Geoelectrical characterization of contaminants from domiciliary solids waste decomposition

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the Electrical Resistivity geophysical method applied to determine the area of leaching migration originated from solids waste decomposition, disposed in ditch type landfill. When the monitoring of wells or other direct techniques of the environmental investigation is not possible, the geological characterization, supported by geophysics techniques is an alternative for the assessment and monitoring leached materials. The absence of values below 100 ?.m in the reference line at 4 m of depth and the occurrence of these values in the residues ditches and its surroundings indicate the presence of leachate. This relation is a result of the high content of total dissolved solids that characterize the studied contaminant that reduces the electric resistivity.

Keywords

• landfill
• leachate
• geophysics
• electric resistivity