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Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria

Nwaemene Izuchukwu Monday*,  Agbodike Ifeanyichukwu Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka,  Ahamefula Chukwuemeka Young,  Achilike Kennedy Okechukwu,  Ogbonna Tochukwu Loveday
Published in American Journal of Physics and Applications (Volume 13, Issue 4)
Received: 25 June 2025     Accepted: 7 July 2025     Published: 30 July 2025
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Abstract

Geoelectrical investigations were carried out to determine the aquifer potentials and protective capacity of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and environs, Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria. A total of twenty-five (25) Vertical Electrical Sounding survey was conducted using the Schlumberger array to evaluate the characteristics of the aquifers in the studied locations. Geoelectric sections derived from the modeling of the sounding data reveal 7 to 9 subsurface layers and characterized by four main sounding curve types-KH-type, HA-type, HK-type and KA-type. The study area is underlain by alternating layers of shale, sand/sandstone and clay. The aquifer is delineated within the sand/sandstone Formation. The aquifer resistivity ranges from 390 to 450000 Ωm, while the aquifer thickness and depth range from 4.7 to 168.6m and 6.5 to 109m respectively. The Dar Zarrouk parameters of longitudinal conductance ranges from 0.000227 to 0.12134 mhos, whereas the transverse resistance ranges from 1833 to 54223904Ωm2. The transmissivity in the study area has its highest value of 684.57 m2/day at Amaikpa Ogboko and its lowest value of 19.08m2/day at Ogume. Overall, the transmissivity of the study area indicates a relatively high to moderate ability of the aquifer to transmit water, with an exception of Ogume. Furthermore, the aquifer potentials of the study area were shown to differ with aquifer size, structure and characteristics and are influenced by the underlying geology generally. The study area has an overall poor aquifer protective capacity. This suggests that the aquifer is very susceptible to surface contaminants and the groundwater is at risk of pollution. Proper environmental and waste monitoring management is therefore strongly suggested in the study area to protect the groundwater resources.

Published in American Journal of Physics and Applications (Volume 13, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13
Page(s) 91-106
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group
Previous article
Keywords

