A geoelectrical-hydrogeochemical investigation of shallow groundwater occurrence in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

 An integrated geological, geoelectrical and hydrochemical investigation of shallow groundwater occurrence in the Ibadan area, southwestern Nigeria, is presented. The primary objective was to characterise the groundwater in a typical low-latitude environment underlain by Precambrian crystalline basement complex rocks. The dominant rocks comprise suites of gneisses and quartzites. Chemical analyses of the groundwater show that the mean concentration of the cations is in the order Na>Ca>Mg>K while that for the anions is Cl>HCO₃>NO₃>SO₄. Statistical analyses, using the product-moment coefficient of correlation, indicate positive correlations between the following pairs of parameters: TDS and conductivity (r=0.96); Na⁺+Mg²⁺ and Cl^– (r=0.95); Na⁺+K⁺ and Ca²⁺ (r=0.43); Na⁺+K⁺ and HCO₃ ^– (r=0.17); Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ (r=0.74); Ca²⁺ and HCO₃ ^– (r=0.33); Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺ and HCO₃ ^– (r=0.31) and pH and HCO₃ ^– (r=0.54). A very weak negative correlation was recorded between pH and Cl^–, with r=–0.003. Five groundwater groups have been identified, namely, (1) the Na-Cl, Na-Ca-Cl, Na-Ca-(Mg)-Cl; (2) the Ca-(Mg)-Na-HCO₃-Cl, Na-Ca-HCO₃-Cl, and Ca-HCO₃-Cl; (3) the Ca-(Mg)-Na-HCO₃, Ca-Na-HCO_3; (4) Ca-Na-Cl-(SO₄)-HCO₃ and (5) the Ca-(Mg)-Na-SO₄-HCO₃. The different groups reflect the diversity of bedrock types and consequently also of the products of weathering. Most of the water sampled is unfit for drinking on account of the high NO₃ ^– content. It can, however, be used for irrigation purposes as the sodium hazard is low while the salinity hazard ranges from low to medium. Resistivity soundings indicate the presence of a thick weathering profile, which could be up to 60 m. Such sites should be the target for any long-term and sustainable groundwater development in the area. Received: 15 April 1998 · Accepted: 4 July 1998     

Empirical analysis of electromagnetic profiles for groundwater prospecting in rural areas of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

The Slingram electromagnetic (EM) survey using a coil separation of 60 and 100 m was carried out in ten villages in the Akinyele area of Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria to aid in the development of groundwater. Five main rock types including an undifferentiated gneiss complex (Su), biotite-garnet schist/gneiss (Bs), quartzite and quartz schist (Q), migmatized undifferentiated biotite/hornblende gneiss (M) and pegmatite/quartz vein (P) underlie the study area. A total of 31 EM profiles was made to accurately locate prospective borehole sites in the field. Four main groups with different behavioural patterns were categorized from the EM profiles. Group 1 is characterized by a high density of positive (HDP) or a high density of negative (HDN) real and imaginary curves, Group 2 by parallel real and imaginary curves intersecting with negligible amplitude (PNA), Group 3 by frequent intersection of a high density of negative minima (FHN) real and imaginary curves, and Group 4 by separate and approximately parallel (SAP) real and imaginary curves. Qualitative pictures of the overburden thickness and the extent of fracturing have been proposed from these behavioural patterns. A comparison of the borehole yield with the overburden thickness and the level of fracturing shows that the borehole yield depends more on the fracture density than on the overburden thickness. The asymmetry of the anomaly was also found to be useful in the determination of the inclination of the conductor/fracture.

