Title: Hydro-geophysical investigation of saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifer in Burutu, Nigeria

Authors: Ochuko Anomohanran; Samuel Omorovie Akporido

Addresses: Department of Physics, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria ' Department of Physics, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract: Eleven vertical electrical soundings were conducted in Burutu, Nigeria to investigate saltwater intrusion into the freshwater aquifer. A combination of curve matching technique and computer iterative software were used to interpret the data obtained. The result revealed the presence of four geoelectric layers consisting of two aquifers, located in the second and fourth layers. Analysis of the result showed that the second layer aquifer with a resistivity range of 136 to 283 Ωm and depth range of 1.8 to 3.6 m constitute an unconfined aquifer while the fourth layer aquifer with a resistivity value of 471 to 1,391 Ωm and depth range of 12.5 to 22.5 m is confined. The result of hydro-chemical analysis suggests that the second layer aquifer is saline, while the fourth layer aquifer is of good quality. It is therefore recommended that the sourcing of groundwater in Burutu should be to the fourth layer aquifer.

Keywords: Burutu; groundwater; saltwater intrusion; freshwater aquifers; geoelectric layers; hydro-geophysics; vertical electrical sounding; VES; electrical conductivity; Nigeria; saline aquifers; salinity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2015.070088

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2015 Vol.5 No.2, pp.149 - 162

Received: 20 Nov 2014
Accepted: 07 Feb 2015
Published online: 26 Jun 2015 *

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