mathematical relations. The upper aquifer has porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity ranges of 19.1% 21.8%, 10.8 × 10−2 (m/s)–17.0 × 10−2 (m/s), and 1.49–2.4 (m2/s), while the lower aquifer unit has porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity values of 43%–55%, 248 × 10−2–782 × 10−2 (m/s), and 34.72–101.66 (m2/s). High hydraulic parameters in the two aquifers are important for sustainable groundwater development, ensuring efficient use and protection of this vital resource. Their significance extends to promoting regional economic growth by supporting agriculture, industries, and tourism. Mapping faults in the area highlights the need for hydrogeological modeling to discern their impact on aquifer parameters, vital for precise resource management, and predicting potential effects on availability and quality.