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Résumé Une prospection électromagnétique Silgram (EM) utilisant une séparation de 60 et 100 m, a été réalisée sur 10 sites villageois dans la zone d’Akinyele, Ibadan, au Sud-Ouest du Nigeria, pour le développement de l’exploitation des eaux souterraines. De cette manière il a été possible de définir cinq principaux types de roches comprenant un complexe gneissique indifférencié (Su), un schiste gneissique à biotite et garnet (Bs), une quartzite et un schiste quartzitique (Q), un gneiss migmatisé à hornblende et biotite indifférenciées (M) et une veine de pegmatite et quartz recouvrant la zone d’étude. Un total de 31 profils EM a été réalisé de manière à améliorer sérieusement la localisation des forages de reconnaissance. Quatre groupes principaux ont été définis sur base de leur comportement dans les profils EM. Le Groupe 1 est caractérisé par une forte densité de courbes réelles et imaginaires, positives ou négatives (HDP ou HDN). Le Groupe 2 est caractérisé par des courbes parallèles, réelles et imaginaires, superposées à une amplitude négligeable (PNA). Le Groupe 3 rassemble les densités importantes de courbes réelles et imaginaires, d’amplitude négative minimum, fréquemment intersectées. Le Groupe 4 rassemble les courbes réelles et imaginaires, distinctes et sensiblement parallèles (SAP). Les images qualitatives de l’épaisseur de la couverture et la largeur des fractures ont pu être déterminées sur base du comportement des éléments précédemment cités. La comparaison des débits de forage, de l’épaisseur de la couche supérieure, et du degré de fracturation, montre que le débit du forage dépend plus de la densité de forage que de l’épaisseur de la couverture. L’asymétrie des anomalies a par ailleurs été très utile pour déterminer l’inclinaison des fractures conductrices.

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Resumen Se llevó a cabo un levantamiento electromagnético (EM) Slingram utilizando una separación de bobinas de 60 y 100 metros en 10 comunidades en el área Akinyele de Ibadan, suroeste de Nigeria para ayudar en el desarrollo de agua subterránea. Cinco tipos de rocas principales incluyendo un complejo de gneiss no diferenciado (Su), gneiss/esquisto de granate-biotita (Bs), cuarzita y esquisto de cuarzo (Q), gneiss de hornblenda/biotita migmatizado no diferenciado (M) y vetas de cuarzo/pegmatita (P) se encuentran en el área de estudio. Se levantaron un total de 31 perfiles EM para localizar con precisión sitios prospectivos para pozos en el campo. Se distinguieron cuatro grupos principales con diferente patrón de comportamiento a partir de los perfiles EM. El Grupo 1 se caracteriza por una alta densidad de curvas reales e imaginarias positivas (HDP) o negativas (HDN); el Grupo 2 por curvas paralelas reales e imaginarias que se interceptan con amplitud despreciable (PNA); el Grupo 3 por intersección frecuente de curvas reales e imaginarias con mínimos negativos de alta densidad (FHN); y el Grupo 4 por curvas imaginarias y reales separadas y aproximadamente paralelas (SAP). A partir de estos patrones de comportamiento se han propuesto cuadros cualitativos del espesor del material superficial y la extensión de fracturamiento. Una comparación de la productividad del pozo en relación al espesor del material superficial y el nivel de fracturamiento muestra que la productividad del pozo depende más de la densidad de fracturamiento que del espesor del material superficial. También se encontró que la asimetría de la anomalía era útil en la determinación de la inclinación de la fractura/conductor.

     

The use of multivariate statistical analysis in the assessment of groundwater hydrochemistry in some parts of southwestern Nigeria

Arabian Journal of Geosciences - Turabah area is located in the southwestern Arabian Shield of Saudi Arabia. The present study aims to shed light on the origin and mechanism of formation of the...     

Groundwater potential assessment in a sedimentary terrain,southwestern Nigeria

Geoelectrical resistivity techniques are increasingly being applied in addressing a wide range of hydrological, environmental, and geotechnical problems. This is due to their effectiveness in near-surface characterization. In the present study, a suite of vertical electrical soundings (VESs) was integrated with 2D geoelectrical resistivity and time-domain induced polarization (IP) imaging to characterize the near-surface and delineate the underlying aquifer in a sedimentary terrain. The geophysical survey was conducted as part of preliminary studies to evaluate the potential of groundwater resource in Iyana-Iyesi and Canaan Land area of Ota, southwestern Nigeria. A high-yield confined sandy aquifer overlain by a low-yield aquitard was delineated; overlying the aquitard is a very resistive and thick layer that is predominantly composed of kaolinitic swelling clay intercalated with phosphate mineral.     