Groundwater, Aquifer, Protective Capacity, Pollution, VES

1. Introduction
1.1. Background Information
The water that is stored in rocks, soil, and sediment below the surface of the Earth is known as groundwater. It is an essential supply of freshwater for ecosystems, industry, agriculture, and human use. Because it is less contaminated and doesn't need to be thoroughly purified, groundwater is better than surface water
[1]
. For the majority of applications, groundwater is advised due to its inherent biological quality and general chemical quality, as none of the surface water is as sanitary or cost-effective to exploit as groundwater
[2, 3]
. In recent years, rapid urbanization, population growth, and surface water contamination have led to a substantial increase in the development of groundwater resources for potable use. Understanding the characteristics of the subsurface aquifer in the study area is essential for effective groundwater development since these characteristics have a big influence on aquifer repositories. These characteristics vary significantly over a study area due to the varied nature of the subsurface
[4-6]
. A comprehensive understanding of the hydraulic parameters of the aquifer (transverse resistance, transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, etc.) is essential for the effective exploration, exploitation, and management of groundwater. In various lithological environments, groundwater potential and aquifer protective capacity have been effectively investigated using geophysical techniques, particularly Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
[7]
. Groundwater quality, layer thickness, aquifer protective capacity, and the potential for water-bearing formations can all be mapped spatially using the VES survey data
[8]
. Assessing the aquifers' susceptibility to surface contamination is just as important as drilling boreholes for groundwater development and exploitation
[9]
.
The study area is a difficult area for groundwater exploitation due to the nature of the depositional environment. Hence, there are limited number of borehole wells. As a result many of the inhabitant of the communities in the area do not have access to potable water. This study therefore aims to characterize the hydrogeological properties of the subsurface and assess their protective capacity, to map out the aquifer horizon for sustainable and quality groundwater development in the study area.
Figure 1. Accessibility map of the study area with VES locations.
1.2. Location and Geology of Study Area
Latitude 05°49.14'N to 05°50.64'N and longitude 07°4.02'E to 07°5.76′E define the study area, which is Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and environs (Figure 1). The area is primarily a rural area used for farming. Yams, cassava, maize, and palm trees are commonly grown in this area. Ogboko, Umuchima, Urualla, Obiohia, and Ogume are some of the major communities within the study area
[10]
. Other LGAs, such as Okigwe, Onuimo, Orlu, Nkwerre, and Nwangele, border the study area. The vegetation of the study area is characterized by tropical rainforest, deciduous forest, swamp forest and derived savanna. The vegetation is influenced by factors such as climate (high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall), soil (fertile soil, with a mix of sand, silt, and clay) and topography (gently sloping terrain, with some areas of low-lying swamp). Overall, the vegetation of the study area is lush and diverse, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.
The study area, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Niger Delta Basin. The Imo River basin is situated within the Niger Delta basin, a sedimentary basin that covers much of southern Nigeria. The Benin Formation, the Ogwashi-Asaba Formation, the Bende-Ameki Formation, the Imo Shale group, the Nsukua Formation, and the Ajali Sandstone Formation are the six main stratigraphic units that make up the Imo River basin. The research area's geological formation is the Ameki Formation, which sits on top of the impermeable Imo Shale group. The Ameki Formation is a sedimentary rock series that was formed between 65 and 55 million years ago, during the Paleocene to Eocene period. The layers of sand/sandstone, shale, and clay alternate in the Formation. The Formation was deposited in a shallow marine to coastal environment and is thought to be between 300 and 400 meters thick. Mollusks, plankton, and benthic foraminifera are among the marine life fossils found in the Ameki Formation. The layers of sand and sandstone in the formation may function as aquifers, supplying groundwater.
Figure 2. Geological map of Imo River basin
[11]
.
2. Materials and Methods
With a maximum current electrode spread of 800 meters, a total of 25 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were conducted utilizing the Schlumberger electrode array. For correlation, a few of the stations were placed close to existing boreholes. The ABEM SAS 300 Electrical Resistivity meter was positioned at the station point between the potential electrodes M and N, with its terminals P1 and P2 attached to the terminals M and N respectively using the ABEM Sounding set. Using the ABEM sounding current cables coiled on two different metal reels mounted on the platform, current electrodes A and B were connected to terminals C1 and C2, respectively. The electrodes, which were roughly 0.7 meters long, were pounded into the ground with a hammer to a suitable depth before connections were completed, making sure that the spacing was precise. Current was introduced into the ground through the two current electrodes and the voltage difference at two potential electrodes was measured. The field resistance using Equation (1) was shown on the resistivity meter and then entered on the data sheet against the appropriate current and potential electrode spacing.
The GPS was used to measure coordinates and elevation at each VES station.
Equation (2) was utilized to calculate the apparent resistivity. Plotting the obtained apparent resistivity values versus the half current electrode separation distance was done using a bi-log graph. By observing how the apparent resisitivity changes as the current electrode increases, qualitative inferences were drawn from these plots, including the resistivity of the top and initial layer, the depth of each layer, and the types or signatures of the curves. The partial curve matching technique, which matched the field curves formed or produced segment by segment with the necessary master curves and auxiliary curves, was used to make the first quantitative interpretations. Using an automatic iterative computer program, the resistivities and thicknesses of the different layers were enhanced in accordance with the key concepts of
[12]
. The iteration and inversion procedures were performed using the strata 5 computer program to create detailed subsurface visualizations.
R =VI(1)
ρa= kR(2)
Where, R = resistance, V = voltage, I = current, ρa = apparent resistivity and k = geometry array of the four electrodes.
The Dar-zarrouk parameters of longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance of the overburden unit at each VES were obtained using Equations (3) and (4).
R = hρ (3)
L = h/ρ (4)
Where, R = transverse resistance, h = aquifer aquifer thickness, ρ = aquifer resistivity, and L = longitudinal conductance.
According to
[13]
, the hydraulic and electrical parameters in a porous media are related as follows:
T= KσR = KLρ = Kh (5)
Where, T is the transmissivity, K is the hydraulic conductivity, σ the aquifer conductivity, R the transverse resistance, L the longitudinal conductance, ρ the aquifer resistivity and h the aquifer thickness respectively.
Thus, the determination of transmissivity and its variations from place to place, even those areas without boreholes, is made possible by knowing the K values from existing boreholes and the σ values taken from the sounding interpretation for the aquifer at borehole locations. This gives a broad idea of the aquifer's capacity to produce water. Equation (5) was used to determine the transmissivity of the aquifer in the study area using hydraulic conductivity K of 4.06 m/day obtained from the pumping test analysis of the existing borehole in a hereby town (Akokwa).
Evaluation of Aquifer Protective Capacity
Equation (6) was used to calculate the study area's aquifer protection capacity based on the total longitudinal conductance of the overburden unit at each VES point.
𝛲c=∑ [ℎ𝑖⁄𝜌𝑖](6)
Table 1. Longitudinal conductance / protective capacity rating (Adapted from
[14, 15]
).

