International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VII, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6194
Okiotor M. Edirin1, Eze U. Stanley*2, Owonaro B. Jennifer1, Saleh A. Saleh3, Eriunu O. Meshack1
1Department of Marine Geology, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South, Delta State, Nigeria
2*Department of Earth Sciences, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria
3Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Nigeria
*corresponding author
Abstract: Thirty (30) Vertical electric soundings (VES) were acquired in Okerenkoko community Warri-Southwest, Delta State, to evaluate the protective capacity and soil corrosivity of the area which falls within the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta. Evaluation of longitudinal conductance of the area showed areas with poor (< 0.1 mho), weak (0.1-0.19 mho), good (0.7-4.9 mho), very good (5-10.0 mho) and excellent (> 10.0 mho) protective capacities. The study has shown that the protective capacity of most parts of the community were rated excellent, very good and good, hence aquifers in these areas are protected from contamination by oil spillage in the event of pollution, while areas with weak and poor protection capacity are susceptible to groundwater contamination from surface spills and other near surface phenomena. Soil corrosivity evaluation from VES data indicated the presence of slightly corrosive, moderately corrosive and practically noncorrosive materials in the subsurface. The areas with slight and moderate corrosivity are prone to pipeline failure. Therefore, environmental management programs should be considered in the area for the protection of the aquifer system in the community. This study serves as a useful guide for location of subsurface aquifers and their protection capacity distributions throughout the study area. This will assist in planning of exploration programs for sitting of groundwater production wells in the area.
Keywords: Aquifer protection; longitudinal unit conductance; Corrosivity; Vertical electrical sounding (VES); Resistivity inversion.
I.INTRODUCTION
Groundwater is water in a saturated cavity beneath the surface of the earth. The source of groundwater is mainly derived from the precipitation and humidity that percolates and permeates the subsoil [1]. This is only available if the rocks in the vadose/saturated zone are permeable enough to drain large amounts of water into wells, springs, or streams. Its availability, amount, and exploitability depend on the porosity and permeability of the host rock containing it. Both parameters play important roles in the practice of groundwater extraction [2]. Water is one of the most important natural resources on earth that support the existence of life. For this reason, the world has celebrated World Water Day every year on March 22nd since 1993, emphasizing the importance of freshwater [3]. While there is a strong demand for groundwater exploration and mining, the current social