Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators

Aisha Abubakar Kana; Ahmad Abubakar Kana

doi:doi:10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators

Aisha Abubakar Kana, Ahmad Abubakar Kana

Published in Hydrology (Volume 10, Issue 2)

Received: 23 March 2022 Accepted: 28 April 2022 Published: 30 June 2022

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Abstract

This paper presents results of saline groundwater zone delineation using electrical resistivity sounding. The geologic setting of the study area, Awe Town is that of the Biddle Benue Trough, a structure filled with Cretaceous sediments that include Awe Formation. The town is a predominantlyrural area plagued with saline groundwater resulting from brines associated with Awe Formation. As a result of this challenge, water supply scheme for the area was situated about 6km away from the main settlement making access to potable water difficult. The present study was prompted by the need to delineate the extent of groundwater contamination by the brines and in so doing identify aquifers close to the settlement for exploitation. Electrical resistivity method has been applied extensively in delineation of saline groundwater zones. Electrical resistivity surveys were done around the town with the sole aim of delineating the saline groundwater and fresh groundwater regions around the settlement. A total of 20 vertical electrical soundings were carried out using the Schlumberger configuration. Geophysical indicators (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance (S and T respectively) as well as transverse resistivity (ρt) and longitudinal resistivity (ρl)) were used to assess saline water distribution in the aquifers of the study area. Of the four indicators, Longitudinal Unit Conductance and Transverse Unit Resistance clearly demarcated saline groundwater zones. Contour maps showing the distribution of these indicators aided in the identification of fresh groundwater, 1.2km from the main town. Analysis of borehole logs in the fresh groundwater region revealed fresh groundwater aquifers within Younger rocks i.e. Ezeaku and Keana Formations, which overlie the Awe Formation. Geologic setting of the study area is such that Awe Formation is exposed in the Old Town due to uplift and weathering, while younger rocks of Ezeaku and Keana Formations overlie Awe Formation in the New Town area. Aquifers in these formations have resistivity in the range of 150 to 300Ωm, with thicknesses ranging between 20m and 35m; these zones were interpreted to have high yield potential in terms of quality.

Published in	Hydrology (Volume 10, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13
Page(s)	42-48
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Saline, Groundwater, Inland Brine, Electrical Resistivity

References

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[2]	Anudu, G. K., Stephenson, R. A., Ofoegbu, C. O. and Obrike. S. E. (2020). Basement morphology of the middle Benue Trough, Nigeria, revealed from analysis of high-resolution aeromagnetic data using grid-based operator methods. Journal of African Earth Sciences, Volume 162.
[3]	Benkhelil, J. (1987). The evolution of the Cretaceous Benue Trough, Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 8, pp 251-282.3.
[4]	Burke and Dewey, 1974 Burke, K. C. and Dewey, J. F. (1972), ―Orogeny in Africa. In: Dessauvagie, T. F. J. and Whiteman, A. J. (Eds.), African Geology, University of Ibadan Press, Ibadan, pp. 583-608.
[5]	Frohlich, R. K., Barosh, P. J., &Boving, T. (2008). Investigating changes of electrical characteristics of the saturated zone affected by hazardous organic waste. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 64, pp 25–36.
[6]	Hwang, S. H., Shin, J. H., Park, I. H., and Lee, S. K. (2004). Assessment of Sea water intrusion using geophysical well logging and electrical soundings in a coastal aquifer, Youngkwang-gun, Korea. Exploration Geophysics, 35 pp 99-104.
[7]	Jatau, B. S., and Nandom, A. (2013). Morphology of Parts of the Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria from Spectral Analysis of Aeromagnetic Data (Akiri Sheet 232 and Lafia Sheet 231). International Journal of Environmental, Chemical, Ecological, Geological and Geophysical Engineering, 7 (9); pp 622-627.
[8]	Kana, A. A. and Wubon, J. R. (2019). Aspects of the Geology and Hydrogeology around Awe Town, Nigeria. The International Journal of Science and Technoledge, 7 (2), pp 130-139.
[9]	Mohammed, K. H. (2006). Geoelectric resistivity sounding for delineating salt water intrusion in the Abu Zenima area, west Sinai, Egypt. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 3, pp 243–251.
[10]	MacDonald, A. M., Burleigh, J., & Burgess, W. G. (1999). Estimating transmissivity from surface resistivity soundings: an example from the Thames Gravels. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology, 32, 199–205.
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[12]	Mohamed H. K. (2006). Geoelectric Sounding for delineating salt water intrusion in the Abu Zenima area, West Sinai, Egypt. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 3, 243-251.
[13]	MondalN. C. Singh V. P. Ahmed S. (2013). Delineating shallow saline groundwater zones from Southern India using geophysical indicators. Environmental Monitoring Assessment, 185: 4869–4886.
[14]	Nwajide, C. S. (1990). Cretaceous Sedimentation and Paleogeography of the Central Benue Though. In: Ofoegbu, C. O; (Ed.), The Benue. Tough structure and Evolution International Monograph Series, Braunschweig, pp. 19-38.
[15]	Offodile, M. E. 1976. “The Geology of the Middle Benue Nigeria”. Cretaceous Research, Paleontological Institute: University of Uppsala. Special Publication.
[16]	Offodile, M. E. (1984). The geology and tectonics of Awe brine field. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 2 (3) pp 191-202.
[17]	Offodile, M. E. (2014). Hydrogeology: Groundwater Study and Development in Nigeria. Mecon Publishers, Jos, Nigeria.
[18]	Olade, 1978 Olade, M. A. (1975). Evolution of Nigeria’s Benue Trough (Aulocogen); A tectonic model. Geology Magagazine 112, pp 575-578.
[19]	Sallau, A., Momoh, A., Opuwari, M., Akinyemi, S., and Lar, U. (2017). An overview of trace elements in soils of KeanaAwe Brine Fields, Middle Benue Trough. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 72 (1), pp 47-5.
[20]	Singh, U. K., Das, R. K., andHodlur, G. K. (2004). Significance of Dar-Zarrouk parameters in the exploration of quality affected costal aquifer systems. Environmental Geology, 45, pp 696–702.
[21]	Wright, 1968 Wright, J. B. (1976), ―Fracture Systems in Nigeria and Initiation of Fracture Zonesin the South Atlantic, Tectonophysics, Vol. 34, pp. 743-747.
[22]	Zohdy, A. A. R., Eaton, G. P., and Mabey D. R. (1984). Application of Surface Geophysics to Groundwater Investigations (Techniques of Water Resource Investigation Series) 3^rdedn, Book 2, section DI. Washington, Department of the Interior USGS.

