Geoelectric Evaluation of Aquifer Protective Capacity and Soil Corrosivity at Student Hostel, Gidan Kwano Campus, Federal University of Technology, Minna North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents result of 36 vertical electrical soundings carried out in Students hostel Gidan Kwano, Federal University of Technology, Minna, north–central Nigeria to evaluate aquifer protective capacity and soil corrosivity of overburden units in the study area. This was done using the Schlumberger electrode array to obtain the data and was modeled using computer iteration (Winresist software). The field data gives a resolution with 3–4 geoelectric layers and the observed frequencies in curve types include: 47.20% of H, 13.88% of HA and QA, 8.33% of KH and HK, 2.78% of A, K and AA. Using the longitudinal unit conductance (S), the protective capacities of the study area were classified as 38.89% weak, 25% poor, 33.33% moderate, and 2.79% as good. The corrosivity ratings of the study area show that 0% is strongly corrosive, 2.78% moderately corrosive, 2.78% slightly corrosive, and 94.44% noncorrosive The results reasonably provide information on areas where industries can be sited and iron pipes can be laid in order to safeguard the hydrological setting for resident’s safety in the study area. Regions with moderate/good protective capacity are good sites for locating boreholes.