INVESTIGATION OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL USING THE PENETRATING RADAR - QUASI-WAVE TRANSFORMER (PQWT) IN OBARETIN, IYANOMON- BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT In this study, the Electromagnetic (E.M) method was employed as an on-site assessment tool to evaluate the groundwater potential in Obaretin, Iyanomon, Benin City, Edo State. Two traverses were established across the area and subjected to electromagnetic groundwater investigation using the PQWT S500 series machine. The results generated a subsurface curve chat and profile map for each traverse location. It was observed that both Traverses (TR1) and (TR2) were located on vertical fractures and weathered formations, which are favourable for groundwater yield. A perched aquifer was identified between 30-40 meters, this aquifer can primarily be exploited by hand-dug wells and may not be sufficient to support a submersible pump through a borehole with a smaller diameter. The aquifer in TR1 was estimated to be between 90-180 meters, with a recommended maximum drill depth of 180 meters. There is a potential for a productive borehole at TR2, with the aquifer depth ranging from 130-230 meters and a recommended maximum drill depth of 230 meters. The area is predominantly underlain by sand and clay formations, which indicate the possibility of establishing a productive borehole at the site.