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Aisha Abubakar Kana, Ahmad Abubakar Kana. (2022). Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators. Hydrology, 10(2), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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Aisha Abubakar Kana; Ahmad Abubakar Kana. Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators. Hydrology. 2022, 10(2), 42-48. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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Aisha Abubakar Kana, Ahmad Abubakar Kana. Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators. Hydrology. 2022;10(2):42-48. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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@article{10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13,
  author = {Aisha Abubakar Kana and Ahmad Abubakar Kana},
  title = {Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators},
  journal = {Hydrology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {42-48},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hyd.20221002.13},
  abstract = {This paper presents results of saline groundwater zone delineation using electrical resistivity sounding. The geologic setting of the study area, Awe Town is that of the Biddle Benue Trough, a structure filled with Cretaceous sediments that include Awe Formation. The town is a predominantlyrural area plagued with saline groundwater resulting from brines associated with Awe Formation. As a result of this challenge, water supply scheme for the area was situated about 6km away from the main settlement making access to potable water difficult. The present study was prompted by the need to delineate the extent of groundwater contamination by the brines and in so doing identify aquifers close to the settlement for exploitation. Electrical resistivity method has been applied extensively in delineation of saline groundwater zones. Electrical resistivity surveys were done around the town with the sole aim of delineating the saline groundwater and fresh groundwater regions around the settlement. A total of 20 vertical electrical soundings were carried out using the Schlumberger configuration. Geophysical indicators (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance (S and T respectively) as well as transverse resistivity (ρt) and longitudinal resistivity (ρl)) were used to assess saline water distribution in the aquifers of the study area. Of the four indicators, Longitudinal Unit Conductance and Transverse Unit Resistance clearly demarcated saline groundwater zones. Contour maps showing the distribution of these indicators aided in the identification of fresh groundwater, 1.2km from the main town. Analysis of borehole logs in the fresh groundwater region revealed fresh groundwater aquifers within Younger rocks i.e. Ezeaku and Keana Formations, which overlie the Awe Formation. Geologic setting of the study area is such that Awe Formation is exposed in the Old Town due to uplift and weathering, while younger rocks of Ezeaku and Keana Formations overlie Awe Formation in the New Town area. Aquifers in these formations have resistivity in the range of 150 to 300Ωm, with thicknesses ranging between 20m and 35m; these zones were interpreted to have high yield potential in terms of quality.},
 year = {2022}
}

