A Study on GIS Integrated Techniques for Groundwater Mapping Potentials and Qualitative Assessment

Authors

  • Asuquo Ndem Uwemedimo * Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Samuel Imikan Bassey Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Samuel Ime Ekanem Department of Building Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i4.72

Abstract

Groundwater serves as a critical freshwater resource in the Niger Delta, particularly in rapidly urbanizing Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria, where surface water pollution from oil activities and urban waste has heightened dependence on aquifers of the Benin Formation. This study employed integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques to map Groundwater Potential Zones (GWPZ) and assess its qualitative status for sustainable management. Eight thematic layers including geology/lithology, geomorphology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), rainfall distribution, and soil types were prepared using Landsat 8/Sentinel-2 imagery, SRTM DEM, and ancillary data in ArcGIS. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied for weighted overlay analysis to delineate GWPZ. Groundwater quality was evaluated through physico-chemical analysis of 30-50 borehole samples, computation of Water Quality Index (WQI), hydrogeochemical diagrams (Piper, Gibbs, Durov), and spatial interpolation (IDW/Kriging). Model validation utilized ROC/AUC, borehole yield correlation, and field data. Results revealed that 35-45% of the study area falls within very high to high potential zones, predominantly in peri-urban northern and eastern fringes characterized by permeable Benin Formation sands, flat topography (0-2% slope), and high rainfall (2,800-3,800 mm/year). Moderate potential zones dominate central urban areas (40-45%), while low to poor zones (15-25%) occur in built-up and swampy regions. Groundwater quality showed slightly acidic conditions (pH 4.0-7.2, mean 5.8-6.4), fresh to brackish TDS, and dominant Ca-Mg-Na-HCO₃-Cl facies, with elevated iron and contaminants near urban/industrial zones. WQI classified most samples as poor to unsuitable for drinking, though better quality was observed in high-potential peri-urban areas. A moderate positive correlation existed between potential zones and water quality. The integrated AHP-GIS model demonstrated strong reliability (AUC 0.78-0.85, yield correlation r = 0.71-0.80, accuracy 75-85%). Findings highlight abundant groundwater quantity potential constrained by anthropogenic quality degradation. The study provides valuable spatial insights for targeted borehole development, recharge planning, urban zoning, and policy interventions to ensure sustainable groundwater utilization in the Niger Delta.

Keywords:

GIS integrated techniques, Groundwater, Mapping potentials, Qualitative assessment

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Published

2026-06-22

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Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering

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Articles

How to Cite

Uwemedimo, A. N., Bassey , S. I., & Ekanem, S. I. (2026). A Study on GIS Integrated Techniques for Groundwater Mapping Potentials and Qualitative Assessment. Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering, 3(3), 157-175. https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i4.72

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