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Subsurface Mapping for Groundwater Portability at Community Secondary School Nkpolu: a Digital Terrameter Approach

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: : Access to safe and sustainable drinking water is a critical challenge in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, where rapid population growth and industrial activities have increased the risk of groundwater contamination. The primary objective of this study was to employ geophysical techniques to delineate potential freshwater aquifers within the school's premises. The study aimed to determine the subsurface lithology, overburden thickness, and water table distribution to guide the successful drilling of a potable water borehole. A geophysical survey was conducted using the Electrical Resistivity Method, specifically the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique with a Schlumberger electrode configuration. Data were acquired using an ABEM Terrameter (e.g., SAS 1000 or 300 models), which measured the resistance of subsurface layers. Interpretation of the VES data revealed multiple geo-electric layers, with topsoil, clayey sand, and prolific sand aquifers. Regional data suggests the water table in Obio-Akpor typically ranges from 1.6 to 9.0 metres, though deeper drilling is often required to reach uncontaminated potable sources. The survey identified the most viable borehole locations by pinpointing high-resistivity zones indicative of freshwater-bearing sands while avoiding potential saltwater intrusion zones. The use of a digital Terrameter provided a cost-effective and non-invasive means of aquifer delineation at CSS Nkpolu. The study recommends drilling to the identified deep-seated aquiferous zones to ensure a long-term supply of water that meets the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Keywords: Potable Water, Digital Terrameter, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Aquifer Delineation, Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State. Title: SUBSURFACE MAPPING FOR GROUNDWATER PORTABILITY AT COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL NKPOLU: A DIGITAL TERRAMETER APPROACH Author: Sam, Edikan Michael, Njoku, Chibueze International Journal of Recent Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences (IJRRIS) ISSN 2350-1049 Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2026 - March 2026 Page No: 53-58 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 20-February-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18714966 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/SUBSURFACE%20MAPPING%20FOR%20GROUNDWATER-20022026-2.pdf
Language: English
Subfield: Geophysics
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7130884387
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