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Geophysical and Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Oil Pollution in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Okagbare, Ufuoma V. Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
  • Umueni, Uchenna E. Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Nigeria
  • Ekpe, John E. Department of Physics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria
  • Etukudo, Nsikan J. Department of Geology, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria
  • Okpoji, Awajiiroijana U. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9994-7594

    ao.okpoji@stu.unizik.edu.ng

  • Okoye, Peter I. Department of Industrial Technology Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
  • Ekwere, Ifiok O. Department of Chemistry, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria
  • Etesin, Monday U. Department of Chemistry, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria
  • Okpanachi, Clifford B. Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria
  • Okafor, Chigozie A. Department of Geology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater in the Niger Delta is a crucial source of drinking water, yet it faces increasing danger from petroleum-related activities. This study evaluated the vulnerability of groundwater in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to oil pollution through integrated geophysical and hydrochemical methods. Twelve Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys and twelve groundwater samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells were analysed. Electrical resistivity data were processed with IPI2Win and WinResist software, while water samples were tested for physicochemical parameters, major ions, and heavy metals following APHA (2017) and WHO (2022) standards. Apparent resistivity values ranged from 16.4 to 488.3 Ωm, indicating three to four subsurface layers mainly composed of sand and clayey deposits. Low resistivity zones (< 50 Ωm) at Ekeki, Agudama-Epie, Opolo, Obele, and Igbogene suggested conductive, hydrocarbon-affected layers. Groundwater pH varied from 5.6 to 7.1, indicating slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Electrical conductivity (380–1620 µS cm⁻¹) and total dissolved solids (180–835 mg L⁻¹) exceeded WHO acceptable limits in several locations, with sodium and chloride ions dominating, forming a Na–Cl water type typical of saline and anthropogenically influenced systems. Heavy metals Fe (0.25–2.10 mg L⁻¹) and Pb (0.01–0.35 mg L⁻¹) surpassed safe levels in more than 70% of samples, confirming oil-related contamination. Strong correlations among EC, TDS, Cl⁻, Fe, and Pb indicated a common hydrocarbon pollution source. The integrated geophysical and hydrochemical data identified high-vulnerability zones at Ekeki, Agudama-Epie, Opolo, and Igbogene. The study concludes that groundwater in parts of Yenagoa is significantly affected by petroleum contamination, underscoring the need for regular monitoring, rigorous spill-control measures, and remediation to protect public health and water resources.

Keywords:

Geophysical Survey Hydrochemistry Groundwater Vulnerability Oil Pollution Yenagoa

Article information

Journal

Journal of Environment, Climate, and Ecology

Volume (Issue)

2(2), (2025)

Pages

138-146

Published

25-10-2025

How to Cite

Okagbare, U. V., Umueni, U. E., Ekpe, J. E., Etukudo, N. J., Okpoji, A. U., Okoye, P. I., Ekwere, I. O., Etesin, M. U., Okpanachi, C. B., & Okafor, C. A. (2025). Geophysical and Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Oil Pollution in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Journal of Environment, Climate, and Ecology, 2(2), 138-146. https://doi.org/10.69739/jece.v2i2.1078

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