DETERMINATION OF GROUNDWATER PARAMETERS IN CHIBIRI COMMUNITY, KUJE AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA, NIGERIA

This study was carried out with the aim of demonstrating the application of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method of investigation in the determination of groundwater parameters in Chibiri community in Kuje area council. The ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C was used to carry out the investigation by means of Schlumberger electrode array configuration, with an electrode spacing of 1.5-150 m was employed in data collection. A total of 12 VES were carried out in different parts of the study area. The obtained field data were subjected to analysis and interpretation by conventional curve matching method to obtain initial model parameters and computer iterations using Win-Resist. The curves reveal that the area is characterized by four and five classes of geo-electric layers. First, low resistive topsoil layer has a thickness between 0.9-2.6 m. The second lateritic clay layer has thickness ranges from 0.3-2.7 m. Third layer is highly weathered basement with thickness of 2.6-25.5 m. The fourth fractured with weathered rock layer has thickness from 4.4-39.7 m, and fresh basement representing fifth layer has a thickness from 20 m and above. The results indicate the occurrence of good aquifers in the third and fourth layers. Results also indicate that borehole drilling in the study area is achievable but to a depth of 45 meters to allow large reservoir within the aquifers. From the analysis, two types of aquifers, which are the weathered basement and fractured basement aquifer, have been delineated in this study; these aquifer units may have significant groundwater potential.