HYDROGEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUNDWATER RESOURCE POTENTIAL IN MASAGAMU, MAGAMA AREA, FRACTURED BASEMENT COMPLEX, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was conducted in Salbi farm in the fractured Basement Complex, North- Central Nigeria to determine the groundwater resource potential to serve for agricultural purposes. Four VES stations using Schlumberger electrode configuration with a maximum current electrode spread of 300m were employed for data acquisition. ZHODY software was employed in computing resistivities, depths and thicknesses of the various layers and curve types. Results indicate that the area is characterized by 3 distinct geoelectric layers inferred differently at the VES locations. One potential groundwater aquifer zone was delineated at VES 1, 2, and 4 within the fractured/weathered basement columns having depths ranging between 48.8 – 59.60m and resistivities ranging between 213 – 513 Ωm. These results suggest that boreholes for sustainable groundwater supply in Salbi farm should be sited either at VES 1, 2 or 4 location and screened at a depth ≥60.0m. Wells to develop this resource should be drilled to an effective depth of 40 to 60 m for optimum yields. It is recommended that pumping test be done in order to further determine the aquifer efficiency and productivity in the area. However, the aquifers at these locations have potentials for groundwater but may be vulnerable to contamination.