Groundwater contamination in the basement-complex area of Ile-Ife, southwestern Nigeria: A case study using the electrical-resistivity geophysical method

Hydrogeoenvironmental studies were carried out at the sewage-disposal site of Obafemi Awolowo University campus, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The objective of the survey was to determine the reliability of the electrical-resistivity method in mapping pollution plumes in a bedrock environment. Fifty stations were occupied with the ABEM SAS 300C Terrameter using the Wenner array. The electrical-resistivity data were interpreted by a computer-iteration technique. Water samples were collected at a depth of 5.0 m in 20 test pits and analyzed for quality. The concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu are moderately above the World Health Organization recommended guidelines. Plumes of contaminated water issuing from the sewage ponds were delineated. The geoelectric sections reveal four subsurface layers, with increasing depth, lateritic clay, clayey sand/sand, and weathered/fractured bedrock, and fresh bedrock. The deepest layers, 3 and 4, constitute the main aquifer, which has a thickness of 3.1–67.1 m. The distribution of the elements in the sewage effluent confirms a hydrological communication between the disposal ponds and groundwater. The groundwater is contaminated, as shown by sampling and the geophysical results. Thus, the results demonstrate the reliability of the direct-current electrical-resistivity geophysical method in sensing and mapping pollution plumes in a crystalline bedrock environment. Electronic Publication     

Hydrogeophysical investigation and estimation of groundwater potentials of the Lower Palaeozoic to Precambrian crystalline basement rocks in Keffi area, north-central Nigeria, using resistivity methods

The use of resistivity sounding and two-dimensional (2-D) resistivity imaging was investigated with the aim of delineating and estimating the groundwater potential in Keffi area. Rock types identified are mainly gneisses and granites. Twenty-five resistivity soundings employing the Schlumberger electrode array were conducted across the area. Resistivity sounding data obtained were interpreted using partial curve matching approach and 1-D inversion algorithm, RESIST version 1.0. The 2-D resistivity imaging was also carried out along two traverses using dipole–dipole array, and the data obtained were subjected to finite element method modeling using DIPRO inversion algorithm to produce a two-dimensional subsurface geological model. Interpretation of results showed three to four geoelectrical layers. Layer thickness values were generally less than 2 m for collapsed zone, and ranged from 5 to 30 m for weathered bedrock (saprolite). Two major aquifer units, namely weathered bedrock (saprolite) aquifer and fractured bedrock (saprock) aquifer, have been delineated with the latter usually occurring beneath the former in most areas. Aquifer potentials in the area were estimated using simple schemes that involved the use of three geoelectrical parameters, namely: depth to fresh bedrock, weathered bedrock (saprolite) resistivity and fractured bedrock (saprock) resistivity. The assessment delineated the area into prospective high, medium and low groundwater potential zones.     

Geoelectrical surveys of the Nanjido waste landfill in Seoul,Korea

Electrical surveys have routinely been taken to map and monitor groundwater contamination. In 1994-1996, various electrical surveys were applied to investigate contaminant distributions in the ground at the Nanjido landfill. The geophysical survey data were compared with other available information, particularly boring data. Interpretations of electrical survey data show low resistivity zones below 10 ohm-m which appear to be zones fully saturated with leachate. Annual variations of resistivity anomalies clearly indicate that resistivities and thicknesses of layers contaminated by leachate become lower and thicker in and around the Nanjido landfill during one year. In particular, mean thickness of saturated layers with leachate increased by about 3-6 m/year and the resistivity of bedrock decreased. It seems obvious that ground contamination by leachate is in progress. In the area northeast of the landfill, no evidence of bedrock contamination is indicated. Soundings made at one year intervals in this area do not show any evidence of further ground contamination by leachate. From these results, it appears that contamination of the weathered zone and bedrock is in progress mainly southwest of the Nanjido landfill.     

