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Quantitative Assessment of Aquifer Transmissivity and Vulnerability Using Dar Zarrouk Parameters from Schlumberger Resistivity Soundings in the Borikiri Area, Niger Delta


Authors : Tom Cyprian N.; Warmate Tamunonengiyeofori; Tamunosiki Dieokuma

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2t35m7vt

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bsta59zz

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1475

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Abstract : Hydrological estimates were derived from geophysical parameters to assess aquifer proficiency in the Borokiri area of the Niger Delta. Schlumberger vertical electrical soundings were conducted with a maximum current electrode spread (AB) of 400m, generating HK-type model curves. Dar Zarrouk parameters extracted from the geoelectric data were converted to relevant hydrological properties, including hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The study reveals highly prolific aquifer zones with resistivity values exceeding 1000 Ωm and modelled transmissivity values of 2125 m²/day, classified as Krasny Class I magnitude—indicating regional groundwater importance. Formation factor analysis, based on established porosity and cementation values within the Benin Formation, enabled quantitative estimation of hydraulic conductivity. The geoelectric sections delineated four subsurface layers, with the third layer (18.5m thick at 24.8m depth) identified as the primary freshwater aquifer, underlain by a fourth layer with extremely low resistivity (1.1 Ωm), interpreted as a saline aquifer resulting from saltwater intrusion. Calculated longitudinal conductance values of less than 0.1 siemens indicate poor overburden protective capacity, rendering the aquifer vulnerable to surface contamination. These findings demonstrate that while the Borikiri area hosts high-yield freshwater aquifers suitable for regional water supply, the absence of protective clay layers necessitates careful contamination management. The study confirms the efficacy of integrating Dar Zarrouk parameter analysis with conventional resistivity sounding for quantitative aquifer evaluation in complex deltaic environments.

Keywords : Aquifer Transmissivity; Hydraulic Conductivity; Dar Zarrouk Parameters; Schlumberger Sounding; Saline Water Intrusion; Niger Delta; Groundwater Vulnerability; Electrical Resistivity.

References :

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Hydrological estimates were derived from geophysical parameters to assess aquifer proficiency in the Borokiri area of the Niger Delta. Schlumberger vertical electrical soundings were conducted with a maximum current electrode spread (AB) of 400m, generating HK-type model curves. Dar Zarrouk parameters extracted from the geoelectric data were converted to relevant hydrological properties, including hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The study reveals highly prolific aquifer zones with resistivity values exceeding 1000 Ωm and modelled transmissivity values of 2125 m²/day, classified as Krasny Class I magnitude—indicating regional groundwater importance. Formation factor analysis, based on established porosity and cementation values within the Benin Formation, enabled quantitative estimation of hydraulic conductivity. The geoelectric sections delineated four subsurface layers, with the third layer (18.5m thick at 24.8m depth) identified as the primary freshwater aquifer, underlain by a fourth layer with extremely low resistivity (1.1 Ωm), interpreted as a saline aquifer resulting from saltwater intrusion. Calculated longitudinal conductance values of less than 0.1 siemens indicate poor overburden protective capacity, rendering the aquifer vulnerable to surface contamination. These findings demonstrate that while the Borikiri area hosts high-yield freshwater aquifers suitable for regional water supply, the absence of protective clay layers necessitates careful contamination management. The study confirms the efficacy of integrating Dar Zarrouk parameter analysis with conventional resistivity sounding for quantitative aquifer evaluation in complex deltaic environments.

Keywords : Aquifer Transmissivity; Hydraulic Conductivity; Dar Zarrouk Parameters; Schlumberger Sounding; Saline Water Intrusion; Niger Delta; Groundwater Vulnerability; Electrical Resistivity.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - April - 2026

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