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater in Moro area,Kwara state,Nigeria

Detailed study of chemical analysis results of several groundwater samples (UNICEF-Assisted Water project, Kwara state, Nigeria) were carried out in an attempt to assess the quality and usability of groundwaters in the Moro area. Chemical analysis results indicate higher concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and HCO₃ ^– as compared to Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^–, and SO₄ ^2–. With exception of few locations where Fe is relatively higher, the concentrations of these ions together with other water quality parameters are all within permissible limits of the domestic and agricultural standards.On the basis of the analytical results, groundwaters in the study area are largely characterized as Ca-(Mg)-HCO₃ type reflecting (possibly) young facies with limited migratory history. The occurrence of Ca-(Mg)-Na-HCO₃ water type in certain areas is attributed to cation exchange processes. In addition, the observed scattered relationship between the TDS and the thickness of weathered horizons in the boreholes indicates the contribution of precipitation (recharge) to the ionic inputs in the groundwaters in addition to the weathering and dissolution processes.     

Geochemical indicators of interbasin groundwater flow within the southern Rio Grande Valley, southwestern USA

Increased groundwater withdrawals for the growing population in the Rio Grande Valley and likely alteration of recharge to local aquifers with climate change necessitates an understanding of the groundwater connection between the Jornada del Muerto Basin and the adjoining and more heavily used aquifer in the Mesilla Basin. Separating the Jornada and Mesilla aquifers is a buried bedrock high from Tertiary intrusions. This bedrock high or divide restricts and/or retards interbasin flow from the Jornada aquifer into the Mesilla aquifer. The potentiometric surface of the southern Jornada aquifer near part of the bedrock high indicates a flow direction away from the divide because of a previously identified damming effect, but a groundwater outlet from the southern Jornada aquifer is necessary to balance inputs from the overall Jornada aquifer. Differences in geochemical constituents (major ions, δD, δ¹⁸O, δ³⁴S, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) indicate a deeper connection between the two aquifers through the Tertiary intrusions where Jornada water is geochemically altered because of a geothermal influence. Jornada groundwater likely is migrating through the bedrock high in deeper pathways formed by faults of the Jornada Fault Zone, in addition to Jornada water that overtops the bedrock high as previously identified as the only connection between the two aquifers. Increased groundwater withdrawals and lowering of the potentiometric surface of the Jornada aquifer may alter this contribution ratio with less overtopping of the bedrock high and a continued deeper flowpath contribution that could potentially increase salinity values in the Mesilla Basin near the divide.     

Environmental implications of bitumen seep induced pollution in parts of Ogun state,southwestern Nigeria

This study investigates the hydrocarbon and toxic metal contents of the bitumen-impacted soil, sediment and water samples within the Ogun block aspect of Nigerian bitumen belt. The aim was to determine the level of induced pollution on the immediate environments directly under the influence of the oil tar seepage. The results indicate exceptionally high concentration of both total hydrocarbon and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in all types of samples in varying degrees (i.e., sediment > soil > water) when compared to the standard values. These obtained values depict pollution which may be induced on animals and humans interacting with each of these micro environments. It is anticipated that proper management of the bitumen seeps in the study areas at present and effective planning of its exploitation in future will reduce to the barest minimum all its diverse but serious effects on the biota.     

