Investigating the Presence of Leachatein Grou...

Investigating the Presence of Leachatein Groundwater using Geo-Electric Method: a Case Study of some Parts of Obio/Akpor and its Environs

Author Name : B. E. Kobani, B. U. Amechi, O. I. Horsfall, O. A. Davies

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in the sedimentary Basin in part of Niger Delta, in Obio/Akpor and its environs to be specific. The aim is to investigate the presence of leachate on groundwater,employing Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) techniques, for water samples in Rumulumini, Rumuopirikom, Eliozu, Rumuola and Rumuagholu Dumpsites. Two profile each was taken for five dumpsites with one control point taken from three of the location alongside.  Thirteen VES data was gotten from the dumpsites and five water samples were randomly collected from boreholes close to the dumpsite using sterile 1-liter plastic bottles. Analysed VES data were utilized for the study to define the depth, thickness and subsurface resistivity parameters of the study area. Using the Schlumberger technique, the ABEM Terrameter SAS 300B resistivity meter were used for the sounding. The length of the sounding spread varies in the range of 40m -150m.The result obtained were analyzed using the IPi2win Software and excel spread sheet. Results obtained from the resistivity survey showed that the leakage of the contaminants is easily transported from loosed lateritic topsoil and unsaturated fine sand formation through which the groundwater within the dumpsite area is polluted. The leachate contaminant is prominent from the surface to a maximum depth of 20m of the research area, implying that shallow boreholes drilled close to the dumpsite within 20m deep will be highly contaminated.   There is therefore a need for adequate and proper planning, design, construction and strategic management disposal of waste, as well as the implementation of a better sustainable environmental sanitation practice.

Keywords: Leachates, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Apparent Resistivity, Groundwater, Rivers State.