Longitudinal Conductance (mhos)

Protective Capacity Rating

˃ 10

Excellent

5-10

Very Good

0.7-4.9

Good

0.2-0.69

Moderate

0.1-0.19

Weak

< 0.1

Poor
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Interpretation of the Layer Parameters
Curve matching and computer iterative modeling were used in conjunction to handle and interpret data obtained from vertical electrical sounding utilizing the Schlumberger array. Interpreted curves from some of the VES data are shown in Figure 2. The results show that the study area is characterized by four main sounding curve types. These include KH-type, HA-type, HK-type and KA-type. It is observed that the study area is predominantly of A-type curve and a hybrid of HA-type that indicate the Ameki Formation signature. The top layer corresponds to the brown-reddish lateritic overburden as depicted by the lithology logs beneath some of the VES (Figures 4, 5). Below this layer are the fine-medium-coarse sand/sandstone which forms the aquifers and an intercalation of clay/shale, except the North-South study area (Students Center, Behind Stadium, Ikpanta Urualla, Ogume and Umuokwaraonure Ogboko) which does not show the presence of any intercalation. This layer is very thick and may be internally subdivided into two by the value of their resistivities. Below this thick aquifer is the conductive geoelectric layer which was not resolved in this study.
Table 2. Summary of VES points and their characteristics.

VESNO

Location

Longitude E (Degree)

Latitude N (Degree)

Elevation (m)

Curve Type

Number of Layers

1

Senate Building KOMU

7.08228

5.82721

164

KH

8

2

Faculty of Science KOMU

7.08100

5.82862

159

HKA

9

3

Library KOMU

7.08295

5.82812

164

KH

7

4

Female Hotel KOMU

7.08585

5.83052

183

HA

8

5

Students Center KOMU

7.08660

5.82927

187

HA

8

6

Back of Senate Building

7.08083

5.82563

162

K

8

7

University Backgate (Amaikpa Ogboko)

7.08517

5.74070

173

KA

8

8

Health Center Ogboko

7.08677

5.82162

175

KH

9

9

Beside Stadium KOMU

7.09363

5.82359

151

HA

8

10

G.S. Building KOMU

7.08628

5.82772

186

KH

7

11

Love Garden

7.08186

5.82905

164

HK

8

12

JUPEB Center KOMU

7.08033

5.82962

163

KH

7

13

Medical Center KOMU

7.08334

5.82608

167

KH

8

14

Benahillz Hotel Ogboko

7.08852

5.82615

195

HA

7

15

Umuduruanyanwu Obiohia

7.07695

5.83897

135

K

7

16

Rochas Foundation College Ogboko

7.08290

5.82771

193

KHA

8

17

Ikpanta Urualla

7.08425

5.84915

198

A

8

18

Ogume

7.06822

5.80798

188

HK

8

19

Umuokwaraonure Ogboko

7.08700

5.81593

179

KH

8

20

Ukabi Ogboko

7.09363

5.82359

193

K

8

21

Staff Quarters 1 KOMU

7.07723

5.84117

152

HA

8

22

Staff Quarters 2 KOMU

7.07859

5.84012

157

HK

8

23

5 Star Hotel Ogboko

7.07850

5.83525

165

HA

7

24

Behind JUPEB KOMU

7.07902

5.83048

160

A

8

25

Umuokwaraocha Umuchima

7.07307

5.82892

126

HA

8
Figure 3. Interpretative curves from some of the VES data.
Figure 4. Geoelectric section beneath VES 1 (Senate Building KOMU).
Figure 5. Geoelectric section beneath VES 18 (Ogume).
3.1.1. Aquifer Resistivity
Figure 6. 2D contour map of aquifer resistivity.
The aquifer resistivity is a measure of how strongly the aquifer resists the flow of electric current. It helps to identify potential aquifers for drilling operations. The aquifer resistivity at Ogume has a low value of 390Ωm indicating clay/shale Formation (aquitard), which may lower the aquifer potentials. The highest aquifer resistivity of 450000Ωm is recorded at Medical Center KOMU, indicating sandstone Formation. This is an indication of good aquifer formation due to its permeability to groundwater transmission.
3.1.2. Depth to Aquifer Table
The depth to aquifer table shows the extent to which we can locate the aquifer in the subsurface soil from the topsoil. The highest depth found in the study area is 109m at JUPEB Center KOMU, while the lowest depth of 6.5m is found at Ogume, which is susceptible to pollution from surface activities and natural processes.
3.1.3. Aquifer Thickness
The aquifer thickness reveals the size of the aquifer for potential groundwater exploration. It was calculated by subtracting the depth to aquifer table from the estimated depth to bottom of aquifer. The aquifer thickness of 168.6m at Amaikpa Ogboko is the highest while the lowest thickness value of 4.7m is found at Ogume which again is not a good aquifer potential zone for groundwater exploration (due to small thickness).
Figure 7. 2D contour map of depth to aquifer table.
Figure 8. 2D contour map of aquifer thickness.
3.1.4. Aquifer Conductivity
Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity. Aquifer conductivity refers to the ability of an aquifer to conduct electricity, which is influenced by the aquifer’s properties. The conductivity of the study area ranges from 2.22222E-06 (Ωm)-1 at Medical Center KOMU to 2.56410E-03 (Ωm)-1 at Ogume. The water potential is high in areas of low conductivity than areas of high conductivity.
Figure 9. 2D contour map of aquifer conductivity.
3.1.5. Dar-Zarrouk Parameters
The Dar-zurrouk parameter of transverse resistance helps to estimate resistance with depth while the longitudinal conductance determines the ability of the aquifer to conduct water. Results of the estimated Dar-Zarrouk parameters in the study area indicated that the longitudinal conductance varies between 0.000227 mhos at Medical Center KOMU to 0.121341 mhos at Female Hotel KOMU (Figure 11) while the transverse resistance varies between 1833 Ωm2 at Ogume to 54223904 Ωm2 at Behind JUPEB KOMU (Figure 10). Higher transverse resistance values indicate greater difficulty for water to flow across the aquifer and higher longitudinal conductance values indicate greater water exchange between the aquifer and the surrounding environment.
Figure 10. 2D contour map of aquifer transverse resistance.
Figure 11. 2D contour map of aquifer longitudinal conductance.
3.1.6. Estimated Hydraulic Conductivity
Hydraulic conductivity is a measure of how easily water can flow through the aquifer. The hydraulic conductivity is use here to determine the hydraulic potential of the aquifer recharge of the study area. Results of the study revealed that the study area has a fairly uniform hydraulic conductivity ranging from 4.046560 m/day to 4.062916 m/day, indicating that the aquifer has a good ability to transmit water.
Figure 12. 2D contour map of estimated hydraulic conductivity.
3.1.7. Transmissivity of the Study Area.
Aquifer transmissivity is a measure of the aquifer’s ability to transmit water through its entire thickness. The transmissivity in the study area has its highest value of 684.57 m2/day at Amaikpa Ogboko and its lowest value of 19.08 m2/day at Ogume. The transmissivity of the study area indicates a relatively high to moderate ability of the aquifer to transmit water, with an exception of Ogume.
Table 3. Summary results of the aquifer parameters of the study area.

Location

Aquifer Resistivity (Ωm)

Depth to Aquifer Table (m)

Aquifer Thickness (m)

Aquifer Conductivity (Ωm)-1

Aquifer TransverseResistance (Ωm2)

Aquifer Longitudinal Conductance (mhos)

Estimated Hydraulic Conductivity (m/day)

Estimated Transmissivity (m2/day)

