Geo-spatial integration of Dar-Zarrouk geoelectrical parameters and land surface dynamics for aquifer characterization in Ohafia, Southeastern Nigeria
- Authors: Charity Nkiru Nwokeabia, Okechukwu Ebuka Agbasi, Ojo Odunayo Tope
- Citation: Acta hydrotechnica, vol. 38, no. 69, pp. 103-126, 2025. https://doi.org/10.15292/acta.hydro.2025.08
- Abstract: Sustainable groundwater management requires a deep understanding of subsurface aquifer characteristics and their interaction with surface environmental features. In southeastern Nigeria, where increasing population and land use changes threaten groundwater resources, such assessments are vital. This study aimed to evaluate the protective capacity and productivity of aquifers in Ohafia, Ohafia, southeastern Nigeria, using integrated geophysical and spatial analysis. A total of seven vertical electrical sounding (VES) points were investigated across Ohafia using a Schlumberger array to derive aquifer resistivity, thickness, and depth. Dar-Zarrouk parameters, including longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance, were computed. These subsurface metrics were integrated with drainage density, digital elevation models (DEM), and 2024 land use/land cover (LULC) data using GIS tools to analyze their spatial relationships and influence on groundwater potential. Aquifer resistivity values varied widely (99.4–1360 Ω·m), while longitudinal conductance ranged from 0.02 to 0.63 1/Ω. The highest transmissivity (40.40 m²/day) was recorded in rangeland-dominated Achị, suggesting productive aquifer conditions. Areas dominated by tree cover and rangelands demonstrated better aquifer protection and recharge potential than built-up regions like Elu and Abiriba. Drainage density and LULC patterns significantly influenced recharge dynamics. High drainage density zones correlated with poor recharge potential, except where offset by favorable subsurface lithology. Vegetated areas promoted infiltration, while impervious surfaces hindered it. This study demonstrates that combining Dar-Zarrouk parameters with surface geospatial data provides a robust framework for aquifer characterization. The novelty lies in the integrated assessment of geomorphological, anthropogenic, and geoelectrical indicators to prioritize groundwater development zones in a data-scarce tropical region.
- Keywords: Dar-Zarrouk parameters, Vertical electrical sounding (VES), Groundwater recharge, Land use and drainage analysis, Ohafia.
- Full text: a38cnn.pdf
- References:
- Abdulrazzaq, A. A., Al-Khafaji, A. J., & Al-Janabi, A. H. (2022). Determining the optimum drilling sites for groundwater wells based on the hydro-geoelectrical parameters and weighted overlay approach via GIS in Salah Al-Din Governorate, Central Iraq. Iranian Journal of Geophysics. https://doi.org/10.30499/ijg.2022.324020.1401
- Abdulrazzaq, Z. T., Al-Ansari, N., Aziz, N. A., Agbasi, O. E., & Etuk, S. E. (2020). Estimation of main aquifer parameters using geoelectric measurements to select the suitable wells locations in Bahr Al-Najaf depression, Iraq. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 11, 100437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100437.
- Adebayo, T. B., Abegunrin, T. P., Awe, G. O., Are, K. S., Guo, H., Onofua, O. E., Adegbola, G. A., & Ojediran, J. O. (2020). Geospatial mapping and suitability classification of groundwater quality for agriculture and domestic uses in a Precambrian basement complex. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 12, 100497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2020.100497.
- Adewumi, R., Agbasi, O., & Mayowa, A. (2023). Investigating groundwater potential in northeastern basement complexes: A Pulka case study using geospatial and geo-electrical techniques. HydroResearch, 6, 73–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydres.2023.02.003.
- Agbasi, O. E., Aziz, N. A., Abdulrazzaq, Z. T., & Etuk, S. E. (2019). Integrated geophysical data and GIS technique to forecast the potential groundwater locations in part of south eastern Nigeria. Iraqi Journal of Science, 60(5), 1013–1022. https://doi.org/10.24996/ijs.2019.60.5.11.
