The Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Division carries out systematic studies on groundwater evolution and quality, aquifer characterization, groundwater vulnerability assessment, spatial distribution of contaminants present in the aquifer medium and proffersmeasures of remediating groundwater contamination.

The Division has concentrated on hydrogeological mapping with emphasis on the detrimental impacts of indiscriminate wastes disposal on the quality of groundwater (environment) and human health in Nigeria’s major cities. So far, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan, Ilesha, Abeokuta, Onitsha, Calabar, Katsina, Aba, Benin, Jos, Daura, Uyo and Yenagoa have been investigated. The programme aims at covering the entire country.

The methodology employed in these mapping exercises includes the systematic sampling of both surface and groundwater (hand-dug wells and boreholes), usually spanning the two major seasons, that is, dry and wet seasons. Consequent upon which Elevation Maps, Groundwater Table Configuration Maps, Groundwater Level Fluctuation Maps, Hydrochemical Constituents Concentration Maps and Trend Maps were produced. The mapping exercises also involved the systematic sampling of soils across each project area, which were analyzed, processed and interpreted to produce Permeability Maps, Soil Type Maps, Inundation Maps and Site Suitability Maps. These investigations were complemented byemploying the appropriate geophysical techniques to delineate contaminant plume, characterize aquifers, and determine depth to fresh basement rocks.

The results are useful in quantifying groundwater contaminants, identifying contaminant sources and proffering some remediation measures.

Projects

  • The effects of waste dumps on groundwater quality in Aba and its environs, southeast Nigeria.
  • The effects of waste dumps on groundwater quality in Abeokuta and its environs, southwest Nigeria.
  • The adverse effects of waste dumps on groundwater quality in Benin City and its environs.
  • Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in Calabar and its environs.
  • The study of adverse effects of solid waste dump on groundwater in Enugu and environs.
  • Hydrogeology of Ibadan and its environs.
  • The effects of waste dumps on groundwater quality in Ilesha and its environs.
  • The adverse effects of waste dumps in Jos and its environs.
  • Hydrogeological mapping of Kaduna and its environs.
  • The effects of waste dumps on groundwater in Kano and its environs.
  • Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in Katsina town and its environs.