Palgo Journals Of Agriculture , Vol. 10(2) PP. 38-34 ,January, 2026. Copyright © 2026 Palgo Journals
Integrated Electrical Resistivity and Hydrochemical Investigation of Groundwater Contamination Around Hospital Waste Disposal Sites in Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors:Nwafor, Ernest K.¹; Ohaegbulem, Modestus²; Abia, Uwem Bassey³; Oji Chihurumnanya O⁴; Iloanya Nonyelum S5 and Elendu, E. J.6 Cookey Ime C.7, Okpoji, Awajiiroijana Uriah8* Akpan Nsima A9 and Onuchukwu Ejikeme E10.
¹ Department of Physics with Electronics, Shanahan University, Onitsha, Nigeria
² Department of Geology, Gregory University, Uturu, Nigeria
³ Department of Geology, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria
⁴ Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
5 Department of Geology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
6 Department of Technical Education, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Abia State College of Education
(Technical), PMB 1000, Arochukwu, Nigeria
7 Department of Chemical Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
8 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
9 Department of Chemical Sciences, Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria.
10 Department of Geological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Abstract
Groundwater quality around waste disposal sites is increasingly threatened by contaminant migration through permeable
subsurface formations, particularly in basement terrains. This study evaluated groundwater contamination around hospital
waste disposal sites in Katsina, Nigeria, using integrated electrical resistivity and hydrochemical techniques. A cross
sectional field and laboratory design was adopted. Based on their proximity to garbage disposal areas, four sampling
locations (S1–S4) were chosen. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using a Schlumberger array and a digital resistivity
meter was used for subsurface study. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to measure heavy metals
(Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, and Cu). Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Pearson correlation) and pollution indices (CF, PLI, and WQI)
were used. Three subsurface layers were identified by the resistivity measurements; the second layer at S2 (38.6 ± 3.7
Ωm) and S4 (41.7 ± 3.9 Ωm) had noticeably low resistivity values, indicating conductive zones linked to leachate infiltration.
Elevated EC (1325 ± 110 µS/cm), TDS (845 ± 70 mg/L), and nitrate (52.6 ± 5.1 mg/L) at S2 exceeded WHO guidelines,
according to hydrochemical analysis. Permissible limits were also surpassed by heavy metals, especially Pb (0.032 ±
0.004 mg/L) and Cd (0.009 ± 0.001 mg/L). S2 was rated as extremely poor (168.4) and S4 as poor (152.7) by the Water
Quality Index. The association between geophysical anomalies and pollution levels was confirmed by significant inverse
correlations between resistivity and EC (r = −0.82), TDS (r = −0.79), and Pb (r = −0.74). Waste-derived contamination has
a major effect on groundwater in the research area, especially in shallow weathered aquifer zones. For identifying pollution
channels and evaluating groundwater quality, the combination of electrical resistivity and hydrochemical techniques
proved to be quite successful. Regular groundwater monitoring and better waste management techniques are advised.
Keywords: Katsina, water quality index, hydrochemistry, leachate, heavy metals, electrical resistivity, and groundwater
contamination
year of experience
happy customers
professional awards
Elevate Your Research to New Heights with Palgo Journals
At Palgo Journals, we believe that groundbreaking research deserves a platform that matches its significance.