Combined use of reactive and ideal tracers to assess the performance of multilevel wells

Abstract

Characterization of contamination plumes is a crucial step for contaminated sites management but, due to its heterogeneity, high resolution characterization is needed. This work aimed to develop a prepacked multilevel well and select tracers to verify its performance. Column tests were conducted to assess tracers behaviour and prototypes were built and tested in the laboratory. One multilevel well was installed in a field site, and its performance tested with tracers. Fluorescein was selected as a reactive tracer and bromide as an ideal tracer. The better configurations for the multilevel seal were with kraft paper with bentonite in broken pellets and granulated, and a plastic screen with bentonite in broken pellets. In the field test, the prototype worked satisfactorily, and the combined use of reactive and ideal tracers allowed verifying the well installation and the connectivity between sampling levels.

Keywords

• Traçadores. Poços multiníveis. Investigação de áreas contaminadas.