Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
The occurrence of shallow aquifer or water bearing formations in Idoa Village of Edo State, Nigeria was investigated for over a decade by using electrical resistivity method, employing Schlumberger array of vertical electrical sounding (VES). The attention of the Government of Edo State is now focus on Idoa area because of acute water shortage engulfing the village area thus making life unbearable for the inhabitants. This research studies of many years will serve as a working guide to a competent bore-hole driller that may be given the contract. Fifteen (15) fairly distributed VES were conducted in the area and its environs to justify the geophysical investigation operation of collecting apparent resistivity data. Interpretation of data was done initially by curve matching which provided computer iterative model results. The results obtained were then interpreted using bore-hole driller log as a control to determine various unconfined aquifers in the study area. The detected unconfined aquifer will provide adequate groundwater to the bore-hole at perceptible rate, sufficient enough for the inhabitants of the area. The unconfined aquifers are probably sandstone with clay intercalation. The resistivity values for the aquifers detected varied from 30ohm-m to 8,500 ohm-m while depths below sea level to probable aquifer level varied from 14m to 50m. Its thickness varied from about 7.0m to 45.0m. Hence shallow groundwater in Idoa area have been identified for future drilling operation

Keywords: shallow aquifer, geographical representation, electrical resistivity, VES, Nigeria

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