Mapping landfill gas migration using resistivity monitoring

Abstract

Results of geoelectrical resistivity monitoring at two landfill sites, a bioreactor landfill and a conventional municipal solid waste landfill site over a week are reported. The main objective was to investigate if geoelectrical resistivity can be used for localising paths for landfill gas migration. The resistivity results were also related to local pore pressure measurements and to methane emission measurements using a laser-scanning instrument. The results suggest that the use of the interpreted resistivity and of its temporal variation can be suitable for the intended purpose, and confirm the applicability of resistivity imaging at landfills. It is also concluded that better knowledge about the dependence of resistivity variation to temperature, porosity and moisture content variations would improve the interpretation and that measuring or monitoring at least one of these additional parameters together with resistivity would be useful.

Relationship Between Biogas Production and Variations in Electric Resistivity in Landfill of Rio Claro City, Brazil

“…However, there are few studies aimed at determining relationships between electric resistivity, natural electrical potential and biological and physicochemical processes and their relationship to the production of biogas and leachate in landfills (Georgaki et al, 2008;Rosqvist et al, 2011;Moreira et al, 2013). This work proposes the development of a static system of geophysical logging in the municipal landfill of Rio Claro (Brazil), in an attempt to assess the relationship between changes in physical parameters of electric resistivity and biogas flow in drains nearby, during 1 year of the monitoring.…”

An alternative methodology for the analysis of electrical resistivity data from a soil gas study

“…The aim of this paper is to present the methodology of the resistivity data analysis, together with results focused around one of six selected field measurement points. For a more detailed description of the project as a whole, see Rosqvist et al (2009) and Johansson (2009).…”

“…The latter was discussed at the 'Workshop on 'Geophysical measurements at landfills' in Malmö, 2008. However, during 2008 a project that aimed to investigate the possibilities of detecting and verifying gas accumulations in landfills with electrical resistivity was carried out (Rosqvist et al 2009). One of the objectives was to evaluate if resistivity data can be useful as a tool for studies of subsurface gas dynamics, and linked to the varying gas emissions from landfill soil surfaces (Johansson 2009).…”

Editorial

“…Three papers over the term have received awards from the Institution of Civil Engineers including the Baker Medal awarded to Alexander et al (2009) for their paper which was the subject of an evening event at the ICE in June 2011, and two Telford Premium Medals awarded to Fannin et al (2009) and Rosqvist et al (2011).…”