HYDROGEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUNDWATER RESOURCE POTENTIAL IN MASAGAMU, MAGAMA AREA, FRACTURED BASEMENT COMPLEX, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Chaanda M.S,Alaminiokuma G.I

doi:10.26480/mjg.02.2020.65.69

Abstract

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was conducted in Salbi farm in the fractured Basement Complex, North- Central Nigeria to determine the groundwater resource potential to serve for agricultural purposes. Four VES stations using Schlumberger electrode configuration with a maximum current electrode spread of 300m were employed for data acquisition. ZHODY software was employed in computing resistivities, depths and thicknesses of the various layers and curve types. Results indicate that the area is characterized by 3 distinct geoelectric layers inferred differently at the VES locations. One potential groundwater aquifer zone was delineated at VES 1, 2, and 4 within the fractured/weathered basement columns having depths ranging between 48.8 – 59.60m and resistivities ranging between 213 – 513 Ωm. These results suggest that boreholes for sustainable groundwater supply in Salbi farm should be sited either at VES 1, 2 or 4 location and screened at a depth ≥60.0m. Wells to develop this resource should be drilled to an effective depth of 40 to 60 m for optimum yields. It is recommended that pumping test be done in order to further determine the aquifer efficiency and productivity in the area. However, the aquifers at these locations have potentials for groundwater but may be vulnerable to contamination.

Highlights

Investigating the groundwater resource potential to meet the need of good water supply for farming activities in Masagamu, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, North-Central Nigeria is very essential in the absence of natural water supply such as lakes, basins, streams and rivers or public water utility system
The hydrogeophysical investigations conducted in Salbi farm in Masagamu, Magama area, North-Central Nigeria delineated the presence of three subsurface geoelectric layers which are the top soil, weathered overburden and weathered/fractured basement
The study area is predicted to have moderate to good groundwater potential, and this is supported by the occurrences and concentration of fractures which can constitute weathered/fractured aquifers around these regions

Summary

Introduction

Investigating the groundwater resource potential to meet the need of good water supply for farming activities in Masagamu, Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, North-Central Nigeria is very essential in the absence of natural water supply such as lakes, basins, streams and rivers or public water utility system. There is a shift from subsistence to commercial farming in this area leading to high demands for potable water to serve the agricultural activities. As at the time of this survey, the source of water supply to the area is a non-motorized borehole in Salbi farm which is of moderate yield and may not meet the rising demand. The aim of this research which includes reconnaissance survey followed by geological/hydrogeophysical survey is to locate geological structures that are associated with groundwater that could lead to sinking of well or borehole. The objective is to determine thicknesses, depths, resistivities and lithologies of different rock types that constitute viable aquifers using the VES method

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion