European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Chukwuma E.C, Orakwe L.C, Anizoba D.C, Amaefule D.O, Odoh C.C, Nzediegwu C

Abstract
The subject of investigation in this study is the use of electrical resistivity method to assess the vulnerability of aquifers using resistivity parameters of the upper most geo-electric materials’ layer overlying the aquifer. Thirteen (13) vertical electrical sounding (VES) points were conducted at various locations within the study area. The result of the study shows that the longitudinal unit conductance values obtained from the study area ranges from 0.020142 to 7.111671 mhos. The areas that are classified weak and poor are most susceptible to contamination, while the good, very good and excellent classification indicates high protective geological formation to contamination. Vulnerability map of the study area produced from the longitudinal unit conductance indicates that the Northern area has good to very good protective capacity rating while the Eastern zone indicates poor to weak protective capacity. Shale layer seems to provide higher longitudinal conductance generally in the study area and hence better protective capacity. It can be inferred from this study that a minimum shale thickness of 10m is required to provide good protective capacity for groundwater. The results of this study have provided reliable information about the protective capacity of the materials overlying the aquiferous unit which should be considered for planning, development and siting of prospective water resource projects in the study area