Geophysical Investigation of Groundwater Contamination in North-Central Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Groundwater serves as a critical freshwater resource for North Central Nigeria, yet contamination from agricultural activities, waste dumpsites, industrial effluents, and mining operations poses significant threats to water quality and public health. Geophysical methods, particularly electrical resistivity techniques, were discovered to have emerged as essential non-invasive tools for delineating contamination plumes, assessing aquifer vulnerability, and mapping subsurface hydro stratigraphy. This review synthesizes current knowledge on geophysical investigation approaches, methodological applications, contamination sources, and findings specific to North Central Nigeria, while highlighting research gaps and recommendations for sustainable groundwater management in the region.