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Application of geoelectric technique and sensitivity analysis in assessment of aquifer vulnerability: a case study of Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti Area, Eastern Nigeria

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Abstract

Groundwater quality assessment has become vital issues all over the world as remediation of contaminated water is extremely challenging. Due to the unconfined nature of Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti groundwater and the highly intensive agricultural practices observed in these areas, assessment of groundwater vulnerability to contamination is inevitable. This study employed vertical electrical sounding (VES) in forty-two (42) different locations of Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti area with the intent to assess groundwater susceptibility to contamination using GOD, GODL and GLSI models. Results from VES delineated a total of four-to-five geoelectric layers. From VES result on the layer’s geologic unit’s constrained with the borehole log information on geologic unit serving as water-bearing unit in the area, the fourth layer was delineated as the aquifer layer in most locations of the study area within fine-to-medium coarse-grained sand. Results of groundwater vulnerability assessment as established using GODindex classified the aquifer units in the study area as low vulnerable units. GODLindex and GLSI models establishing different range of vulnerability index classified the areas aquifer units into high, moderate and low vulnerable zones. Results of single parameter and map removal sensitivity analysis on GOD and GODL model delineated overlying lithology and longitudinal conductance, respectively, as the most sensitive parameters in vulnerability assessment of the study area. Aquifer vulnerability potential zone maps generated revealed the vulnerability class distributions. These results will assist in sensitizing the habitants against indiscriminate disposal of waste and also guide the government in effective monitoring and management of groundwater repositories.

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Data availability statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Chief Joseph and Maria Omeje and Solid Earth Geophysics research group of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for their encouragement during this research.

Funding

The research was funded by the authors whose names are in the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

    Emmanuel T. Omeje, Daniel N. Obiora, Francisca N. Okeke & Johnson C. Ibuot

  2. Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria

    Victor D. Omeje

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  1. Emmanuel T. Omeje
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Field data acquisition and analysis were carried out by ETO, DNO, and JCI. Data interpretation and Manuscript writing was carried out by ETO, DNO, FNO, JCI, and VDO. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Emmanuel T. Omeje.

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Omeje, E.T., Obiora, D.N., Okeke, F.N. et al. Application of geoelectric technique and sensitivity analysis in assessment of aquifer vulnerability: a case study of Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti Area, Eastern Nigeria. Environ Dev Sustain 26, 17579–17615 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03351-5

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