- Aka, M. U., Archibong, R. A., & Agbasi, O. E. (2025). Assessment of water quality parameters in Iwuru, South-South Nigeria: Implications for potability and environmental health. Cleaner Water, 4, 100172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwat.2025.100172.
- Akaolisa, C. C. Z., Ibeneche, W., Ibeneme, S., Agbasi, O., & Okechukwu, S. (2022). Enhance groundwater quality assessment using integrated vertical electrical sounding and physio-chemical analyses in Umuahia South, Nigeria. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-022-00219-8.
- Akiang, F. B., Amah, E. T., George, A. M., Okoli, E. A., Agbasi, O. E., & Iwuoha, P. O. (2024). Hydrogeological assessment and groundwater potential study in Calabar South Local Government Area: a vertical electrical sounding (VES) approach. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-024-00279-y.
- Akingboye, A. S., & Osazuwa, I. B. (2021). Subsurface geological, hydrogeophysical and engineering characterisation of Etioro-Akoko, southwestern Nigeria, using electrical resistivity tomography. NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics, 10(1), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/20909977.2020.1868659.
- Akinluyi, F. O., Olorunfemi, M. O., & Bayowa, O. G. (2021). Application of remote sensing, GIS and geophysical techniques for groundwater potential development in the crystalline basement complex of Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-020-00486-5.
- Akintorinwa, O., Atitebi, M., & Akinlalu, A. (2020). Hydrogeophysical and aquifer vulnerability zonation of a typical basement complex terrain: A case study of Odode Idanre southwestern Nigeria. Heliyon, 6(8), e04549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04549.
- Alabi, A. A., Ganiyu, S. A., Idowu, O. A., Ogabi, A. F., & Popoola, O. I. (2021). Investigation of groundwater potential using integrated geophysical methods in Moloko-Asipa, Ogun State, Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01388-3.
- Aladeboyeje, A. I., Adenoye, T. T., & Agbasi, O. E. (2024). Assessment of groundwater vulnerability using GOD index and Dar Zarrouk parameters: A case study of OAUSTECH main campus, Okitipupa, Ondo State. Results in Earth Sciences, 2, 100036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rines.2024.100036.
- Aragaw, H. M., & Kura, A. L. (2024). Hydrological response to land use/land cover changes in Ethiopian basins: a review. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 69(7), 986–996. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2024.2349272.
- Ben-Owope, O. A., & Agbasi, O. E. (2025). Geo-electrical and hydrochemical characterization of unconfined aquifers in the Niger Delta: implications for groundwater management and SDG achievement. Water Practice & Technology, 20(12), 2691–2717. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2025.157.
- Bobachev, A.A., Modin, I.N. & Shevnin, V.A., (2003).. Moscow State University, Geophysical faculty, Department of Geophysics developed IPI2Win with copyright to authors and distributed by Geo Scan-M Ltd, Moscow, Russia. (http:// geophys.geol.msu.ru/ipi2win.htm).
- Boubacar, A. B., Moussa, K., Yalo, N., Berg, S. J., Erler, A. R., Hwang, H., Khader, O., & Sudicky, E. A. (2019). Characterization of groundwater –surface water interactions using high resolution integrated 3D hydrological model in semiarid urban watershed of Niamey, Niger. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 162, 103739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.103739.
- Chandrasekar, T., Sabarathinam, C., Viswanathan, P. M., Rajendiran, T., Mathivanan, M., Natesan, D., & Samayamanthula, D. R. (2021). Potential interplay of Uranium with geochemical variables and mineral saturation states in groundwater. Applied Water Science, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01396-3.
- Doke, A., Pardeshi, S. D., & Das, S. (2020). Drainage morphometry and groundwater potential mapping: application of geoinformatics with frequency ratio and influencing factor approaches. Environmental Earth Sciences, 79(16). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-09137-6.
- Dongare, C. U., Deota, B. S., & Deshpande, R. D. (2022). High resolution morphometric studies with special reference to hydrological setup of Khapri watershed, Dangs district, Gujarat, Western India. Geocarto International, 37(13), 3697–3720. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2022.2066205.
