MAPPING GROUNDWATER POTENTIALS OF BOSSO AND ENVIRONS, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The scarcity of water in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State warrants for a detailed investigation of the groundwater potential characteristics of the area so that an exploration guide as well as sustainable groundwater management strategy can be developed. Therefore, this study assessed groundwater potential mapping using Digital Elevation Model in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data for the study includes collection of GPS points from the field and photographs. The main data used in mapping potential groundwater in the study area was SRTM DEM of 30m spatial resolution was acquired from NASA center distributed active archives (LP DAAC). A total of thirty wells were identified with their coordinates for the groundwater potential  mapping in the study area. The finding shows the elevations over the study area with the highest elevation of 452m located at the North eastern part of the study area and 71m as the lowest elevation found at the southwestern part respectively. The high elevation points have low potential of groundwater and low elevation has moderate and high groundwater potential in the study area. As revealed in the study some areas in Bosso, Tudun Fulani, Maitumbi and Chanchaga were within the range of 257 to 452m and this in turn has made the areas low or moderate groundwater potential. As revealed in the study, 48.37% of the entire study area were within moderate convergence index, 27.1% of the study area were within high convergence index and 24.62% of the study area were within low convergence index. The result shows that the Maikunkele, Beji and Garatu areas with very high groundwater potential is characterized by high rainfall, low slope and dominated with cambisols which have a relative high water holding capacity. The Bosso central,Maitumbi and Chanchaga areas with very low ground water potential is characterized by moderate slope, high drainage density and dominated by granite which has low ground water potential. There is the need for precise estimate of the available subsurface resources for the significance of appropriate preparation to ensure the guarantee of accessibility of water.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0  INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Ground water is contained in underground rocks, which contain and transmit water in economical rate generally referred to as aquifers (Hussein et al., 2016). Groundwater accounts for 26% of global renewable fresh water resources. Salt water (mainly in oceans)  represents  about  97.2%  of  the  global  water  resources  with  only  2.8% available as fresh water. Surface water represents about 2.2% out of the 2.8% and 0.6% as groundwater. The problem is not only to locate the groundwater, as it is often imagined, but the engineer‘s problem usually is to find water at such a depth, in such quantities, and of such quality that can be economically utilized. Groundwater is a term used to denote all the waters found beneath the ground surface. Groundwater aquifers are not just a source of water supply, but also a vast storage facility providing great management flexibility at relatively affordable costs (Elbeih, 2015).

The amount and distribution of groundwater is a function of the amount of open space and the special extent of these rocks. The behavior of these rocks in turn is function of their formation and geological processes that shaped their status. Conventional groundwater exploration requires hydro-geologic investigation to study the lithology, stratigraphy and structural aspects of a region using geologic methods to understand the factors that regulate the amount, circulation and quality of groundwater (Elbeih, 2015). These studies deliver results of various type and quality based upon the range of the study. In recent years, relatively cheap availability of Remote Sensing data of greater spatial and spectral resolution and increasing availability image processing algorithms and GIS technology has enabled better efficiency in groundwater resource potential exploration (Mohamed, 2014).

Groundwater (hydrogeological) mapping is among the major devices for methodical as well as regulated growth and also preparation of groundwater. The result is utilized by drillers, coordinators as well as stakeholders in order to designate, establish and also take care of groundwater among a national water plan. Hydrogeological maps existing hydrogeological information in a map form. A hydrogeological map reveals circulation of aquifers, as well as their topographical, geological, hydrographical, hydrological and also hydrochemical attribute. Discussion of these information in the form of maps allows fast analysis of specific location. Appropriately, hydrogeological maps help to identifying locations requiring unique security (Dar et al., 2010).

Remotely sensed signs of groundwater might offer vital data where timeless options are not readily available. For Instances of determined data consist of groundwater heads, modifications in groundwater storage, warm signatures, and also decrease data (Jasmin and Mallikarjuna, 2013). Ground-based remote sensing is typically costly than space and also airborne remote sensing however is still much precise and also less  expensive  than  intrusive  approaches  (boring  exploration).  These  indicators include  vegetation  surface  water,  water  discharging  to  the  surface  carrying  heat energy and  runoff. Satellite technology is  reviewed  with  respect  to  its  ability to measure  groundwater potential,  storage,  and  fluxes.  Satellite data can  be used if ancillary analysis is used to infer groundwater behavior from surface expressions.

An essential to the geospatial technique of aquifer is acknowledgment superficial aquifer circulation typically force by surface compelling and also parameterized by geologic properties that can be presumed from surface data. A specifically effective application of Remote Sensing to groundwater has actually been the recognition of lineaments that are related to faults as well as fracturing in hard-rock. simple method to pair Remote Sensing with groundwater circulation forecasts, for that reason is to utilized remotely sensed imagery to specify border problems such as streams, infiltration locations, recharge region, evapotranspiration areas (Jasmin and Mallikarjuna,  2013).  Therefore,  this  study  will  evaluate  groundwater  potential mapping using Digital Elevation Model in Bosso and its Environs.

