Electrical Resistivity Imaging Applied to Tailings Ponds: An Overview

Martínez‐Pagán, Pedro; Gómez-Ortíz, David; Crespo, Tomás Martı́n; Martín-Velázquez, Silvia; Martínez-Segura, Marcos A.

doi:10.1007/s10230-020-00741-3

Cited by 18 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 87 publications

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“…This type of measurement configuration has proved an appropriate depth of penetration [26,28]. Furthermore, this array is particularly sensitive to lateral variation with depth, which makes it more favorable for detecting lateral variations in non-homogeneous zones [29].…”

Section: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Ert) Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Delimiting Pig Slurry Affected Subsurface Areas by Combining Geophysical and Geochemical Techniques

Capa-Camacho

Martínez‐Pagán

Martínez-Segura

et al. 2022

Water

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In Spain, livestock farming is a significant activity area that generates substantial revenues and essential jobs. However, the actual impact that this intensive activity might have on the environment is not entirely understood. Moreover, coastal aquifers are subjected to a significant environmental pressure due to nearby growing population, intensive agriculture, and livestock farming. In this work, three representative pig slurry ponds, under semiarid conditions, were studied using different techniques to evaluate the subsurface conditions in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, salts, and nitrate content. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique was employed in this study, which provides electrical resistivity values from the subsurface materials and fluids. These electrical resistivity values were compared to data obtained from geochemical analyses to derive their relationships and establish the pig slurry-affected subsurface area. Thus, ERT-based lower electrical resistivity values were associated with higher salts concentrations and nitrate content. ERT values indicated a near-surface affected by slurry infiltration that coincided with the increase of geochemical values obtained from sample analyses. Additionally, Spearman’s correlation was used to evaluate the correlation between electrical resistivity data and the physical-chemical properties of soil. The most important pollutant accumulation mainly occurs in the two-meter depth. Therefore, the risk of slurry ponds affecting deep aquifers is limited in the studied area. Finally, this study proves a complete, affordable, and scalable methodology application to livestock residue storage facilities.

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Section: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Ert) Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Delimiting Pig Slurry Affected Subsurface Areas by Combining Geophysical and Geochemical Techniques

Capa-Camacho

Martínez‐Pagán

Martínez-Segura

et al. 2022

Water

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“…However, this dataset has been extremely valuable to correlate them using 2D and 3D resistivity/humidity models allowing a robust volume evaluation of the dam volume regarding water content. (Martínez et al, 2021;Martínez-Pagán et al 2021).…”

Section: Study Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Geophysical key indicators for tailings dam physical integrity monitoring - Brazil

Sá,

Braga,

Almeida

et al. 2023

REM, Int. Eng. J.

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The geotechnical monitoring of tailings dams combined with a suitable application of geophysical electrical methods can improve their structure evaluation, allowing several correlations between direct analyses and the resistivity anomaly pattern. Considering this synergy, twenty-three electrical resistivity sections (ERT) were acquired along the beach, abutments, and central part of a dam, totalizing 10,776 m of dataset. After the interpretation of each ERT section, comparing the anomaly ranges with the water level meters measurements, three resistivity zones were defined: Zones of low resistivity (<64 ohm-m), correlated to regions of high humidity; zones of high resistivity (> 357 ohm-m), interpreted as dry zones, and regions with intermediate resistivity values, located between these limits. The groundwater surface generated from the interpretation of the electrical resistivity dataset and the groundwater surface acquired from the water level gauges were almost coincident. On the right abutment, the conductive anomalies showed remarkable continuity, suggesting a high moisture content in this region with strong gradients (200 mV) directed towards the zone of low resistivity values identified in the sections. The analysis showed a robust correlation of the ERT data with localized physical geotechnical measurements, valuable for monitoring dam integrity, overseeing the structure's response to climate and operational changes, and ultimately mitigating the risks of failure. The results of this study support the adoption of a seasonal 4D electrical resistivity survey as an effective tool to monitor and manage surface and high humidity zones, key indicators of dam integrity throughout the entire structure.

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“…Guireli Netto et al conducted a geophysical investigation in a cemetery using the DC resistivity method with different electrode arrays, confirming the presence of low resistivity anomalies related to the presence of ionic compounds [42]. Also, ERT has proven successful in detecting leachate pathways in mining tailings [43][44][45][46]. It plays a crucial role in characterizing and monitoring tailings ponds, offering valuable insights into the spatial and temporal variations of subsurface electrical resistivity values, which are influenced by the site's physical and chemical properties [20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Mapping Leachate Pathways in Aging Mining Tailings Pond Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography

Ali,

Mewafy,

Qian

et al. 2023

Minerals

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Mining activities often leave behind a legacy of environmental challenges, with aging tailings ponds representing a significant concern due to their potential for leachate formation and subsequent contaminant release. Thus, this study employs Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to investigate the intricate pathways of leachate within an aging mining tailings pond, addressing the pressing environmental and human health concerns associated with potential contaminant release. Ten 2D ERT profiles were acquired at the El Mochito mine waste site, covering an area of approximately half a square kilometer. These profiles, ranging in length from 104 to 363 m, provided insights into subsurface conditions down to a maximum depth of 60 m. The subsurface mapping of the ERT data showed three different geoelectric layers. The uppermost layer, with a thickness of approximately 2.5 m and resistivity values ranging from 60 to 100 Ohm.m, was identified as a dry tailing/soil zone. Beneath it, the second layer exhibited moderately resistive values (30–60 Ohm.m) with varying thicknesses of 10–20 m, signifying a percolation/leaching zone (semi-saturated zone). The third layer, characterized by substantially low resistivity (1–30 Ohm.m), indicated saturation and the presence of conductive materials, strongly suggesting active leaching. Based on these findings, this study recommends further investigation through geochemical analysis of subsurface samples and more advanced geophysical imaging techniques to validate the distribution of anomalous zones and delineate remediation pathways. This study lays the foundation for future comprehensive research that will integrate geophysical surveys with geochemical analysis and establish 4D modeling techniques to monitor pollutant penetration over time, with a particular focus on mine waste tailings mapping. Plus, this study contributes valuable insights into the characterization of leachate pathways within mining tailings ponds, offering a foundation for informed environmental management and remediation strategies.

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Electrical Resistivity Imaging Applied to Tailings Ponds: An Overview

Cited by 18 publications

References 87 publications

Delimiting Pig Slurry Affected Subsurface Areas by Combining Geophysical and Geochemical Techniques

Delimiting Pig Slurry Affected Subsurface Areas by Combining Geophysical and Geochemical Techniques

Geophysical key indicators for tailings dam physical integrity monitoring - Brazil

Mapping Leachate Pathways in Aging Mining Tailings Pond Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography

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