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality in parts of the niger delta,Nigeria

Detailed hydrogeochemical analysis of several samples of groundwater collected from parts of the Niger Delta, Nigeria has been carried out in an effort to assess the quality of groundwater in the area. Results obtained showed the groundwater in the area to be enriched in Na⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Cl^–, HCO ₃ ^- , and SO ₄ ^-- . The concentration of these ions as well as such parameters as salinity, total hardness, and TDS are below the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water. The concentration of Ca⁺⁺ was found to be higher than Mg⁺⁺ except in some areas very close to the coast suggesting the encroachment of saltwater. This encroachment of saltwater is further indicated by the general increase in Cl^– and a decreased in HCO ₃ ^- content towards the coast and Na/Cl ratios. On the basis of the present hydrogeochemical studies, five groundwater types have been recognized to occur in the area of study. These are (1) Sodium-Calcium-Magnesium-Bicarbonate type (Na-Ca-Mg-5HCO₃), (2) Iron-Calcium-Bicarbonate type (Fe-Ca-4HCO₃), (3) Sodium-Calcium-Magnesium-Sulfate type ( ), (4) Iron-Chloride-Bicarbonate (Fe-Cl-HCO₃), and (5) Magnesium-Chloride type (Mg-2Cl). The assemblage of groundwater types in the area shows that both compound and single groundwater types occur. The geochemical characteristics of the groundwaters are thought to be closely related to the peculiar geologic and hydrologic conditions that prevail in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria.     

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.     

Anomalous concentrations of radionuclides in the groundwater of Ede area,southwestern Nigeria: a direct impact of geology

An assessment of the groundwater in areas underlain by pegmatite in Ede, southwestern Nigeria was carried out to determine the concentration of Potassium-40 (⁴⁰K), Uranium-238 (²³⁸U) and Thorium-232 (²³²Th) radionuclides. In the earlier work, it was established that zircons in these pegmatites have suffered a high degree of metamictization that has enhanced continuous loss of some radionuclides since the time of emplacement of the pegmatite host rock to the present. The aim of this work is to determine whether or not there is corresponding increase in the concentration of radionuclides in groundwater in the study area. Fifteen groundwater samples were collected from both hand dug wells and boreholes in the area. Ten samples were from Ede town, two samples each from nearby communities of Iddo and Ekuro and one from Iwoye, where the bedrocks were not pegmatites. All the 15 samples were analyzed with the Sodium Iodide scintillator (NaI [Tl]) detector at the Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The results showed varying concentrations of the radionuclides in the water samples. Activity concentrations of Potassium-40 (⁴⁰K) indicated an average value of 17.149 Bq/L for samples from Ede, 9.265 Bq/L for Iddo, 6.6 Bq/L for Ekuro, while Iwoye has a value of 21.21 Bq/L. The Uranium-238 (²³⁸U) series had an average value of 13.64 Bq/L for Ede, 13.49 Bq/L for Ekuro, 11.685 Bq/L for Iddo and 12.04 Bq/L for the lone sample from Iwoye. Thorium-232 (²³²Th) series had an average value of 11.182 Bq/L for Ede, while average values of 7.79 Bq/L and 9.025 Bq/L, respectively, were recorded for Iddo and Ekuro and 12.25 Bq/L for Iwoye. The annual effective dose level of ⁴⁰K is generally below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended dosage of 0.1 mSv/y except for three locations, while those of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th are in excess of the standard values. The high radionuclides in the groundwater in the study area were not due to anthropogenic sources but directly due to geological processes which release the radioisotopes from rocks after weathering, continuous loss from metamict minerals and natural lateral mobility from regions of radionuclides’ release to other areas. There is thus the need to carry out systematic studies of the radionuclides concentrations on regional scale in the area which could lead to investigating on both short- and long-term health effects on organic species in these areas, and development of purification systems before utilizing water from the areas for domestic and industrial purposes.     