Several research studies have disclosed that groundwater possibility is associated with several variables, such as geological features, terrain surface, hydrology attributes, etc. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) is the electronic representations of the topography, the technical developments offered by GIS and also the raising accessibility as well as high quality of DEMs have actually substantially broadened the potential of DEMs to applications in several fields (Tarun, 2014).Among those element associated with  groundwater potential mapping, the majority of the details has been verified can be extracted from DEM data, as well as this made extracting pertinent   features from DEM for groundwater potential mapping is viable (Tarun, 2014).

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Many researchers conduct studies on groundwater potential mapping utilizing use of DEM, remote sensing and geospatial technique which include Ikegwuonu (2013); Dar and Sankara (2010); Elbeih (2015); Hussein et al. (2016); and Mohamed (2014). There was paucity of knowledge with regard to groundwater potential mapping in Bosso and environ which has created a gap and this study intends to fill. Hence, this research aimed to assess groundwater potential mapping utilizing Digital Elevation Model in Bosso and environ, Niger State, Nigeria.

One major obstacles dealing with the sustainable growth in the study area is the demand for much better growth as well as monitoring of its minimal fresh water resources. Several of crucial groundwater issues in Bosso and its Environs are: overexploitation as well as decreasing of its levels in some areas; presence of igneous rock around aquifer which disallow groundwater recharge. Conventional groundwater exploration techniques though they provide better results of diverse range, often to be time consuming as well as costly ventures. The use of remotely sensed data as well as GIS give the opportunity to have details of substantial spatial and temporal range, evaluate, as well as handle it effectively.

Severe water scarcity has been one problem citizens of Bosso Local Government Area had to contend with. Of the 3.9 million people in Niger State, only those in Minna the state capital, could boast of access to potable water, though not all residents of the city have access to drinkable water (Ikegwuonu, 2013). Water projects constructed in the study area are no longer capable of providing enough water for the ever-growing population. This development has subjected the people of the study area to rely on other sources of water such as; rain water and groundwater which are seasonal. Hand dug wells in the area yield little water which dries up eventually due poor construction and also lack of information on groundwater potential zone before groundwater exploration, likewise the poor yields from boreholes constructed by government agencies and other private organizations (Ikegwuonu, 2013) in area of interest are few of the water challenges. Therefore, this study assessed groundwater potential mapping using Digital Elevation Model in Bosso and its Environs.

1.3 Research Questions

The research questions for this study will include the followings: –

i.      Where are the drainage networks and slope in the study area?

ii.      Where are the convergence index location of the study area?

iii.     Where are the groundwater potential zones in the study area?

1.4 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess  groundwater potential zones in Bosso and its Environs, Niger State, Nigeria. This aim was achieved through the following Specific objectives:

i.      Examine the drainage networks and slope in the study area;

ii.      Identify the convergence zone location of the study area;

iii.     Map groundwater potential zones in the study area.

1.5 Justification of the Study

This study will offer empirical proof on the groundwater potentiality available in region of study, and hopefully will guide water policy makers in actions to improve quantity of water supply in area of interest and the State at large. There is need for appropriate estimate of the readily subsurface water resources for the significance of appropriate measure to guarantee the frequent accessibility of good drinking water in the study area. This study will function as direction to Government, and Non- Government Organizations and other manager involve in water exploration. Also, other water agencies in Niger State can benefit from this research.

Data  on  groundwater  potential  mapping  in  area  of  interest  is  inadequate  for assessment of groundwater potential and there is no known study that investigated groundwater potential area of interest. This study will therefore, focus on utilizing of Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing in assessing groundwater potentiality region of interest which could serve as a guide when conducting groundwater exploration in Bosso and its Environs.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study area Bosso Local Government is among the largest Local Government Areas of Niger State, it comprises of three districts; Bosso, Maikunkele and Beji each districts has many villages such as Shata, Pyata, Kampala, Kodo, Gurusu, Gidan Mangoro,  Garatu,  Dama,  Gidan  Kwano,  Dagah  etc.  This  study  focuses  on  the mapping of groundwater potential zones utilizing Remote Sensing and Geographic Information  System.  The  Element  to  be  considered  in  the  study  would  include geology, Dem, drainage, and slope. This study is limited to Bosso Local Government area and not the entire Niger State.

1.7 The Study Area

1.7.1 Location

Bosso Local Government Area lies between longitude 6o 33‖ E – longitude 6o 37‖ E and latitude 9o 33‖ N – latitude 9o 38‖ N, (figure 1.1 and figure 1.2) on a geological base of undifferentiated base complex of mainly gneiss and magnetite situated at the base of prominent hills in an undulating plan. Bosso  Local Government Area is situated on Niger valley. It is located in the south eastern part of Niger State with elevation in height between 100 feet (300 meters). The area geographically shares boundaries with Wushishi Local Government to the west, Chanchaga Local Government Area to the east, Shiroro Local Government Area to the north and Katcha Local Government Area to the south. It is characterized by having sedimentary rocks. Certain surrounded hill can be seen in some parts of the areas (Bosso Encyclopedia, 2019).

