Geophysical Assessment of Aquifer Vulnerability to Pollution in Parts of Umuahia, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, the geophysical assessment of aquifer vulnerability to pollution in parts of Umuahia
southerneastern Nigeria was undertaken. This study adopted Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the
Schlumberger array. A total of twenty (20) resistivity sounding were carried out across the study area. The
results of the interpreted electrical resistivity data helped to delineate the aquiferous horizons within the
study area. The aquifer protective capacity (APC) rating obtained from second order parameter of the VES
revealed the rating less than 0.1Mhos across the study area; indicating aquiferous zone with poor protective
capacity to contamination migration. The APC values tend to increase towards the extreme south of the
area (Ntigha Ngwa) which has an APC value 0.0932 close to 0.1(weak) protective capacity. Based on these
findings, the study recommends that the citing of facilitates like an automobile mechanic settlement and
abattoir/meat processing factory in the study area should be discouraged.