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TY - JOUR
T1 - Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators
AU - Aisha Abubakar Kana
AU - Ahmad Abubakar Kana
Y1 - 2022/06/30
PY - 2022
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13
DO - 10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13
T2 - Hydrology
JF - Hydrology
JO - Hydrology
SP - 42
EP - 48
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2330-7617
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13
AB - This paper presents results of saline groundwater zone delineation using electrical resistivity sounding. The geologic setting of the study area, Awe Town is that of the Biddle Benue Trough, a structure filled with Cretaceous sediments that include Awe Formation. The town is a predominantlyrural area plagued with saline groundwater resulting from brines associated with Awe Formation. As a result of this challenge, water supply scheme for the area was situated about 6km away from the main settlement making access to potable water difficult. The present study was prompted by the need to delineate the extent of groundwater contamination by the brines and in so doing identify aquifers close to the settlement for exploitation. Electrical resistivity method has been applied extensively in delineation of saline groundwater zones. Electrical resistivity surveys were done around the town with the sole aim of delineating the saline groundwater and fresh groundwater regions around the settlement. A total of 20 vertical electrical soundings were carried out using the Schlumberger configuration. Geophysical indicators (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance (S and T respectively) as well as transverse resistivity (ρt) and longitudinal resistivity (ρl)) were used to assess saline water distribution in the aquifers of the study area. Of the four indicators, Longitudinal Unit Conductance and Transverse Unit Resistance clearly demarcated saline groundwater zones. Contour maps showing the distribution of these indicators aided in the identification of fresh groundwater, 1.2km from the main town. Analysis of borehole logs in the fresh groundwater region revealed fresh groundwater aquifers within Younger rocks i.e. Ezeaku and Keana Formations, which overlie the Awe Formation. Geologic setting of the study area is such that Awe Formation is exposed in the Old Town due to uplift and weathering, while younger rocks of Ezeaku and Keana Formations overlie Awe Formation in the New Town area. Aquifers in these formations have resistivity in the range of 150 to 300Ωm, with thicknesses ranging between 20m and 35m; these zones were interpreted to have high yield potential in terms of quality.
VL - 10
IS - 2
ER -

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Author Information

Aisha Abubakar Kana

Department of Geology and Mining, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Ahmad Abubakar Kana

Nasarawa State Water Board Headquarters, Lafia, Nigeria

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APA Style

Aisha Abubakar Kana, Ahmad Abubakar Kana. (2022). Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators. Hydrology, 10(2), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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ACS Style

Aisha Abubakar Kana; Ahmad Abubakar Kana. Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators. Hydrology. 2022, 10(2), 42-48. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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AMA Style

Aisha Abubakar Kana, Ahmad Abubakar Kana. Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators. Hydrology. 2022;10(2):42-48. doi: 10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13

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@article{10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13,
  author = {Aisha Abubakar Kana and Ahmad Abubakar Kana},
  title = {Delineating Saline Water Zones in an Inland Brine Area Using Electrical Resistivity Indicators},
  journal = {Hydrology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {42-48},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hyd.20221002.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hyd.20221002.13},
  abstract = {This paper presents results of saline groundwater zone delineation using electrical resistivity sounding. The geologic setting of the study area, Awe Town is that of the Biddle Benue Trough, a structure filled with Cretaceous sediments that include Awe Formation. The town is a predominantlyrural area plagued with saline groundwater resulting from brines associated with Awe Formation. As a result of this challenge, water supply scheme for the area was situated about 6km away from the main settlement making access to potable water difficult. The present study was prompted by the need to delineate the extent of groundwater contamination by the brines and in so doing identify aquifers close to the settlement for exploitation. Electrical resistivity method has been applied extensively in delineation of saline groundwater zones. Electrical resistivity surveys were done around the town with the sole aim of delineating the saline groundwater and fresh groundwater regions around the settlement. A total of 20 vertical electrical soundings were carried out using the Schlumberger configuration. Geophysical indicators (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance (S and T respectively) as well as transverse resistivity (ρt) and longitudinal resistivity (ρl)) were used to assess saline water distribution in the aquifers of the study area. Of the four indicators, Longitudinal Unit Conductance and Transverse Unit Resistance clearly demarcated saline groundwater zones. Contour maps showing the distribution of these indicators aided in the identification of fresh groundwater, 1.2km from the main town. Analysis of borehole logs in the fresh groundwater region revealed fresh groundwater aquifers within Younger rocks i.e. Ezeaku and Keana Formations, which overlie the Awe Formation. Geologic setting of the study area is such that Awe Formation is exposed in the Old Town due to uplift and weathering, while younger rocks of Ezeaku and Keana Formations overlie Awe Formation in the New Town area. Aquifers in these formations have resistivity in the range of 150 to 300Ωm, with thicknesses ranging between 20m and 35m; these zones were interpreted to have high yield potential in terms of quality.},
 year = {2022}
}

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