DETERMINATION OF LITHOLOGICAL INFLUENCE ON HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY AND TRANSMISSIVITY USING VES DATA IN PARTS OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was used to determine lithological influence on hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity in parts of Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 10 Vertical Electrical Sounding were conducted at ten locations. The VES data were collected using ABEM terrameter SAS 300B and processed using Win-Resist Software and Microsoft Excel Sheet. The influence of the lithology on the Hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity were analyzed based on the Hydraulic Parameters derived from Dar–Zarrouck parameters. Result from the Vertical Electrical Sounding revealed a four to six geo-electric layers. The aquifer resistivity ranges from 39.40Ωm to 17290.7Ωm. Results of the Hydraulic conductivity shows range of 0.005 to 2.538cm/s with the highest value dominating in the cetral part of the study area suggesting large grain sands that can permeate groundwater flow while the transmissivity ranges from 0.22587cm/s2 to 132.487 cm/s2 with average of 19.1587cm/s2. Area with high transmissivity is identified with high groundwater potential permeable with groundwater flow is seen in the central part of the study area with range of 110 to 135 cm/s2 indicating a thick aquifer sand. Result from the nearby borehole in correlation with the VES point showed an agreement with the VES data at Ogale and Eagle Island location. The result of the study can be applied in ground water resources management, hydrological studies and provides valuable information for town planner.