Use of vertical electrical soundings to delineate seawater intrusion in a coastal area of Byunsan,Korea

To delineate spatial extent of seawater intrusion in a small experimental watershed in the coastal area of Byunsan, Korea, electrical resistivity surveys with some evaluation core drillings and chemical analysis of groundwaters were conducted. The vertical electrical sounding (VES) method was applied, which is useful to identify variations in electrical characteristics of layered aquifers. The drilling logs identified a three-layered subsurface including reclamation soil, weathered layer and relatively fresh sedimentary bedrock. The upper two layers are the main water-bearing units in this area. A total of 30 electrical sounding curves corresponded mostly to the H type and they were further divided into three classes: highly conductive, intermediate, and low conductive, according to the observed resistivity values of the most conductive weathered layer. In addition, groundwater samples from 15 shallow monitoring wells were analyzed and thus grouped into two types based on HCO₃/Cl and Ca/Na molar ratios with TDS levels, which differentiated groundwaters affected by seawater intrusion from those not or less affected. According to relationships between the three classes of the sounding curves and groundwater chemistry, locations of the monitoring wells with low HCO₃/Cl and Ca/Na ionic ratios coincided with the area showing the highly conductive type curve, while those with the high ratios corresponded to the area showing low conductive curve type. Both the low electrical resistivity and the low ionic ratios indicated effects of seawater intrusion. From this study, it was demonstrated that the VES would be useful to delineate seawater intrusion in coastal areas.     

Geoelectrical method in the investigation of groundwater resource and related issues in Ophiolite and Flysch formations of Port Blair, Andaman Island, India

Geoelectrical resistivity investigation using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique was conducted at Port Blair, South Andaman Island, to locate the fractures in different formations and to decipher its groundwater potential. A total of 40 VES were carried out covering the entire study area using Schlumberger electrode configuration out of which 34 VES fall in Andaman Flysch formations and the remaining VES in Ophiolite formations. The interpreted resistivity results were integrated with nine borehole lithologs for the subsurface analysis. The combination of VES with borehole litholog data has provided a close correspondence on subsurface hydrogeological conditions. The interpreted VES data of various formations showed drastic variations in the resistivity ranging from higher in Ophiolite, moderate in Andaman Flysch and very low in valleys of Andaman Flysch formations. The study further revealed that the weathered and fractured volcanics of Ophiolite groups of rocks and sandstone that occur in the Andaman Flysch formations constitute the productive water bearing zones categorized as good groundwater potential zone. Based on the geoelectrical parameters, viz., thickness of layers and the layer resistivity values, a groundwater potential map was prepared, in which good, moderate, and poor groundwater zones were demarcated. Further, numerical, spatial and litho-geoelectric models of resistivity were analyzed in terms of groundwater potential and these models have thus enabled to prepare a comprehensive groundwater development and management plans proving its efficacy in this art of exploratory investigations.     

Electrical resistivity surveys to delineate groundwater potential aquifers in Peddavanka watershed,Anantapur District,Andhra Pradesh,India

Vertical electrical resistivity soundings were conducted in order to delineate groundwater potential aquifers in Peddavanka watershed, which is a catchment of about 398 km² in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The main lithologic units in the watershed are quartzite, limestone, shale, and alluvium. Ninety-nine vertical electrical soundings were conducted using the Schlumberger configuration, covering the entire watershed. The data were interpreted with the help of master curves and auxiliary point charts. Interpretations of VES were used to generate a top layer apparent resistivity contour map and longitudinal conductance map. Isoresistivity contour maps were prepared and interpreted in terms of resistivity and thickness of various sub-surface layers using computer software (SURFER), and isocontour diagrams depicting the depth to bedrock were prepared. Resistivity results were correlated with the existing lithology. Based on the depth to bedrock, the thickness of the saturated layer and the resistivity of the second layer, a groundwater potential map has been prepared, in which good, moderate, and poor zones are classified. The study reveals that the weathered and fractured portions in shale and limestone that occur in the southernmost and central portions of the watershed area constitute the productive water-bearing zones categorized as good groundwater potential aquifers.     