Senate Building KOMU

211460

94.5

115.5

4.72903E-06

24423630

0.000546

4.060032

468.93

Faculty of Science KOMU

11740

82.7

127.3

8.51789E-05

1494502

0.010843

4.059692

516.80

Library KOMU

6235

102

108

1.60385E-04

673380

0.017322

4.060232

438.50

Female Hotel KOMU

1148

70.7

139.3

8.71080E-04

1599160

0.121341

4.060017

565.56

Students Center KOMU

130186

65.9

144.1

7.68132E-06

18759803

0.001107

4.061803

585.31

Back of Senate Building

273502

54.6

155.4

3.65628E-06

42502211

0.000568

4.047830

629.03

University Backgate (Amaikpa Ogboko)

15456

41.4

168.6

6.46998E-05

2605882

0.010908

4.060291

684.57

Health Center Ogboko

98012

94

116

1.02028E-05

11369392

0.001184

4.057697

470.69

Beside Stadium KOMU

77843

87

123

1.28464E-05

9576689

0.001580

4.063404

499.80

G.S. Building KOMU

191647

89.4

120.6

5.21793E-06

23112628

0.000629

4.062916

489.99

Love Garden

145000

63

147

6.89655E-06

21315000

0.001014

4.060000

596.82

JUPEB Center KOMU

91912

109

101

1.08800E-05

9283112

0.001099

4.062510

410.31

Medical Center KOMU

450000

108

102

2.22222E-06

45900000

0.000227

4.050000

413.10

Benahillz Hotel Ogboko

2109

87

123

4.74158E-04

259407

0.058321

4.060036

499.38

Obiohia

15764

81.6

128.4

6.34357E-05

2024098

0.008145

4.059230

521.21

Rochas Foundation College Ogboko

389540

99.7

110.3

2.56713E-06

42966262

0.000283

4.051216

446.85

Ikpanta Urualla

9954

91

119

1.00462E-04

1184526

0.011955

4.060237

483.17

Ogume

390

6.5

4.7

2.56410E-03

1833

0.012051

4.059978

19.08

Umuokwaraonure Ogboko

2370

21.5

49.6

4.21585E-04

117651

0.020928

4.056492

201.20

Ukabi Ogboko

1674

76.6

133.4

5.97372E-04

223312

0.079689

4.059952

541.60

Staff Quarters 1 KOMU

222701

91

119

4.49033E-06

26501419

0.000534

4.053158

482.33

Staff Quarters 2 KOMU

36446

91

119

2.74379E-05

4337074

0.003265

4.060084

483.15

5 Star Hotel Ogboko

404656

76

134

2.47123E-06

54223904

0.000331

4.046560

542.24

Behind JUPEB KOMU

44747

86.1

88.9

2.23479E-05

3978008

0.001987

4.058553

360.81

Umuokwaraocha Umuchima

14750

41.9

83

6.77966E-05

122425

0.005627

4.060675

337.04
Figure 13. 2D contour map of hydraulic transmissivity.
3.2. Aquifer Protective Capacity
The analysis of the results showed that the aquifer protective capacity rating in the study area is about 88% poor and 8% weak. Only Umuduruanyanwu Obiohia has a good aquifer protective capacity (Table 4). It is therefore inferred that the aquifer in the study area is more liable to contamination and degradation considering the nature of the overburden thickness (Figure 14). Pollutants can easily infiltrate the aquifer, posing a risk to human health and the environment. There is a need to implement best waste management practices and regulations for agricultural, industrial and domestic activities in order to mitigate the contamination of the groundwater resources in the study area.
Table 4. Aquifer protective capacities of study area.

Location

Aquifer Protective Capacity (mhos)

Rating

Senate Building KOMU

0.027149

Poor

Faculty of Science KOMU

0.052318

Poor

Library KOMU

0.101279

Weak

Female Hotel KOMU

0.015501

Poor

Students Center KOMU

0.046855

Poor

Back of Senate Building

0.008424

Poor

University Backgate (Amaikpa Ogboko)