- Ejepu, J., Olasehinde, P., Okhimamhe, A., & Okunlola, I. (2017). Investigation of hydrogeological structures of Paiko region, North-Central Nigeria using integrated geophysical and remote sensing techniques. Geosciences, 7(4), 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences7040122.
- Ekwe, A. C., Opara, A. I., Okeugo, C. G., Azuoko, G., Nkitnam, E. E., Abraham, E. M., Chukwu, C. G., & Mbaeyi, G. (2020). Determination of aquifer parameters from geosounding data in parts of Afikpo Sub-basin, southeastern Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-5137-y.
- Ezebunanwa, A. C., Nwugha, V. N., Emeghara, K. C., & Ibe, G. C. (2020). Geological and geoelectrical investigation of a proposed dam site using vertical electrical sounding at Osuworowo Stream, Utughughu Arochukwu, south eastern Nigeria. Journal of Geography Environment and Earth Science International, 30–38. https://doi.org/10.9734/jgeesi/2020/v24i230201.
- Falade, A. O., Oni, T. E., & Oyeneyin, A. (2023). Comparative effect of lateritic shield in groundwater vulnerability assessment using GLSI and LC models: a case study of Ijero mining site, Ijero-Ekiti. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 9(3), 3253–3262. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-023-01689-3.
- Falebita, D., Olajuyigbe, O., Abeiya, S. S., Christopher, O., & Aderoju, A. (2020). Interpretation of geophysical and GIS-based remote sensing data for sustainable groundwater resource management in the basement of north-eastern Osun State, Nigeria. SN Applied Sciences, 2(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-03366-x.
- George, N. J., Agbasi, O. E., Umoh, J. A., Ekanem, A. M., Ejepu, J. S., Thomas, J. E., & Udoinyang, I. E. (2022). Contribution of electrical prospecting and spatiotemporal variations to groundwater potential in coastal hydro-sand beds: a case study of Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. Acta Geophysica, 71(5), 2339–2357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-022-00994-2.
- George, N., Agbasi, O., Umoh, A., Ekanem, A., Udosen, N., Thomas, J., Aka, M., & Ejepu, J. (2024). Enhanced contamination risk assessment for aquifer management using the geo-resistivity and DRASTIC model in alluvial settings. Cleaner Water, 100060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwat.2024.100060.
- Goni, I. B., Taylor, R. G., Favreau, G., Shamsudduha, M., Nazoumou, Y., & Ngatcha, B. N. (2021). Groundwater recharge from heavy rainfall in the southwestern Lake Chad Basin: evidence from isotopic observations. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 66(8), 1359–1371. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2021.1937630.
- Ibuot, J. C., Aka, M. U., Inyang, N. J., & Agbasi, O. E. (2022). Georesistivity and physicochemical evaluation of hydrogeologic units in parts of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 8(1), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-022-00191-3.
- Ifeanyichukwu, K. A., Okeyeh, E., Agbasi, O. E., Moses, O. I., & Ben-Owope, O. (2021). Using geo-electric techniques for vulnerability and groundwater potential analysis of aquifers in Nnewi, south eastern Nigeria. Journal of Geology Geography and Geoecology, 30(1), 43–52. https://doi.org/10.15421/112105.
- Ige, A. A., Olakunle, C. J., Ebuka, A. O., & Joseph, I. N. (2020). Hydrogeological appraisal of basement and sedimentary terrain in Ogun state using Geoelectrical methods. International Journal of Advanced Geosciences, 8(1), 95–101. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijag.v8i1.30848.
- Ilevbare, M., & Imasuen, O. (2020). Grain Size and Heavy Minerals Analysis of Maastrichtian Sandstone, Anambra Basin, Nigeria: Implication for aquifer properties. Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management, 24(11), 1881–1888. https://doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v24i11.7.
- Jha, M. K., Kumar, S., & Chowdhury, A. (2008). Vertical electrical sounding survey and resistivity inversion using genetic algorithm optimization technique. Journal of Hydrology, 359(1–2), 71–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2008.06.018.