Hydrogeophysical investigation for groundwater potential of Ishara/Ode-Remo geological transition zone,southwestern Nigeria

Geological transition zones are noted to be problematic in groundwater potential and development, due to their erratic and complex nature as well as characteristic of the subsurface lithologies. There were several occurrences of reported borehole failures and dry wells in these zones in Nigeria as a result of very scanty information that could serve as database for studying its groundwater potential. This study was therefore designed to generate hydrogeophysical data that could serve as baseline information on the groundwater potential in the study. In addition, to also delineate various subsurface lithologies present. Electrical resistivity survey for geophysical investigation was carried out using vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique. A total of 150 VES stations were purposively probed using Schlumberger electrode array. The interpreted data were used to produce geoelectric subsurface lithologies and to draw the geological section across the entire area. Various subsurface lithologies with their resistivities (Ωm) were delineated for basement complex (BC), transition zone (TZ), and sedimentary terrain (ST). In BC were topsoil, weathered zone, and fresh bedrock and in TZ were topsoil, sandy, laterite/clay, dry sand, sandstone, and fresh bedrock delineated while in the ST, topsoil, lateritic and sandy clay, dry sand, and the sandstone were delineated. In conclusion, the groundwater potential of the study area is largely been affected by the topography and the nature/composition of the Abeokuta Group that underlie the sedimentary part of the study area and the presence of thick laterite/clay unit of the basement complex portion of the study area.     

Geoelectrical mapping of contamination in the cemeteries: the case study in Piracicaba,São Paulo/Brazil

This paper presents the results of electrical resistivity methods in the area delineation that was potentially contaminated by liquefaction products, which are also called putrefactive liquids in Vila Rezende municipal cemetery, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The results indicate a depth of water table between 3.1 and 5.1 m, with two groundwater direction flows, one to the SW and another to the SE. Due to the contamination plumes, which have the same groundwater direction flow, as well the conductive anomalies observed in the geoelectric sections, the contamination suspicions in the area were confirmed. The probable plume to the SE extends beyond the limits of the cemetery. The location of the conductive anomalies and the probable contamination plumes showed that the contamination is linked with the depth of the water table and the burial time. Mapping using the geostatistical method of ordinary kriging applied to the work drew structural characteristics of the regional phenomenon and spatial behavior of the electrical resistivity data, resulting in continued surfaces. Thus, this method has proved to be an important tool for mapping contamination plumes in cemeteries.     

Application of electromagnetic techniques in survey of contaminated groundwater at an abandoned mine complex in southwestern Indiana,U.S.A.

In part of a large abandoned mining complex, electromagnetic geophysical surveys were used along with data derived from cores and monitoring wells to infer sources of contamination and subsurface hydrologic connections between acidic refuse deposits and adjacent undisturbed geologic materials.Electrical resistivity increases sharply along the boundary of an elevated deposit of pyritic coarse refuse, which is highly contaminated and electrically conductive, indicating poor subsurface hydrologic connections with surrounding deposits of fine refuse and undisturbed glacial material. Groundwater chemistry, as reflected in values of specific conductance, also differs markedly across the deposit's boundary, indicating that a widespread contaminant plume has not developed around the coarse refuse in more than 40 yr since the deposit was created. Most acidic drainage from the coarse refuse is by surface runoff and is concentrated around stream channels.Although most of the contaminated groundwater within the study area is concentrated within the surficial refuse deposits, transects of apparent resistivity and phase angle indicate the existence of an anomalous conductive layer at depth (>4 m) in thick alluvial sediments along the northern boundary of the mining complex. Based on knowledge of local geology, the anomaly is interpreted to represent a subsurface connection between the alluvium and a flooded abandoned underground mine.     

Localization of water bearing fractured zones in a hard rock area using integrated geophysical techniques in Andhra Pradesh,India

Knowledge of the existence of fracture zones, their extent, intensity and direction is very useful for assessing groundwater in hardrock regions and in this context geophysical methods are widely accepted as a powerful means of study. In the modern era of exploration, application of the Resistivity Imaging technique gives a new opportunity for groundwater study in hardrock regions. Exploration surveys were conducted at one of the important sites in Maheshwaram watershed, Andhra Pradesh, India with a multielectrode resistivity imaging system. To reduce the ambiguity of geophysical interpretation some complementary geophysical studies like ground Magnetic and VLF were also carried out.A number of 2D resistivity images were prepared in a grid pattern, which clearly show the weathered and fractured zones in different parts of the study area. With the help of all 2D profiles a quasi-3D image has been created, which indicates the orientation and extension of the fracture zone in a horizontal as well as vertical direction in the study area. Strong agreement exists among the anomalies identified using the ground magnetic, VLF and resistivity imaging methods. The litholog data available in the study area also helps to interpret geophysical results to find a potential groundwater bearing zone in that area.     

