Assessing Aquifer Vulnerability to Cemetery Contamination Using Geophysical and Geotechnical Techniques

Year 2024, Volume: 19 Issue: 3, 121 - 150, 30.09.2024

İdowu Ilaboya , Eghosa Omosefe , Esther Ambrose-agabi

Abstract

In this study, an integrated geotechnical and geophysical investigation of the second cemetery in Benin City was conducted. The primary objective was to determine the hydraulic properties of the underlying formation to assess the potential transmission of necroleachate. Eight vertical electrical soundings (1-D VES) and two dipole-dipole profiling lines along two transverse sections were carried out. For the dipole-dipole profiling, ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C was employed, while the VES investigation utilized the Schlumberger array. The resistivity data collected during the field study were interpreted using DIPROWIN software version 4.01 while the geotechnical properties such as moisture content and bulk density were conducted in accordance with BS1377: part 2: 1990 and BS EN 1997-2:2007. According to the dipole-dipole results, the leachate plume was identified in the subsurface soil at a depth range of 5 to 20 meters. This presence is likely attributed to the high level of porosity, facilitating the infiltration and percolation of necroleachate into the underlying soil. The VES results revealed four geoelectric layers: topsoil, lateritic soil, a weathered layer (composed of clay), and medium to coarse sand. The overburden exhibited a thickness range of 0.7762m to 0.8074m, resistivity ranging from 57.318Ωm to 2831.4Ωm, and depth ranging from 0.7762m to 1.5836m. The third geoelectric layer, identified as clay, had an average thickness of 11.48 meters at a depth of 13.06 meters, with a resistivity of 203.52Ωm. Apart from acting as a seal against the vertical penetration of leachate into the underlying aquifer, the clay also serves as a filter for leachate resulting from the decomposition of dead bodies. om the decomposition of dead bodies.

Keywords

2-D Dipole-Dipole profiling, Aquifer vulnerability, necroleachate contamination, and Cemetery activities

Ethical Statement

No conflict of interest

Supporting Institution

University of Benin

Thanks

Thanks

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