Hydrogeological Mapping of Bingham University, Karu Campus, Nasarawa State

Abstract

The hydrogeological studies of Bingham University Karu Campus to ascertain qualitative and quantitative groundwater potentials through the interpretation of 32 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) data of the geophysical investigation with complementary ADMT isoline maps has revealed three to five subsurface geoelectric layers and geologic sections, namely: topsoil, clay/silty followed by wet weathered basement, fractured and fresh basement rocks. The aquifer units in the study area consist of the weathered basement and fractured layers. The study area's predominant layer of a weathered basement, which ranges in resistivity from 17 Ω𝑚 to 710 Ω𝑚, was selected as a viable aquifer zone target for groundwater exploitation. Given the thickness of the underlying aquifers, the indicated zones have a higher storage capacity and are well-suited to accommodate any potential future water demand within the university community. The prominent zones found for groundwater development are VES points A1 – A4, B2, B3, B5, C7, C8 and D5 with depth zones ranging from 15.1m to 130m. Six points failed productivity evaluation due to the shallow depth and resistive nature of the aquifers in the regions and discouraged groundwater development.