Geophysical characteristics of Wadi Hanifah water system, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Integrated geophysical techniques including resistivity image, vertical electrical sounding (VES), and seismic refraction have been conducted to investigate the Wadi Hanifah water system. The groundwater in Wadi Hanifah has problems caused by the high volumes of sewage water percolating into the ground. The combination of VES, resistivity image, and seismic refraction has made a valuable contribution to the identification of the interface between the contaminated and fresh water in Wadi Hanifah area. The contaminated groundwater has lower resistivity values than fresh groundwater due to the higher concentration of ions which reduces the resistivity. Resistivity image and sounding in this area clearly identified the nature of the lithological depth and proved useful at identifying water-bearing zones. Fresh groundwater was found in the study area at a depth of 100 m within the fractured limestone. Water-bearing zones occur in two aquifers, shallow contaminated water at 10 m depth in alluvial deposits and the deeper fresh water aquifer at a depth of about 100 m in fractured limestone. The interface between the contaminated water (sanitary water) and fresh water marked out horizontally at 100 m distance from the main channel and vertically at 20 m depth.     

Groundwater contamination assessment in Al-Quwy’yia area of central Saudi Arabia using transient electromagnetic and 2D electrical resistivity tomography

Groundwater contamination is one of the most significant problems in arid countries. Al-Quwiy’yia region is an example of an area where the groundwater is contaminated as a result of infiltration of waste water in low-lying areas adjacent to inhabited zones. Such contamination poses significant environmental threats for the surrounding environment and groundwater. Surface observations and spatial distribution of contamination observed in the shallow aquifer indicate that the main contamination sources were from sewage as well as from waste water dumping. However, the main source of water supply for the whole area is groundwater abstracted from the relatively shallow aquifer. Therefore, the transient electromagnetic method (TEM) and 2D electrical resistivity tomography (2D ERT) have been applied close to the waste water dump site to characterize the response of pollution plumes. Both of these geoelectrical techniques are sensitive to electrical conductivity as well as to other physical properties, which are greatly influenced by the polluted groundwater. Therefore, it is possible to profile the contamination plumes, both vertically and horizontally, in the vicinity of the measured stations. The ERT profiles gave detailed information about the lateral distribution of the contaminated groundwater, whereas the TEM demonstrated the vertical extensions.     

Electrical resistivity mapping of oil spills in a coastal environment of Lagos,Nigeria

Three years after the oil spillage and pipeline explosion that claimed about 100 human lives at Ijegun Community of Lagos–Nigeria, a combination of carefully designed 2D Electrical Resistivity Profilling and Vertical Electrical Sounding methods was deployed to map and characterise the subsurface around the contaminated site. Data acquired were processed, forward modelled and tomographically inverted to obtain the multi-dimensional resistivity distribution of subsurface. The results of the study revealed high resistivity structures that indocate the presence of contaminant (oil plumes) of different sizes and shapes around the oil leakage site. These high resistivity structures are absent in the tomograms and resistivity-depth slices computed for Iyana—a linear settlement not affected by oil spillage. The five geo-electric layers and the resistivities delineated in the area are the top soil layer, 220–670 Ωm; clayey sand layer, 300–1072 Ωm; top sand layer, 120–328 Ωm; mudstone/shale layer, 25–116 Ωm and the bottom sand layer, 15–69 Ωm. The base of the first four geo-electric layers corresponds to 3.9, 8.4, 27.2 and 34.6 m respectively. The two groundwater aquifers delineated correspond to the third and fifth geo-electric layers. The top aquifer has been infiltrated by oil plumes. The depth penetrated by the oil plume decreases from 32 m to about 24 m across the survey profiles from the two ends. It was concluded that the contaminant plumes from the oil spillage are yet to be completely degraded as at the time of the study. It is recommended that the contaminated site be remediated to remove or reduce the contaminant oil in the subsurface.     

