Integrating small-scall electrical resistivity with multi-compartment sampler techniques to monitor solute fluxes

E. Bloem, Z. Koelma, P. Fernandez, H. K. French

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Understanding water and contaminant transport in the unsaturated zone is highly challenging due to spatial variability. Sufficient characterization of spatial and temporal distribution of contaminant transport requires measurements of solute fluxes at multiple locations with high temporal resolution. Solute monitoring is often limited to observations of resident concentrations, while flux concentrations govern the movement of solutes in soils. We developed a new instrument, which combines multi-compartment sampling with electrical resistivity techniques, to monitor solute fluxes. The multi-compartment electrical resistivity sampler (MCERS) is capable of measuring downward solute fluxes at a high spatiooral resolution under natural conditions. The instrument consists of 100 cells (each 31.5 by 31.5 mm). For each cell, the amount of drops passing through every 5 min is recorded, monitoring directly water fluxes. Electrodes are mounted at each corner of each cell, making it possible to perform small-scale ERT measurements above each cell while water percolates through, thereby monitoring solute fluxes. By using different electrode couples, the setup can also be used to image above the MCERS. The percolate is collected from each cell and can be repeatedly extracted for additional chemical analysis while leaving the instrument buried in situ, facilitating prolonged operation times.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication23rd European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
PublisherEuropean Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, EAGE
ISBN (Electronic)9789462822238
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event23rd European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics - Malmo, Sweden
Duration: 3 Sep 20177 Sep 2017

Publication series

Name23rd European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics

Conference

Conference23rd European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
Country/TerritorySweden
CityMalmo
Period3/09/177/09/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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