2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging for Groundwater Contamination at Zobe Dam Irrigation Farming Site, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjorae.2026.03SI.80Keywords:
Groundwater Contamination, Leachate, Resistivity, Zobe Dam, IrrigationAbstract
Polluted aquifers can result in poor drinking water quality, reduced crop yields, and serious health hazards. This study aim to investigate groundwater contamination due to frequent and indiscriminate use of fertilizers at the Zobe dam irrigation farming site using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI). The survey was conducted along two profiles using ABEM SAS4000 terrameter employing the dipole dipole array with an interelectrode spacing of 5 m and a total lateral spread of 200 m. The 2D resistivity data were processed and interpreted using RES2DINV software. The interpreted resistivity sections revealed significant lateral and vertical variations in subsurface materials, indicating heterogeneous soil and groundwater conditions, the 2D resistivity models showed resistivity varying from 17.8 Ωm to 8629 Ωm to a maximum depth of about 13.4 m and 28.7 Ωm to 359 Ωm to a maximum depth of about 6.76 m for both profile one and two respectively. Regions with resistivity values < 20 Ωm are interpreted as leachate plumes originating from the decomposition of buried remains, suggesting possible areas of groundwater contamination or increased pore fluid conductivity, likely influenced by agricultural return flow and infiltration from irrigation activities. Conversely, higher resistivity zones correspond to less saturated or more competent geological formations. The result revealed that the subsurface is composed of distinct lithological layers with the low resistivity values observed in the topsoil layer suggesting the presence of clayey and possibly contaminated materials influenced by irrigation and fertilizer application and also provides valuable insights into the extent and possible pathways of contamination within the study area, which can support sustainable groundwater management and agricultural planning in the region.
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