An investigation into the use of geophysical methods in the study of aquifer contamination by graveyards

Abstract

Graveyards are the traditional way of dealing with the deceased and often their location is unsuitable so that there is a potential contamination danger for local aquifers and soils. Such a contamination is complex as organic, inorganic and biological pollutants will be present. This problem has been studied by direct methods, i.e. boreholes. However borehole location can be difficult and so it is proposed here to use geophysical multiparameter surveys, as well as hydrochemistry studies, to investigate the contamination in the vicinity of two graveyards located in very porous and permeable formations. Based on the geophysical interpretation, two shallow boreholes were drilled and groundwater sampling confirmed local aquifer contamination. The geophysical response is shown to depend on the water table depth, and when this is close to the ground surface, it is demonstrated that geophysical methods can be used to map contamination plumes originated in the graveyards and, therefore, assist borehole location.

The use of 2D electrical tomography to assess pollution in slurry ponds of the Murcia region, SE Spain

“…A large quantity of information is available in recent literature on the application of ERT in soil‐related topics, such as mines and industrial waste disposal areas (Daily et al ; Daily and Ramirez ; de Lima et al ; Park ; Chambers et al ; Ogilvy et al ; Lu et al ; Buselli and Lu ; Olayinka and Yaramanci ; Slater et al ; Chambers et al ; Dahlin et al ; Martínez‐Pagán et al ; Senos‐Matias et al ). In these studies, samples were taken from the drill core.…”

“…Although the use of pig slurry in environmental reclamation (e.g., mined areas) is gaining considerable interest in recent A large quantity of information is available in recent literature on the application of ERT in soil-related topics, such as mines and industrial waste disposal areas de Lima et al 1995;Park 1998;Chambers et al 1999;Ogilvy et al 1999;Lu et al1999;Buselli and Lu 1999;Olayinka and Yaramanci 1999;Slater et al 2000;Chambers et al 2002;Dahlin et al 2002;Martínez-Pagán et al 2004;Senos-Matias et al 2004). In these studies, samples were taken from the drill core.…”

Geophysics for the environment in Indonesia

“…2 Additionally, we found a successful application of geophysical methods in investigating aquifer contamination by various sources such as graveyards, highlighting the versatility of geophysics in addressing environmental problems related to groundwater pollution. 5 These examples underscore the pivotal role of geophysics in understanding and mitigating water-related environmental issues, ranging from groundwater contamination to the study of aquifer pollution by diverse sources.…”

Mapping fly‐ash water pond leakage with TEM and IP data at Loy Yang coal‐mine (Australia)

“…McNeill () discussed the advantages and disadvantages of various electromagnetic methods applied to groundwater studies; Nowroozi et al () used galvanic methods for detection of saltwater intrusion in fresh aquifers; Yang et al () included TEM soundings; and Choudhury et al () included shallow seismic refraction. Other good examples of integrated electric and electromagnetic techniques applied to aquifer mapping can be found in Meju et al () and Senos Matias et al ().…”