Geophysical Investigation of Groundwater Potential in Gauta Buzu, Nigeria

Abstract

The increase in human activities, population and climate change in Gauta Buzu area of Keffi has put enormous pressure on the existing water resources in the area. There is a high demand for quality drinking water in the area. In order to facilitate the provision of adequate potable water in Gauta Buzu area of Keffi Local Government, Nasarawa State, this study was carried out to evaluate the groundwater potential in Gauta Buzu, using electrical resistivity survey method, with a view to providing useful information that will help stakeholders in the area in adequate groundwater resources management. In this study, vertical electrical sounding data were obtained, using Schlumberger electrode configuration. Four geologic layers were delineated which includes, topsoil, weathered basement, fractured basement and the fresh bedrock. The second and the third geologic layers of the subsurface in the study area constitute the aquiferous layer. The results of the evaluated aquifer parameters showed that the groundwater potential of the study area ranged from intermediate to good categories. The evaluated aquifer characteristics of the study area indicated that the southwestern part of the study area has good groundwater potential and it’s the most appropriate location for municipal borehole site. The other parts of the study area have intermediate or moderate groundwater potential, mainly suitable for domestic water provision. The results of this study will serve as a basis for inform decision making on groundwater resources management in the study area.