Groundwater Potential Assessment Using Dar Zarrouk Parameters in Pariya and Environs, Yola Arm, Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the groundwater potential of Pariya and its environs in the Yola Arm of the Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria, in response to increasing dependence on groundwater for domestic and agricultural water supply and the limited availability of surface water resources. The research applied hydrogeophysical techniques to determine the distribution, productivity, and protective capacity of subsurface aquifers. Groundwater conditions were investigated using thirty (30) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) measurements acquired with the Schlumberger array and interpreted using IX1D Interpex software. Dar-Zarrouk parameters—longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance—were derived from the interpreted geoelectric layers and integrated with borehole lithologic data to estimate key aquifer properties, including hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The results reveal that unconfined-to-semi confined sandstone aquifers of the Bima Sandstone Formation underlie the area. Longitudinal conductance values range from 0.080 to 1.918 Ω⁻¹, indicating weak to moderate protective capacity across most of the study area, while transverse resistance ranges from 13.17 to 1576.40 Ωm². Estimated hydraulic conductivity ranges from 3.23 to 55.34 m/day, and transmissivity values vary from 13.76 to 880.99 m²/day, classifying the area into zones of low to high groundwater potential. VES stations 3, 10, and 20 exhibit the most favourable groundwater-yield prospects. This research was conducted to provide a scientific basis for sustainable groundwater development and management in Pariya and surrounding communities. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Dar-Zarrouk parameters for groundwater potential assessment and provide reliable guidance for borehole siting and water resource planning within the Upper Benue Trough.