Abstract: Groundwater is an important source for Nigerian water balance. Therefore assessing its experimental evidence supporting saltwater intrusion is necessary before initiating developmental plans using this resources. In this research, the extent of saltwater intrusion, physiochemical properties of groundwater samples and suitability was experimented in the study areas. Geophysical and geochemical techniques were employed in a research study to investigate saltwater intrusion in freshwater aquifers in coastal areas of Delta State, Nigeria. The resistivity data from fifty Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) in the aquifer layers revealed high water content and saline intrusion, with resistivity ranging from 0.4 to 769.9 Ωm. The hydraulic resistance values ranged from 2.877m-1 to 27.2831m-1, determining the Aquifer Vulnerability Index (AVI). The findings from the Groundwater Occurrence and Depth (GOD) index classified the study area into low and moderate vulnerability classes, with values ranging from 0.168 to 0.420. Groundwater analysis indicated elevated levels of electrical conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids, exceeding WHO standards. Moreover, high concentrations of chloride, sodium, and potassium confirmed saltwater intrusion.
Abstract: Groundwater is an important source for Nigerian water balance. Therefore assessing its experimental evidence supporting saltwater intrusion is necessary before initiating developmental plans using this resources. In this research, the extent of saltwater intrusion, physiochemical properties of groundwater samples and suitability was experimented in...Show More
Abstract: The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the functioning of the aquifer system and springs in the Pala basin through hydrochemical and isotopic analyses. Thirteen samples were analyzed, including two rainwater samples, three spring samples and eight borehole samples. The stable isotopic composition (2H and 18O) of rainwater shows that it is virtually unaffected by evaporation as it falls. Groundwater d-excess values are high, with an average of 11.28 ‰, and all samples have values higher than the local rainfall average of 7.99 ‰. This result suggests direct infiltration of precipitation of oceanic and slightly continental origin, through a favourable geological context. The isotopic study shows that there are two different recharge periods: a cold, wet period with a depletion in 18O and the current period. Around borehole E2, the oldest with a tritium content of 1.8 TU, recharge took place during this cold period. The other waters are the result of mixing with waters from the current period. The springs observed in the study area come from Sotouba sandstone aquifers after erosion exposed the piezometric water level in the Kou basin, hence their origin. Most of the boreholes tap the aquifers of both geological formations, which makes it difficult to distinguish the water from these two aquifers by analysis.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the functioning of the aquifer system and springs in the Pala basin through hydrochemical and isotopic analyses. Thirteen samples were analyzed, including two rainwater samples, three spring samples and eight borehole samples. The stable isotopic composition (2H and 18O) of rainwater shows...Show More