Author(s)

S. A. Ngah, C. L. Eze

Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The hydraulic properties of deeper Coastal Plain Sands, which form the main aquifer in the Niger Delta, were investigated around Eleme, Rivers State. The intent was to find out if frequent well failure was as a result of the aquifer not having enough transmitting capacity to sustain the huge withdrawal necessary for Eleme and its environs where demand for groundwater withdrawal is very high because Eleme axis serves as a major industrial axis of River State or whether the frequent well failure was due to inefficient well construction practice. Constant discharge pumping tests were conducted in 8 deep borehole (250 - 310 m). Data generated during the test were analysed using Cooper-Jacob’s straight line method. The calculated transmissivity of the aquifers ranged from 1324 m²/day - 5815 m²/day. These values when compared with transmissivity values elsewhere indicate that the aquifers in the study area have excellent water yielding properties, plotting within the range of “Very Good” in water transmitting capacity scale. Coefficient of permeability ranged from 13.65 m/d - 59.9 m/d. Coefficient of Storage ranged from 28.2 × 10^-5 - 29.1 × 10^-5 while the Specific capacities of the wells ranged from 48.75 3 - 78.13 m³/d/m. It is concluded that the deep aquifers of the Niger Delta do possess the capacity to produce and sustain large groundwater withdrawal. It is further recommended that competent drilling contractors be engaged in deep well construction in the area.

Deep Aquifers. Hydraulic Properties, Coastal Plain Sands, Eleme, Niger Delta

Ngah, S. and Eze, C. (2017) Typical Hydraulic Properties of Deep Aquifers of Niger Delta from Pumping Test Data. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 5, 139-148. doi: 10.4236/gep.2017.511010.