Geophysical study of saline water intrusion in Lagos municipality

Abstract

Saline water intrusion presently constitutes serious concerns in the Lagos municipality just like many other coastal cities, thus necessitating its intervallic study. The present study involving 52 borehole logs (consisting of natural gamma and electrical resistivity components) was aimed at delineating intruded and vulnerable zones. Saline water columns defined by low resistivity values in the range of 0.1 and 20 Ωm as compared to fresh water (≥ 100 Ωm) were delineated on 22 logs. Four of the geosections generated in this study indicate saline water intrusion at depths varying from surface in Satellite Town, Kirikiri, Ijora, Iganmu, Apapa, Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki to depths ranging from 40 m at Iganmu to 158 m at Lekki. Intrusions of 47 m (143 - 190 m) and 60 m (56 - 116 m) were delineated at Ajah; 50 m (265 - 315 and 258 - 308) at Lakowe; 57 and 112 m (51 - 108 m and 198 - 308) at Ibeju Lekki, Akodo and 122 m at (233 - 355m) at Awoyaya. The hydrogeologic importance of the Coastal Plain Sand aquifer unit in Lagos is under severe threat of continued sea water intrusion on its southern flank. This study illustrates the current extension of the sea water intrusion. It highlights the depreciation of the water resource due to over pumping at higher rate than the natural recharge and slow sea level rise.

Key words: Borehole logs, saline water intrusion/incursion, natural gamma, resistivity, freshwater sand.