Aquifer Vulnerability Mapping in Katsina-Ala Area, Central Nigeria Using Integrated Electrical Conductivity (IEC)

Abstract

The present demand for water are not only to detect and develop new groundwater systems to meet up with the millennium development goals, but also to protect existing water reservoirs against contaminants. This research work is aimed at mapping out aquifer vulnerability by integrated electrical conductivity (IEC) in Katsina-Ala area, Central Nigeria. With Schlumberger configuration, Twenty-Six (26) vertical electrical soundings (VES) were occupied in the present study using Abem terrameter SAS 300c at the peak of dry season (January to March) from which the VES data collected was interpreted for geo-electrical parameters. The parameters estimated for overburden was used to calculate the IEC and was indexed to generate a vulnerability map of the study area. The indexes revealed three strong regimes which include vulnerable ( , highly vulnerable (IEC  and extremely vulnerable (IEC from 0 to 1240脳10-3siesmens)"> . The result will aid in the design of modalities for monitoring and protection of aquifer front against contaminants in the study area.

Keywords: Aquifer, Integrated electrical conductivity, Overburden, Vulnerability, Katsina-Ala