Assessment of spatial relationship between groundwater pollution vulnerability and quality indices in Kano,Nigeria

Safeguarding groundwater from pollution is largely a global political decision. These decisions are basically supported by DRASTIC (D=Depth to water, R=Recharge, A=Aquifer media, S=Soil media, T=Topography, I=Impact of vadose zone, C=Hydraulic conductivity) analysis. Furthermore, water quality index (WQI) is an effective tool for groundwater quality evaluation and management. This study identifies the relationship between these two indices [i.e., pollution vulnerability index (PVI) and WQI]. The DRASTIC index of the study area was found to be from 60.4 to 178 characterized by very low, low, medium high, and very high vulnerability constituting of 12.88, 24.38, 34.11, 21.99, and 6.63% of the study area, respectively. In addition, the WQI of the area according to the analyzed parameters is between 10.19 and 55.63. It was established that a good correlation (61%) was found to exist between the two indices; which may be an indication that most pollutants present in the groundwater are likely due to anthropogenic activities on the land surface.     

基于不确定性的地下水污染风险评价研究进展

地下水污染风险研究在工程决策中具有重要意义。但地下水系统本身具有各种不确定性,基于这些不确定性的地下水污染风险评价也因此具有不确定性,而且贯穿整个地下水污染风险评价过程。所以,进行不确定性分析是对地下水污染风险进行评价时的必要步骤。一般来讲,基于不确定性分析的地下水污染风险评价结果更可靠,因此也更具有实用价值。本文在对不确定性进行分类（随机不确定性和模糊不确定性）的基础上,通过大量文献调研和分析,对目前国内外用于地下水污染风险评价分析的不确定性分析方法（包括随机理论方法、模糊理论方法、随机-模糊耦合方法等）进行了归纳总结,并基于各种方法目前的研究现状,分析了不确定性理论在地下水污染风险评价研究中的发展前景。     

Confined groundwater pollution mechanism and vulnerability assessment in oilfields, North China

The confined groundwater in North China oilfield is contaminated by oil and oilfield gas. Based upon the analysis of the geological structures and hydrogeology of the study area, the pollution mechanism of the confined groundwater is studied. The main influencing factors are the oil–gas deposit size, the distribution of faults, oil exploitation well distribution, water input well distribution, aquifer media permeability, etc. The vulnerability assessment model is established for the confined groundwater in the study area, and the artificial neural networks (ANN) assessment method is adopted in this paper. The assessment results of the confined groundwater vulnerability fits well with the actual situations in the study area, which indicates the ANN assessment method is correct, accurate and objective.     

Geochemical assessment of groundwater around Macherla-Karempudi area,Guntur district,Andhra Pradesh

Groundwater in Palnad sub-basin is alkaline in nature and Na⁺-Cl⁻-HCO₃⁻ type around Macherla-Karempudi area in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Total dissolved solids (TDS) show strong positive correlation with Cl⁻, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, and positive correlation with SO₄²⁻, K⁺ and HCO₃⁻. Calcareous Narji Formation is the dominant aquifer lithology, and water-rock interaction controls the groundwater chemistry of the area. Chloro-alkaline indices (CAI) are positive at Miriyala, Adigopula, Mutukuru, Macherla and Durgi suggesting replacement of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions from water by Mg⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ ions from country rock through base exchange reactions. Negative CAI values are recorded at Terala, Rayavaram and Nehrunagar, which indicate exchange of Na⁺ and K⁺ from the rock as cation-anion exchange reaction (chloro-alkaline disequilibrium). TDS range from 91 to 7100 ppm (Avg. 835 ppm) and exceed the prescribed limit of drinking water around Mutukuru, Durgi, Rayavaram, Khambampadu and Ammanizamalmadaka areas. Scanty rainfall and insufficient groundwater recharge are the prime factors responsible for high salinity in the area. Fluoride content ranges from <1 to 3.8 ppm and contaminated areas were identified around Macherla (1 sq km; 3.8ppm), Mandadi (1 sq km, 2.1ppm) and Adigopula (2 sq km, <1 to 3.7 ppm). The % Na⁺ content varies from 17 to 85 with the mean value of 57, and eighty (80) samples showed higher %Na⁺ in comparison to the prescribed limit of 60 for irrigation water. Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and % Na⁺ in relation to total salt concentration indicate that groundwater (51%) mostly falls under doubtful to poor quality for irrigation purpose. Groundwater of Adigopula village is fluoride contaminated and remedial measures are suggested to improve the water quality.     

