Investigation of Groundwater Potential Zone Using Geophysical and Geospatial Technology in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Esonanjor Erefama Ekine , Amechi Bright Ukachukwu , Amakiri Arobo Raymond Chinoye 
Published: September 2023

Background of the Study: The study area is located within four communities in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, which is a coastal region within the Niger Delta. The study area is heavily reliant on groundwater for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes. The hydrogeological dynamics of the area are complex, with diverse geological formations and intricate subsurface structures. As a result, an innovative and integrated approach is necessary for effective groundwater management. The study investigated the potential of groundwater resources in the study area and identification of fresh water zones using electrical resistivity, remote sensing, and GIS which employs geophysical surveys, remote sensing techniques, and geospatial analysis to explore the interplay between aquifer characteristics, geological formations, and topographical attributes. The fresh water zones are regions with low saline content.

Aim: This study aims to assess groundwater potential in some parts of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area by integrating the geophysical data from Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys with geospatial analysis from GIS and Remote Sensing Technology. The research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of groundwater availability and its correlation with geophysical and geospatial parameters.

Study Design: A thorough methodology was employed to investigate the possibility of freshwater resources in the study area. The approach involved gathering Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data from 8 locations, as well as incorporating geospatial data such as elevation, drainage density, geology, apparent resistivity, and slope maps. The collected data underwent rigorous processing, correlation analysis, and reclassification to explore the potential of freshwater resources in the study area.

Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in four communities (Abonnema, Ekulama, Jacobkiri and Belema) within the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area over a span of 18months. The area's hydrogeological context and topographical features are investigated to determine groundwater potential zones.

Methods: The research utilized the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method to obtain aquifer resistivity data, reflecting subsurface Lithological variations. Geospatial analysis involved accessing elevation and drainage density patterns. Correlation analysis was also performed to link the geophysical and geospatial data with qualitative interpretations, facilitating the assignment of numerical values representing groundwater potential zones.

Results: The Correlation analysis revealed insightful patterns. Aquifer resistivity, elevation and slope were identified as influential parameter affecting groundwater potential. The geology of the study area, categorized into dominant formations, exhibited varying degrees of potential for freshwater resources. The Correlation of geophysical and geospatial data provided a comprehensive understanding of groundwater availability across the study region.

Conclusion: The integration of geophysical and geospatial analysis offers a robust approach to groundwater potential assessment. The research findings contributed to valuable insights into the spatial distribution of potential freshwater resources in the study area. The correlation between aquifer resistivity, elevation, slope, and geology enhanced our understanding of hydrological conditions and provides a foundation for future groundwater studies and management strategies.