Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The study aimed to investigate groundwater levels using vertical electrical sounding (VES) as a geophysical method. Groundwater is a vital resource globally, and understanding its dynamics is crucial for sustainable management. The VES method involves measuring the subsurface resistivity to infer the water content and depth, providing valuable information for hydrogeological assessments. This research focused on a study area with known groundwater issues to assess the effectiveness of VES in delineating groundwater levels. The research methodology involved conducting VES surveys at multiple locations within the study area. The data acquired from these surveys were processed and interpreted to create subsurface resistivity models. These models were then used to estimate the groundwater levels and delineate potential aquifer zones. The results were validated through comparison with existing hydrogeological data, such as borehole records and water level measurements. The findings revealed that VES is a reliable method for investigating groundwater levels. The resistivity models generated from the surveys provided valuable insights into the subsurface hydrogeological conditions. By correlating the resistivity values with known hydrogeological parameters, such as water content and lithology, the depth and extent of groundwater levels were estimated accurately. The delineation of aquifer zones based on resistivity variations further aided in understanding the spatial distribution of groundwater resources. The study also highlighted the importance of integrating VES with conventional hydrogeological techniques for comprehensive groundwater assessments. The combined approach enhanced the accuracy of groundwater level estimations and provided a more detailed understanding of the subsurface characteristics. This integration can improve water resource management strategies and facilitate sustainable utilization of groundwater reserves. Overall, the research demonstrated the efficacy of using VES for investigating groundwater levels. The method proved to be a valuable tool for assessing groundwater dynamics and identifying potential aquifer zones. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on geophysical techniques for groundwater exploration and underscores the significance of integrating different methodologies for comprehensive hydrogeological assessments. This research has practical implications for water resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development efforts.

Thesis Overview

One major source of obtaining portable water which is one of the most consumed minerals at homes, in the industries and factories today is through boreholes and drilled wells. Ever since man began to live in communities, the problem of suitable and adequate water supply especially for domestic and farm use has always agitated the mind. However, in most developing countries such as Nigeria, clean water is not continuously available or may not be available at all. Groundwater is considered as a very important natural resource. In arid, semi arid, and dry regions, this may be the only source of water supply. Even in humid areas, groundwater is considered a better resource for many economic and hygienic reasons. The role of groundwater in sustaining the life of man on this planet can hardly be overemphasized. Presently, all the developed and developing countries are giving top priorities to short and long term schemes envisaging exploration and exploitation of groundwater reserves in their respective regions. Already, millions of gallons of groundwater are being pumped out every day in the world to meet industrial, agricultural and domestic needs of man. In most parts of Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo State, not all wells yield appreciable quantity of portable water since they are prone to variation in groundwater characteristics because of the disparity in lithological, structural formation and sedimentation parameters. The existence of failed boreholes and dry wells has posed a great concern. This is however, traceable to sitting and drilling of boreholes without geophysical studies. Therefore, it is essential that a reliable geophysical study should be carried out before drilling of boreholes.