MAPPING THE RESISTIVITY VARIATIONS IN THE SUBSURFACE SURROUNDING AT KIPKENYO DUMPSITE, ELDORET TOWN, KENYA

Abstract

A geophysical investigation of groundwater contamination within the solid waste disposal site was carried out at Kipkenyo dumpsite which is typically non controlled solid waste disposal site. Total of twenty six (26) VES survey points were conducted at measurements of between 20 to 30 meters between the (VES) points. The schlumberger array was used to collect data, Earth Imager 1D software were used in analyzing data obtained. The purpose of the research was to determine whether the presence of the landfill compromises the quality of groundwater within a vicinity of the dumpsite. Profile 6 and 7 in the southeast direction showing low resistivities indicating possible dissolution of heavy metals, from depths of 1.96 to 4.32 m, 29.65 to 47.75, 3.75 m to 9.00m and 17.45 m to 47.75 m respectively, High a resistivities at the eastern wing of the study area demonstrates uncontaminated compared to northwest, west and southwest which have low values of resistivities resulting to high level of contamination, this could be attributed to varying hydraulic conductivity depending on the composition of the solid waste in the landfill, compaction and soil contaminant interaction. The region 80 m from dumpsite to the northwest, west and southwest show low resistivities across the profiles’ depths Profiles 5 and 8 were used as control points done at about 100 meters from the dumpsite and presents resistivities’ ranges of 141.7 Ohm-m to 2616.2 Ohm-m suggesting its uncontaminated zone. The contamination runs to a depth of 47.75 m.