1.7.2 Climate

The Bosso has two district weather, namely the rainy season that begins  around March and runs through October and the dry season which begins from October and end  in  March.  However, within  these seasons  is  a brief hamattan season  that  is occasioned  by  the  northeast.  Weather  conditions  in  Bosso  are  influenced  by  its location  within  the  Niger  Benue  through  on  the  windward  side  at  the  climate transition zone between the essentially humid south and the sub-humid north of the country. The climatic dictates of the Bosso essentially from the south-west to the North West due to rising elevation from the valley in the southwest the high temperatures and the relative humidity in the Niger-Benue through give Niger state a heating affect but the increasing elevation toward north. Rainfall in Minna reflects the location on the wind ward side while the monthly rainfall distribution intensified during the month of July, August and September (Oyebanji, 1993). Rainfall occurs in Nigeria along disturbance lines in places overlaid by the warm and humid maritime air  mass  originating  over  the  Atlantic  Ocean  in  the  south.  Because  of  this,  the Southern parts of the country receive more rain than the northern parts. Southern coastal areas are permanently overlaid by the humid air mass. Early in the year, the air mass beings to hurried interior locations and more parts of the country fall in to an expanding rainfall belt. By the middle of September, the air mass begins a rapid recession back to its coastal, most southerly positions, thus while coastal locations are perennially humid and received substantial rainfall throughout the year interior locations experience various lengths of rainless season. The length of the rainy season therefore decreases with distance from the coast line.

1.7.3 Topography and vegetation

Nigeria is a big country, 1,045 kilometres long and wide of 1,126 kilometres, and it has various relevant rivers notably the Niger and its major tributary. Bosso, falls within the savannah zone greenery of West Africa sub-region however patches of rain forest, however. The greenery of Bosso is split in to three savannah of park or grassy that inhabit about 53 percent of the overall area and where the greenery is annually savannah wood land that happen mainly in the tough and less available parts on the Robo as well as Rubochi plains and exact ending hills (Lar, 2013).

The natural greenery of the study area is typical of the Niger State, which belongs to the Northern Guinea savannah, but most of the plants have been removed by deforestation attributed to earlier agricultural activities in the area. At present agriculture has began in some part of area of interest, vegetation of the area is mostly covered with grasses, shrubs, and little woodland which is heavily used for fuel, building construction and other purposes (Lar, 2013).

1.7.4 Soil, topography and geology

Bosso have two main types of soil, sedimentary belt in the southern and south western extremities of the area and the pre-Cambrian basement complex rock of the country which account for more than 80 percent of the area. (Figure 1.3). The sedimentary formation, being part of the Nupe land sandstones consists mainly of fine grained sandstones with inclusion of grits, siltstones and clay lines; and basement complex consists of wide variety of rock types which can be classified in to three broad groups.

Schist, including biotite/muscoriote schist, muscorite and tale schist‘s with quartzite intrusive account for most of the rugged landscape in the southern parts of the Minna. The igneous rocks made up mostly of biotite granite, rhyolite, and syenite. The granite account for most of the rock domes and massive hills in the north-eastern and north- western parts of Bosso.

The magnitites and gneiss complex. Which are metamorphic rocks consisting mostly of magnetite‘s, granite, gneiss and biota granite underline the site of the area. These are rocks of medium to high strength which were not expected to present serious engineering problems and the rocks of Bosso are generally quartz rich, acidic types which account for the generally sandy nature of the soil especially on the Robo and Rubochi Plains. The plains have the most fertile soils and the best agricultural lands of  all  plains  of  Minna  while  the  high  sand  content  of  most  soils  within  Minna accounts for the relatively high erosion status. There is however, one major advantage about the type of rocks and soils found in Minna because of the ability of construction materials in the form of building stones quartz and pistol tic gravel, building sands and earth for use as foundation materials.

Bosso geology consists of pre- Cambrian basement with an elevation which range between 273m to 333m in the west and 200m to 364m in the East. The landscape of the region (Bosso L.G.A) is relatively flat; this means it is located on a plain. North South direction divides the plain into two Western and Eastern part (Oyebanji, 1993). Bosso L.G.A geology can, therefore, be broad Meta-sediments occurring in more than 63.5 percent of the state Basement complex rocks occurring higher ground further away.   The Niger State has proven deposits of a wide range of mineral resources including marble, tin, mica, clay, wolfromite, tantalite and talc.

In the study area, groundwater happens within the weathered mantle and partially weathered rocks (Idris et al., 2015; MacDonald and partners, 1996). Dupreez and Barker (1995) suggested that, aquifer lies in the weathered mantle and fractured rock where permeability and porosity are sufficient to permit appreciable much of water to accumulate in storage. The high groundwater return in the area is located where thick overburden overlies fractured zones. The aquifer types from the study area consist of

– Weathered layer aquifer

– Weathered/ fractured or partially weathered aquifer

– Fractured aquifer.

The older granite has gone through many tectonic motions and pressure via geologic history such that they frequently have several fracture lines (Idris et al., 2015).

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