How suitable are the soils of Sabon Gida for pipelines, underground tanks, and other buried metallic infrastructure?
This study combines geophysical measurements, soil chemistry, satellite imagery, and geographic information system analysis to assess soil corrosion susceptibility in Sabon Gida, Katsina State, Nigeria.
The researchers conducted vertical electrical sounding at 44 locations using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. Electrical resistivity was examined because low-resistivity soils generally contain more moisture and dissolved ions, creating conditions that can accelerate the corrosion of buried metals.
Soil samples were also collected from five representative locations at depths ranging from the surface to 2 m and analysed for pH. In addition, Sentinel-2 satellite imagery was used to assess vegetation, surface moisture, bare-soil exposure, and salinity.
The interpreted electrical resistivity values ranged from 23.11 to 1779 Ωm, revealing substantial differences in subsurface conductivity across the study area. Some locations recorded values below 100 Ωm, indicating very highly corrosive conditions, while areas above 1000 Ωm were classified as slightly corrosive.
The measured soil pH values ranged from 6.3 to 7.1, indicating slightly acidic to near-neutral conditions. Although soil acidity was not severe, mildly acidic zones could still increase corrosion when combined with moisture and high conductivity.
Satellite-derived indices showed generally sparse vegetation and low surface moisture, which reflect the semi-arid environment. The analysis also identified localized areas of elevated salinity that may increase soil conductivity and corrosion risk.
The researchers used the analytical hierarchy process and weighted sum model to combine electrical resistivity, soil pH, vegetation, moisture, bare-soil, and salinity data into a corrosion susceptibility index.
The resulting map showed that most of the study area falls within moderate corrosion susceptibility levels. This suggests that Sabon Gida is generally suitable for buried infrastructure, although localized higher-risk zones require closer investigation and protection.
The study demonstrates that combining field measurements with satellite and GIS data provides a more complete understanding of corrosion risk than relying on a single parameter.
Before installing pipelines, underground storage tanks, or foundation materials, the researchers recommend site-specific engineering investigations and direct corrosion measurements. Protective coatings, cathodic protection, routine inspection, and monitoring may also be necessary in vulnerable locations.
📖 Read the full article here:
https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.546
Published in: African Scientific Reports