Identification of groundwater prospective zones by using remote sensing and geoelectrical methods in Jharia and Raniganj coalfields, Dhanbad district, Jharkhand state

The Dhanbad district in Jharkhand faces acute water scarcity and is chronically drought-prone. The groundwater resources in the area have not been fully exploited. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the groundwater prospective zones. Landsat-5 Multi Spectral Scanner (MSS) data of band 2 and band 4 and false colour composite (FCC) of band 2, 3, 4 were interpreted visually to differentiate different hydromorphogeological units and to delineate the major trends of lineaments. The different geomorphic features identified are linear ridges, residual hills, and pediplain, buried pediment and dissected pediplain, besides lineaments. The study shows that the pediplain and buried pediments are promising zones for groundwater prospecting. The occurrence and movement of groundwater is restricted to the unconsolidated material, weathered and fractured rocks. For the selection of tube well sites, geoelectrical resistivity investigations have been carried out at the sites, which were found suitable based on hydrogeomorphological and hydrogeological studies. Twenty-six Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) have been carried out by using Schlumberger electrode configuration, which have brought out 3 to 7 layered sub-surface layers. The resistivity of water-bearing weathered/fractured rocks varies from 120–150 ohm m. The integrated studies have revealed that the blue colour zones are most promising for groundwater exploration and dug wells may be dug up to depths of 30±5m.     

Application of integrated methods in mapping waste disposal areas

An integrated suite of environmental methods was used to characterize the hydrogeological, geological and tectonic regime of the largest waste disposal landfill of Crete Island, the Fodele municipal solid waste site (MSW), to determine the geometry of the landfill (depth and spatial extent of electrically conductive anomalies), to define the anisotropy caused by bedrock fabric fractures and to locate potential zones of electrically conductive contamination. A combination of geophysical methods and chemical analysis was implemented for the characterization and management of the landfill. Five different types of geophysical surveys were performed: (1) 2D electrical resistance tomography (ERT), (2) electromagnetic measurements using very low frequencies (VLF), (3) electromagnetic conductivity (EM31), (4) seismic refraction measurements (SR), and (5) ambient noise measurements (HVSR). The above geophysical methods were used with the aim of studying the subsurface properties of the landfill and to define the exact geometrical characteristics of the site under investigation.     

Hydrogeophysical investigations for assessing the groundwater potential in part of the Peshawar basin,Pakistan

A large number of valleys and basin systems are present in the northwestern part of the Himalayas in Pakistan which form significant aquifers in the region. Hydrogeophysical investigations in the western part of Nowshera District, a part of the intermontane Peshawar basin, were undertaken to help to determine the availability of groundwater resources in the region. Thirty vertical electrical resistivity soundings (VES) were acquired using a Schlumberger expanding array configuration with a maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 150 m in delineating the groundwater potential in the study area. The results of the interpreted VES data using a combination of curve matching technique and computer iterative modeling methods suggest that the area is underlain by 3 to 5 geo-electric layers. The interpretation results showed that the geo-electrical succession consists of alluvium comprising of alternating layers of clay, silty clay, fine to coarse sands, sand with gravels and gravels of variable thickness. High subsurface resistivity values are correlated with gravel–sand units and low resistivity values with the presence of clays and silts. The modeled VES results were correlated with the pumping tests results and lithological logs of the existing wells. The pumping test suggests the transmissivity of the aquifer sediments is variable corresponding to different sediments within the area. The gravel–sand intervals having high resistivity value show high transmissivity values, whereas clay–silt sediments show low transmissivities. It is concluded that majority of the high resistive gravel–sand sediments belong to an alluvial fan environment. These gravel–sand zones are promising zones for groundwater abstraction which are concentrated in the central part of the study area.     