0.022708

Poor

Health Center Ogboko

0.038284

Poor

Beside Stadium KOMU

0.036409

Poor

G.S. Building KOMU

0.024992

Poor

Love Garden

0.074661

Poor

JUPEB Center KOMU

0.021957

Poor

Medical Center KOMU

0.019224

Poor

Benahillz Hotel Ogboko

0.022350

Poor

Umuduruanyanwu Obiohia

1.459034

Good

Rochas Foundation College Ogboko

0.017427

Poor

Ikpanta Urualla

0.029723

Poor

Ogume

0.056567

Poor

Umuokwaraonure Ogboko

0.030222

Poor

Ukabi Ogboko

0.129084

Weak

Staff Quarters 1 KOMU

0.095207

Poor

Staff Quarters 2 KOMU

0.091130

Poor

5 Star Hotel Ogboko

0.043584

Poor

Behind JUPEB KOMU

0.002298

Poor

Umuokwaraocha Umuchima

0.037803

Poor
4. Conclusion
From the results of the geophysical studies carried out in the study area, it can be inferred that Ogume is not a good location for groundwater exploration due to the various hydrogeophysical properties making it unsuitable like the presence of clay formation (aquitard), shallow depth to water table, low aquifer thickness, low transverse resistance and so on.
Other locations in the study area have good water bearing potentials, so are good prospects for groundwater exploration.
The aquifer protective capacity indicates that the study area is highly liable to pollution. Contaminants could migrate to the water table with relative ease due to the various geological factors that make it susceptible to pollution. Only Umuduruanyanwu Obiohia is better protected from surface pollutant and natural processes (low pollution risk).
Since nature is dynamic, it is most expedient to consider conducting periodic geophysical and geological surveys to identify any modification to the subsurface processes, particularly with regards to the groundwater abstraction. Also, studies on the inter-connectivity of the rock matrix and porosity of the formations could be carried out to further investigate the groundwater potential of the area.
Figure 14. Spatial distribution of aquifer protective capacity in the study area.
5. Recommendations
Based on the findings from this work, the following are therefore recommended:
1) Borehole wells should not be cited at Ogume as it contains no potential groundwater zone.
2) The aquifer table is very liable to contamination when exposed to contaminant waste products. To avoid leachates, wastes should be properly disposed to avoid contamination of the aquifer in the study area.
3) Subsequent boreholes in the area should be drilled to a suggested depth of 150m and above due to the high pollution risk of the area. This will help prevent contaminants from surface activities reaching the water table and prevent future dry well occurrence.
4) Government can identify high-risk areas, prioritize protection and management efforts, develop targeted strategies for pollution prevention and remediation and ensure sustainable groundwater resource management from this work.
Abbreviations

VES

Vertical Electrical Sounding

GPS

Global Positioning System

KOMU

Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University

JUPEB

Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board

GS

General Studies
Author Contributions
Nwaemene Izuchukwu Monday: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing- Original Draft
Agbodike Ifeanyichukwu Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka: Validation, Methodology, Supervision, Project Administration
Ogbonna Tochukwu Loveday: Methodology
Ahamefula Chukwuemeka Young: Writing-Review and Editing
Achilike Kennedy Okechukwu: Writing-Review and Editing
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
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[5] Obiora, D. N., Ajala, A. E., Ibuot, J. C. Evaluation of aquifer protective capacity of overburden unit and soil corrosivity in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method. J Earth Syst Sci. 2015, 124(1), 125-135.
[6] Alhassan, D. U., Obiora, D. N., Okeke, F. N. The assessment of aquifer potentials and aquifer vulnerability of southern Paiko, northcentral Nigeria, using geoelectric method. Global J Pure Appl Sci. 2015, 21, 51-70.
[7] Ojo, E. O., Adelowo, A., Abdulkarim, H. M., Dauda, A. K. A probe into the corrosivity of the main campus of the University of Abuja, Nigeria; using resistivity method. Physical journal. 2015, 1(2), 172.
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[9] Agbodike, I. I. C. Evaluation of Aquifer Protective Capacity in parts of Oru LGA Imo State, South-eastern Nigeria Using Resistivity Data. International Journal of Research in Engineering and Science (IJRES). 2023, 11(9), 48-53.
[10] Nwaemene, I. M, Agbodike, I. I. C. Application of water quality index for groundwater quality monitoring and management in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and environs. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science. 2024a, 8(8), 39-45.
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    Monday, N. I., Chukwuemeka, A. I. I., Young, A. C., Okechukwu, A. K., Loveday, O. T. (2025). Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria. American Journal of Physics and Applications, 13(4), 91-106. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13

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    Monday, N. I.; Chukwuemeka, A. I. I.; Young, A. C.; Okechukwu, A. K.; Loveday, O. T. Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria. Am. J. Phys. Appl. 2025, 13(4), 91-106. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13

