Homogeneity in Aquifer Vulnerability Index (AQI) and Water Quality Index (WQI) around some selected dumpsites in Imo River Basin Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out using vertical electrical sounding data and geochemical data to determine if there is a relationship between the aquifer vulnerability index and the water quality index in the Imo River Basin Southeastern, Nigeria. Some vertical electrical sounding data were collected using OMEGA SAS1000 Terrameter, and sixteen (16) water samples were collected from, both surface and groundwater around the three selected dumpsites from Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe areas. These two sets of data were used to evaluate the water qualities in the vicinity of the three active dumpsites. The DRASTIC index ranged between 59 and 199, and the spatial variation showed that 8.8% of the aquifer in the study area is highly vulnerable. 81.2% of the aquifer has a low vulnerability index. The water quality index in the study area showed both good and poor water qualities. The geospatial distribution of water quality index showed that 80% of the study area had good water quality, and the remaining 20 % of the study area had poor water quality. The bivariate regression showed a curvilinear, relationship between the aquifer vulnerability index and the water quality index