AN ANALYSIS OF AQUIFER CHARACTERISTICS IN PARTS OF RIVERS STATE USING GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

Abstract

An analysis of aquifer characteristics in parts of Rivers State using geophysical techniques has been carried out. The aim was to determine the quality of aquifers in these areas as a guide to drilling boreholes in the area. Data from 10 VES profiles were obtained and analyzed from the research area, Port Harcourt Environs (PE) and  some parts of the state. The locations include (PE1) Eteo Eleme, (PE2) R/S I.A.U.E Rumuolumeni, (PE3) R/S I.A.U.E. Ndele Campus, (PE4)Elele Alimini E.W.Rd., (PE5)Isiokpo Town, (PE6) Airport Ipo, (PE7)Akpoku Etche, (PE8)Okehi/Umuaturu/Omuma Junc., (PE9)Afam Oyigbo, (PE10)Umuagbai Oyigbo. Labelled PE1-PE10. The Resist Software was used to obtain the aquifer parameters.  The parameters were then presented in a contour and 3-D maps to show the trends in the study area. From the trends – all the zones in the ten locations of the study area have high resistance to water current flow and therefore holds fresh water. The conductivity values range from 0.0095Sm-1-0.001Sm-1 indicating fresh water zone. The longitudinal conductance range from 0.65m/Ωm-0.1m/Ωm indicating good hydraulic conductivity. The thickness of the aquifers ranges from 45m-155m indicating the presence of large volume of aquifers. Low aquifer thickness regions are found in Afam Oyigbo, (PE9) and Umuagbai Oyigbo.(PE10) In Port Harcourt environs. Therefore the aquifers in these areas are recommended for domestic purposes while other areas in this research can be commercialize.