- Jimoh, M. O., Opawale, G. T., Ejepu, J. S., Abdullahi, S., & Agbasi, O. E. (2023). Investigation of groundwater potential using geological, hydrogeological and geophysical methods in Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bosso Campus, North Central, Nigeria. HydroResearch, 6, 255–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydres.2023.09.002.
- Joshua, A. K., John, I. A., Ikechukwu, E. D., & Ebuka, A. O. (2023). Scrutinate proclivity of regional aquifer hydraulic parameters: apriorisms for borehole failures within parts of the middle Benue Trough, Nigeria. Water Practice & Technology, 18(12), 3347–3364. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2023.211.
- Khalil, M. M., Tokunaga, T., Heggy, E., & Abotalib, A. Z. (2021). Groundwater mixing in shallow aquifers stressed by land cover/land use changes under hyper-arid conditions. Journal of Hydrology, 598, 126245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2021.126245.
- Kimbi, S. B., Onodera, S., Wang, K., Kaihotsu, I., & Shimizu, Y. (2024). Assessing the impact of urbanization and climate change on hydrological processes in a suburban catchment. Environments, 11(10), 225. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11100225.
- Koko, A. F., Han, Z., Wu, Y., Abubakar, G. A., & Bello, M. (2022). Spatiotemporal Land Use/Land Cover Mapping and Prediction based on Hybrid Modeling Approach: A case study of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria (2020–2050). Remote Sensing, 14(23), 6083. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14236083.
- Liu, B., Li, Y., Jiang, W., Chen, J., Shu, L., & Liu, J. (2022). Understanding groundwater behaviors and exchange dynamics in a linked catchment-floodplain-lake system. The Science of the Total Environment, 853, 158558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158558.
- Maillet, R. (1947). THE FUNDAMENTAL EQUATIONS OF ELECTRICAL PROSPECTING. Geophysics, 12(4), 529–556. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1437342.
- Maillet, R. (1947). The fundamental equations of electrical prospecting. Geophysics, 12(4), 529–556. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1437342.
- Mgbolu, C. C., Obiadi, I. I., Opuh, C. K., Emeh, C., Irumhe, E. P., Mbagwu, A. C., & Anene, C. Z. (2024). Characterization of aquifer vulnerability in parts of the western Niger Delta. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-024-11867-x.
- Mohammed, M. a. A., Szabó, N. P., & Szűcs, P. (2023). Assessment of the Nubian aquifer characteristics by combining geoelectrical and pumping test methods in the Omdurman area, Sudan. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 9(4), 4363–4381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-023-01767-6.
- Mohammed, M. A., Szabó, N. P., & Szűcs, P. (2022). Exploring hydrogeological parameters by integration of geophysical and hydrogeological methods in northern Khartoum state, Sudan. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 20, 100891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100891.
- Niwas, S., & Singhal, D. (1985). Aquifer transmissivity of porous media from resistivity data. Journal of Hydrology, 82(1–2), 143–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(85)90050-2.
- Oguama, B. E., Ibuot, J. C., & Obiora, D. N. (2020). Geohydraulic study of aquifer characteristics in parts of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State using electrical resistivity soundings. Applied Water Science, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-01206-2.
- Ojo, O. T., Chiaka, I. J., & Nwokeabia, C. N. (2024). Integrated geophysical and GIS approaches for groundwater potential assessment: a case study of Aladja, Delta State, Nigeria. Water Practice & Technology, 19(10), 4282–4302. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2024.254.
- Okoli, E. A., Agbasi, O. E., Akaolisa, C. C. Z., Ikoro, D. O., Ubechu, B. O., Ifeanyichukwu, K. A., & Onyeawuna, U. B. (2024). Investigation of groundwater potential utilizing geospatial techniques in Owerri, Nigeria. Geosciences and Engineering, 12(1), 30–56. https://doi.org/10.33030/geosciences.2024.01.003.