Arsenic pollution in groundwater from Hetao Area,China

. Hetao Area, China is a district where arsenic concentrations in drinking water are elevated. The 180,000 people that inhabit the 6,100 km² of the seven counties in the area show symptoms of arsenic poisoning. In this paper, the distribution and origin of arsenic in groundwater were studied. The results demonstrate that the affected district boundaries encompass an area with high contents of As in well water, which the local inhabitants drink and use in daily life. This district is labeled as a population pathological change area. The isotope ratios of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7100–0.7164), ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (18.3817–19.1871), and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (15.7581–15.9578) in groundwater of the population pathological change area are close to the ratios measured in water from mine areas (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7196, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=19.1940, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.9574), and are somewhat close to ratios in Yellow River, water which is used to irrigating in Hetao Area (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7168, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.3495, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.5969). The average content of As in the drinking water is as high as four times more than the environmental standard of As in drinking water. The study suggests that the origin of the As in groundwater of the population pathological change area in Hetao Area is transported from higher elevations where mineral deposits exist. Mining of some of the deposits has occurred for a long time. Mining practices can result in release of toxic elements, which can then be transported from the mining district down gradient.     

Geochemical and qualitative assessment of groundwater of the High Mekerra watershed,NW Algeria

Groundwater constitutes the main source of water supply in the High Mekerra watershed of northwestern Algeria. This resource is currently under heavy pressures to meet the growing needs of drinking water and irrigation. This study assesses the geochemical characteristics of groundwater of the High Mekerra watershed at 21 points distributed across the two main aquifers (Ras El Ma and Mouley Slissen) in the region. Hydrochemical facies of Ras El Ma groundwater are dominantly MgCl and CaCl type, while those of Mouley Slissen groundwater are of CaHCO₃ type. Principal component analysis shows a strong correlation between groundwater mineralization and Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^? and SO₄ ^2? ions stemming from the dissolution of carbonates, gypsum and anhydrite. Groundwater mineralization evolves from south to north. Geochemical modeling shows that the High Mekerra groundwater is saturated with respect to calcite and dolomite and undersaturated with respect to gypsum and anhydrite. Nitrate concentrations that exceed the WHO standard (50 mg L^?1) at several points are linked to the agro-pastoral activities in this region.     

Geochemical characterization of Cretaceous sandstones from the Southern Benue Trough,Nigeria

Geochemical studies of sandstones from the three lithostratigraphic successions in the southern Benue Trough of Nigeria were undertaken for a geochemical characterization of the sandstones, and to assess their strati-graphic and source evolution.Major and trace elements data were obtained from outcrop sandstone samples. The SIO2/Al2O2, Fe2O3/K2O ra-tios and CaO contents have been used to characterize the Cretaceous sandstones into Al-rich and high and low Fe2O3/K2O ratio sandstones. Results indicate that there are geochemical features that display stratigraphic trends across the succession from the Asu River Group, Eze-Aku Group to the proto-Niger Delta succession which may imply a discontinuous evolution from different source terrains of Precambrian and Mesozoic ages that supplied the sediments. The Asu River Group sandstones have lower SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and higher MgO; the Eze-Aku sand-stones have higher TiO2, CaO, alkalis and lower MgO while the proto-Niger Delta sandstones have higher SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and lower alkalis and CaO. These discontinuities signify the influence of tectonic impulses that af-fected the southern Benue Trough during the Cretaceous time. Changes in ratios of TiO2/Al2O3, Fe2O3, Cr and Zr suggest an increasingly mafic contribution to the depositional basin with time. The chemical index of alteration in-creases with time, possibly suggesting that a more intense weathering regime in the hinterland developed with time.