Assessment of some geo-physical, chemical and technical characteristics of soil and groundwater resources in Jesse, south-south Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed some geophysical, physicochemical and geotechnical characteristics of soil and groundwater resources in Jesse, Delta State of Nigeria. Earth Resistivity Meter was employed for the electrical imaging of the subsurface. Soil and water samples from the area were taken to the Laboratory for the determination of the physico-chemical, geochemical and geotechnical parameters. The results of the resistivity data shows that a high resistive plume with resistivity >2,000 Ohm-m has penetrated the soil beyond 21m beneath the surface in most parts of the surveyed area. The water samples show mild acidity with pH values in the range 4.3-5.4. Total dissolved solids (TDS) is low 29.35- 33.58mg/L and conductivity ranges from 50.60-60.78 μS/cm. Heavy metal presence is within WHO permissible limit, only Iron is high (0.455-0.889mg/L). Groundwater sample analysis show that total petroleum hydrocarbons-TPH, as oil and grease is below detection level (<0.031mg/L). This can be attributed to the sealing of the confined aquifer by impermeable clay, but fairly high in surface water (≈0.4mg/L). The average permeability of the soil is 8.805 x 10^-3cm/s indicating good drainage condition. The results have shown that shallow boreholes are polluted and the soils of the area are acidic. Groundwater of the area needs treatment before it can be consumed and periodic investigations should be carried out in the study area.

Keywords: Groundwater, Hydrocarbon, Pollution, Resistivity, Soil.