Research Article
Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Using a Modified DRASTIC–GIS Approach in a Crystalline Basement Terrain, Northwestern Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
37-53
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
3 May 2026
Published:
14 May 2026
Abstract: In northern Nigeria's crystalline basement terrains, where surface water resources are seasonal and poorly distributed, groundwater is the primary source of drinkable water. In order to identify groundwater potential zones in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, this study used an integrated Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. Landsat-8 OLI images, the ASTER Digital Elevation Model (30 m resolution), and pre-existing geological and soil maps were used to determine six groundwater-influencing parameters: geology, lineament density, slope, soil texture, drainage density, and land use/land cover (LULC). The studied area's drainage density ranges from 0 to 2.172 km/km², and its slope extends from 0° to 72.86°. Bare terrain makes up the majority of the region (84.57%), followed by settlements (8.44%), hills (6.16%), water bodies (0.82%), and vegetation (0.001%), according to LULC research. Thematic layers were given weights using a modified DRASTIC-based multi-criteria evaluation technique, including geology (5), lineament density (4), slope (4), soil texture (3), drainage density (2), and land use/land cover (1). A Groundwater Potential Index (GPI) map that divided the region into high, moderate, and low groundwater potential zones was created using weighted overlay analysis in a GIS context. Fractured granite gneiss and migmatite, high lineament density (0.656–1.365 km/km2), mild slopes (0–9.429°), permeable soils, and low drainage density (0–0.564 km/km2) are all associated with high potential zones, while steep slopes and severely dissected terrains are associated with low potential areas. The findings show that lithology and structural characteristics play a major role in the occurrence of groundwater and show that integrated remote sensing and GIS techniques offer a dependable and affordable tool for sustainable borehole siting and groundwater exploration in basement complex terrains.
Abstract: In northern Nigeria's crystalline basement terrains, where surface water resources are seasonal and poorly distributed, groundwater is the primary source of drinkable water. In order to identify groundwater potential zones in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, this study used an integrated Remote Sensing and Geographic Informa...
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Case Report
A Case Study on the Influence of Birdsong on the Perception of Urban Energy Infrastructure Noise:
A Psychoacoustic Approach
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
54-62
Received:
12 May 2026
Accepted:
20 May 2026
Published:
2 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajese.20261002.12
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Abstract: Urban energy infrastructure (e.g. HVAC systems, power distribution networks, and renewable energy technologies) represents a persistent and often unavoidable source of environmental noise in modern cities. Conventional noise assessment and mitigation approaches are primarily based on physical indicators such as sound pressure level, which do not fully capture the complexity of human auditory perception and contextual sound appraisal. This case study investigates whether natural sound sources, specifically birdsong, can improve the perceived acoustic quality of urban environments affected by continuous technical noise. The study is based on a reinterpretation of previously published controlled listening experiment results, in which participants evaluated recorded urban sound environments with and without added birdsong components. Subjective perception was assessed using semantic differential scales, while psychoacoustic parameters were considered to support interpretation of perceptual trends. The findings indicate that the inclusion of birdsong significantly improves perceived soundscape quality by increasing pleasantness and calmness and reducing annoyance, even when overall sound pressure levels remain unchanged. In addition, clear species-dependent differences were observed, suggesting that certain bird vocalizations provide a stronger benefit than others. Among the evaluated species, the chaffinch produced the strongest positive effect, followed by the Eurasian blackcap and European robin, whereas the great tit showed comparatively weaker influence. The results support the potential of soundscape-based strategies as a complementary approach to conventional noise management for urban energy infrastructure. Enhancing natural acoustic elements through biodiversity-supporting urban planning may improve public acceptance and environmental quality in locations where technical noise reduction is limited by spatial, operational, or economic constraints.
Abstract: Urban energy infrastructure (e.g. HVAC systems, power distribution networks, and renewable energy technologies) represents a persistent and often unavoidable source of environmental noise in modern cities. Conventional noise assessment and mitigation approaches are primarily based on physical indicators such as sound pressure level, which do not fu...
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,
Tavershima Stephen Ingoroko*
