Geoelectrical resistivity imaging of subsurface groundwater contamination at a waste disposal site in Choba extension, rivers state

Groundwater quality in Rivers State is increasingly threatened by human activities, particularly in Choba Extension where aquifers are vulnerable to leachate infiltration. Conventional assessment methods, such as water sampling and borehole logging, are limited by their point-based nature and often fail to capture the spatial extent of contamination. This study evaluates groundwater pollution at Muffa Street, Choba Extension, using geo-electric imaging techniques. The Electrical Resistivity Method was employed with AIDU and Guilin Technology terrameters to map subsurface resistivity variations and delineate contaminant plumes. Results revealed low resistivity zones ranging from 1 to 100 Ω·m, with values below 10–20 Ω·m indicating highly conductive and contaminated regions. These anomalies were detected at depths corresponding to the water table, suggesting pollution from surface sources such as improper waste disposal infiltrating sandy aquifer layers of the Benin Formation. The findings confirm significant groundwater contamination in the study area, posing serious public health risks. This study highlights the effectiveness of geophysical methods in mapping subsurface pollution and recommends immediate remediation, continuous monitoring, and improved waste management practices to ensure environmental sustainability.