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    Monday NI, Chukwuemeka AII, Young AC, Okechukwu AK, Loveday OT. Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria. Am J Phys Appl. 2025;13(4):91-106. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13,
  author = {Nwaemene Izuchukwu Monday and Agbodike Ifeanyichukwu Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka and Ahamefula Chukwuemeka Young and Achilike Kennedy Okechukwu and Ogbonna Tochukwu Loveday},
  title = {Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria
},
  journal = {American Journal of Physics and Applications},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {91-106},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajpa.20251304.13},
  abstract = {Geoelectrical investigations were carried out to determine the aquifer potentials and protective capacity of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and environs, Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria. A total of twenty-five (25) Vertical Electrical Sounding survey was conducted using the Schlumberger array to evaluate the characteristics of the aquifers in the studied locations. Geoelectric sections derived from the modeling of the sounding data reveal 7 to 9 subsurface layers and characterized by four main sounding curve types-KH-type, HA-type, HK-type and KA-type. The study area is underlain by alternating layers of shale, sand/sandstone and clay. The aquifer is delineated within the sand/sandstone Formation. The aquifer resistivity ranges from 390 to 450000 Ωm, while the aquifer thickness and depth range from 4.7 to 168.6m and 6.5 to 109m respectively. The Dar Zarrouk parameters of longitudinal conductance ranges from 0.000227 to 0.12134 mhos, whereas the transverse resistance ranges from 1833 to 54223904Ωm2. The transmissivity in the study area has its highest value of 684.57 m2/day at Amaikpa Ogboko and its lowest value of 19.08m2/day at Ogume. Overall, the transmissivity of the study area indicates a relatively high to moderate ability of the aquifer to transmit water, with an exception of Ogume. Furthermore, the aquifer potentials of the study area were shown to differ with aquifer size, structure and characteristics and are influenced by the underlying geology generally. The study area has an overall poor aquifer protective capacity. This suggests that the aquifer is very susceptible to surface contaminants and the groundwater is at risk of pollution. Proper environmental and waste monitoring management is therefore strongly suggested in the study area to protect the groundwater resources.},
 year = {2025}
}

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  • TY  - JOUR
T1  - Hydrogeophysical Assessment and Protective Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and Environs, Southeastern Nigeria

AU  - Nwaemene Izuchukwu Monday
AU  - Agbodike Ifeanyichukwu Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka
AU  - Ahamefula Chukwuemeka Young
AU  - Achilike Kennedy Okechukwu
AU  - Ogbonna Tochukwu Loveday
Y1  - 2025/07/30
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13
T2  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
JF  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
JO  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
SP  - 91
EP  - 106
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-4308
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251304.13
AB  - Geoelectrical investigations were carried out to determine the aquifer potentials and protective capacity of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato and environs, Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria. A total of twenty-five (25) Vertical Electrical Sounding survey was conducted using the Schlumberger array to evaluate the characteristics of the aquifers in the studied locations. Geoelectric sections derived from the modeling of the sounding data reveal 7 to 9 subsurface layers and characterized by four main sounding curve types-KH-type, HA-type, HK-type and KA-type. The study area is underlain by alternating layers of shale, sand/sandstone and clay. The aquifer is delineated within the sand/sandstone Formation. The aquifer resistivity ranges from 390 to 450000 Ωm, while the aquifer thickness and depth range from 4.7 to 168.6m and 6.5 to 109m respectively. The Dar Zarrouk parameters of longitudinal conductance ranges from 0.000227 to 0.12134 mhos, whereas the transverse resistance ranges from 1833 to 54223904Ωm2. The transmissivity in the study area has its highest value of 684.57 m2/day at Amaikpa Ogboko and its lowest value of 19.08m2/day at Ogume. Overall, the transmissivity of the study area indicates a relatively high to moderate ability of the aquifer to transmit water, with an exception of Ogume. Furthermore, the aquifer potentials of the study area were shown to differ with aquifer size, structure and characteristics and are influenced by the underlying geology generally. The study area has an overall poor aquifer protective capacity. This suggests that the aquifer is very susceptible to surface contaminants and the groundwater is at risk of pollution. Proper environmental and waste monitoring management is therefore strongly suggested in the study area to protect the groundwater resources.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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