Estimating geohydrodynamic parameters and their implications on aquifer repositories: A case study of university of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Abstract

This study employs the surface geoelectrical resistivity method to investigate the aquifer repositories by estimating the geohydrodynamic parameters; aquifer quality index (AQI), flow zone indicator (FZI), permeability, hydraulic conductivity, fractional porosity, formation factor, normalized porosity index, and tortuosity. The data were obtained from vertical electrical sounding (VES) employing Schlumberger electrode configuration across 17 locations within the study area. The interpretation of the field data was done using the computer software package known as the WINRESIST and the results gave the values of resistivity, depth and thickness of each geoelectric layer at each VES point. The values of aquifer resistivity and thickness were used to estimate the geohydrodynamic parameters, and their variation trends are shown in the contour maps. It was delineated that high permeability zone have high porosity, AQI, FZI, and hydraulic conductivity but low formation factor and tortuosity. This is a reflection of high pore connectivity and groundwater transmissibility in the aquifer repositories. The various plots illustrate the interrelationship between the parameters and gave unique information which could be employed in groundwater contamination modeling, management and abstraction.