Detection of LNAPLs by means of amplitude domain reflectometry

摘要

Contamination of soils with Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs) is frequently produced by accidental spills. Several techniques can be used for the detection of the contaminant plume. Frequently used geophysical techniques are ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography and time domain reflectometry. The main goal is to determine the extension of the contaminated zone and degree of soil saturation respect to the LNAPL. In this research, the presence of LNAPL inside soil pores is evaluated by means of Amplitude Domain Reflectometry (ADR) measurements. This technique is used for the monitoring of the lateral extension of the contaminated zone in a laboratory scale model. Then, proposed measurements are used to evaluate the vertical migration of LNAPL due to an accidental leakage. Obtained results show that the ADR can be used to detect the presence of organic contaminants in sandy soils. The monitoring of contaminant plumes can be successfully performed by this technique.