- Okonkwo, J. E., Agbasi, O. E., & Igili, C. O. (2025). Integrated GIS and Remote Sensing-Based evaluation for groundwater potential zoning in part of Delta State, Nigeria. Water Conservation Science and Engineering, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41101-025-00450-4.
- Okoro, A. U., & Igwe, E. O. (2018). Lithostratigraphic characterization of the Upper Campanian – Maastrichtian succession in the Afikpo Sub-basin, southern Anambra Basin, Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 147, 178–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2018.06.021.
- Okoro, A. U., Igwe, E. O., & Umo, I. A. (2020). Sedimentary facies, paleoenvironments and reservoir potential of the Afikpo Sandstone on Macgregor Hill area in the Afikpo Sub-basin, southeastern Nigeria. SN Applied Sciences, 2(11). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-03601-5.
- Olabanji, O. A., Olumuyiwa, B. E., M, S. J., T, E. F., & J, A. A. (2024). Multi-criteria assessment of groundwater potential of shallow aquifers in the vicinity of Osun state university, Ikire campus and environs, southwestern Nigeria. Deleted Journal, 3(1), 86–99. https://doi.org/10.59568/kjset-2024-3-1-09.
- Olaniyan, I. O. (2020). Estimation of aquifer protective capacity, soil corrosivity and Dar-Zarrouk parameters in Kaura area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. European Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 5(10), 1142–1151. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2020.5.10.2108.
- Olaseeni, O. G., Oladapo, M. I., & Olayanju, G. M. (2020). Vulnerability assessment of an aquifer in the basement complex terrain of Nigeria using ‘LAHBUD’ model. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 7(2), 833–852. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-020-00912-9.
- Olla, C., Igbokwe, J., Ojiako, J., & Igbokwe, E. (2020). Effect of terrain configuration on the performance of SRTMV3 and ALOS PALSAR DEMS over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Journal of Environment and Earth Science. https://doi.org/10.7176/jees/10-6-14.
- Pang, X., Gu, Y., Launiainen, S., & Guan, M. (2022). Urban hydrological responses to climate change and urbanization in cold climates. The Science of the Total Environment, 817, 153066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153066.
- Raji, W. O., & Abdulkadir, K. A. (2020). Evaluation of groundwater potential of bedrock aquifers in Geological Sheet 223 Ilorin, Nigeria, using geo-electric sounding. Applied Water Science, 10(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-01303-2.
- Sahoo, S., Ramole, M. M., Dahiphale, P., Awasthi, S., & Pateriya, B. (2023). Geospatial technology based morphometric analysis and watershed prioritization of lower Satluj basin in India for groundwater recharge potential. Tropical Ecology, 65(1), 43–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42965-023-00307-8.
- Siddik, M. S., Tulip, S. S., Rahman, A., Islam, M. N., Haghighi, A. T., & Mustafa, S. M. T. (2022). The impact of land use and land cover change on groundwater recharge in northwestern Bangladesh. Journal of Environmental Management, 315, 115130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115130.
- Smith, T., & Boers, N. (2023). Global vegetation resilience linked to water availability and variability. Nature Communications, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-36207-7.
- Tumsa, B. C., Kenea, G., & Tola, B. (2022). The application of SWAT+ model to quantify the impacts of sensitive LULC changes on water balance in Guder catchment, Oromia, Ethiopia. Heliyon, 8(12), e12569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12569.
- Ulakpa, R. O. E., Okwu, V., Chukwu, K. E., & Eyankware, M. O. (2020). LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY MODELLING IN SELECTED STATES ACROSS SE. NIGERIA. Environment & Ecosystem Science, 4(1), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.26480/ees.01.2020.23.27.
- Umoh, J. A., Agbasi, O. E., George, N. J., Mbong, E., & Aka, M. U. (2024). Hydrogeological assessment and aquifer potential of a coastal area, South Nigeria: insights from VES surveys and spatial analysis. Water Practice & Technology, 19(8), 3373–3388. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2024.192.
- Yang, J., & Zhang, G. (2011). Water infiltration in urban soils and its effects on the quantity and quality of runoff. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 11(5), 751–761. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-011-0356-1.