Determination of aquifer potentials of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and its environs using vertical electrical sounding (VES)

Abstract

Resistivity soundings have been carried out around the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and its environs, using the Schlumberger configuration. The major aim is to delineate potential aquifer zones for regional groundwater harvesting and further development. The geologic formations in the study area consist of a sequence of underlying Lower Coal Measures (Mamu), the Ajali formation and the upper coal measures (Nsukka formation). The Ajali formation, which is the most predominant in the sequence, consists of false-bedded poorly sorted sandstones. Twenty (20) vertical electrical soundings (VES) are taken with AB/2 = 500 m. The geoelectrical data analysis indicates the heterogenous nature of the aquifer with resistivity range between 2291.8 to 100,000 Wm. Assuming a homogeneous sandy aquifer, the average hydraulic conductivity (k) and transmissivity (Tr) distribution within the study area, are found to be 8.12 m/day and 1154.2 m2/day respectively. Based on these results, potential aquifer zones have been identified between Ugba junction (Uturu) and 200 m southeastward along Isukwuato-ABSU road. Key words: Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), aquifer, Schlumberger, VES, resistivity, transmissivity.