Impact assessment of a saline waste lagoon on groundwater pollution near a coastal aquifer in India—synthesis of geoelectrical and hydrochemical studies

The present study is an attempt to assess the impact of a saline waste lagoon on the near subsurface through electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Resistivity and IP imaging data have been collected on profiles close to the lagoon and at a far off location (control location). Water samples have been collected from the lagoon and a municipality drinking well close to it and analysed for the water chemistry. The geoelectrical sections indicate very low resistivity formations in the near subsurface in the vicinity of the lagoon as compared to the control profile. The water chemistry data from the monitoring well close to the profile also indicates very high total dissolved solids (8658 mg/L) and qualitatively supports the contamination of the near subsurface. The conductive formations in the vicinity of the lagoon can be attributed to the overflow from the lagoon or the seepage.     

Geophysical response of filled sinkholes,soil pipes and associated bedrock fractures in thinly mantled karst,east-central Illinois

Karst aquifers are often protected by a thin mantle of unconsolidated sediment. Soil pipes and sinkholes may breach this natural protective barrier and open pathways for contaminants to quickly reach bedrock aquifers. Geophysical surveys offer a quick and noninvasive way to identify these features; such surveys may also be sequenced to reveal increasing detail in critical areas. At a study site in east-central Illinois, electromagnetic (EM) surveys mapped high conductivity anomalies over filled sinkholes and soil pipes that penetrated the unconsolidated cover. Two-dimensional inverted resistivity sections, made over these anomalies, depict filled sinkholes and soil pipes as conductive zones above deeply weathered bedrock fractures. Borings verified the geophysical models and suggest high conductivities associated with the filled sinkholes are the result of enhanced moisture near active soil pipes. EM surveys also identified conductive zones in the overburden above a probable bedrock fracture linking sinkhole areas 0.5 km apart. Resistivity and EM methods, used in a phased and sequential manner, thus proved useful in mapping filled sinkholes and in delineating the vertical and lateral connections between soil pipes and hydraulically active bedrock fractures.     

Geophysical Surveys over Karst Recharge Features,Illinois,USA

Karst aquifers supply a significant fraction of the world's drinking water. These types of aquifers are alsohighly susceptible to pollution from the surface with recharge usually occurring through fractures and solution openings at the bedrock surface. Thickness of the protective soil cover, macropores and openings within the soil cover, and the nature of the weathered bedrock surface all influence infiltration. Recharge openings at the bedrock surface, however, are often covered by unconsolidated sediments, resulting in the inadvertent placement of landfills, unregulated dump sites, tailing piles, waste lagoons and septic systems over recharge zones. In these settings surface geophysical surveys, calibrated by a few soil cores, could be employed to identify these recharge openings, and qualitatively assess the protection afforded by the soil cover. In a test of this hypothesis, geophysical measurements accurately predicted the thickness of unconsolidated deposits overlying karstic dolomite at a site ab     

Integration of surface geophysical methods for fracture detection in crystalline bedrocks of southwestern Nigeria

The application of electrical imaging and very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetics was investigated for the purpose of delineating basement fracture zones, and to show how incorporating a priori information in numerical modelling would facilitate the location of fractured zones within a basement rock more precisely. To this end, direct current (DC) dipole–dipole resistivity and VLF modelling and inversion experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the methods in detecting low-resistivity fracture zones in a typical crystalline basement rock that is favourable for groundwater accumulation. Most wells drilled in such an environment usually have low yields. Results of the numerical experiment generally indicate that fractures covered by moderate overburden, and having considerable depth, extent, and thickness compared to the depth of fracture burial, produce good responses resulting in high-resolution resistivity images. Lower resolution resistivity images were obtained as the thickness of the overburden increased. Also, the model investigations indicate that width of the fracture zone plays a major role in controlling image resolution. Conclusions from the synthetic modelling were confirmed by resistivity and VLF data gathered across a suspected fault in a hard rock terrain of southwestern Nigeria. The results from the field data are in general agreement with the numerical modelling experiments.Integración de métodos geofísicos superficiales para la detección de fracturas en macizos rocosos cristalinos del suroeste de Nigeria.