Indirect Detection of Degradation-Resistant Compounds on Groundwaters Forward-Facing to Current Global Consumerism and Climate Change

Abstract

This study addresses the environmental challenges posed by consumerism, evaluating the impact of Degradation-Resistant Organic Compounds (DROCs), such as fats and oils, on surface environments, the subsurface, groundwater, and aquifers. Climate variability has intensified the dispersion of these compounds, particularly in open landfills and poorly managed sites, making it urgent to identify affected areas to plan remediation efforts and mitigate their effects on ecosystems and human health. The objective was to analyze the dispersion of DROCs in an abandoned landfill in northwestern Mexico and develop strategies to characterize the decomposition stages of these compounds. In 2021 and 2022, a two-dimensional geoelectric tomography (GT) was conducted using a SARIS-Scintrex resistivimeter, recording variations in the apparent resistivity of subsoil. Using resistivity measures, the progressive and regressive numerical interpolation of Newton for finite differences, combined with the Lévy-type diffusion operator, classified the invasion areas into three principal ranges: high (recent invasions), intermediate (transition phase), and low (mature invasions).. These ranges indicated how pollutants migrate from the surface to the saturated zones of the aquifer. To validate the presence of fats and oils, a 24-m-deep well was drilled, revealing a positive correlation (R2 = 0.863) between the areas covered by the tomograms and the detected contaminants. The results emphasize the need for improved waste management and the careful selection of disposal sites to reduce environmental degradation. The methodology proved effective and rapid, facilitating remediation planning and highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in final disposal to mitigate the impacts of DROCs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect public and environmental health.