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Evaluation of aquifer potential, geoelectric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North, southeastern Nigeria, using geoelectric sounding

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Abstract

A geoelectric survey involving vertical electrical sounding (VES) employing Schlumberger electrode configuration was carried out with the aim of evaluating the aquifer potential, electric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North. Schlumberger electrode configuration was used to acquire data for twelve VES stations. The interpreted and analyzed results reveal four to six geoelectric layers. The VES curves obtained were QQH, QHK, QHA, QQQ, HAK, KHK, HKH and QQ. From the result, the Dar Zarrouk parameters (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance) were calculated. The longitudinal conductance ranges between 0.1528 and 4.6 mhos. The transverse resistance ranges between 662.4 and 38,808 Ωm2. The range of hydraulic conductivity is 1.1645–38.0491 m/day, while the range of transmissivity is 89.66–2100.3 m2/day from the estimated values. The contour maps were drawn using the electrical and hydraulic parameters, and the distribution of the aquifer parameters is shown. Based on the results, aquifer potential and protective capacity of the study area were determined.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to Dr. J. U. Chukudebelu, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Solomon Offiah, National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for their contributions and encouragement.

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Correspondence to D. N. Obiora.

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Obiora, D.N., Ibuot, J.C. & George, N.J. Evaluation of aquifer potential, geoelectric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North, southeastern Nigeria, using geoelectric sounding. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 13, 435–444 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-015-0886-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-015-0886-y

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