The effect of NAPL on the electrical properties of unsaturated porous media

N. Schwartz*, J. A. Huisman, A. Furman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

The spectral induced polarization signature of porous media contaminated with non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) was studied. Using an accurate measurement system, the complex electrical conductivity of unsaturated porous media contaminated with either diesel fuel or motor oil at a constant water saturation was determined. Counter intuitively, the results show that replacing air with NAPL increases the real part of the complex conductivity of unsaturated porous media. We interpret the results in terms of electrochemical polarization, and suggest that polar compounds contained in the NAPL adsorb to the mineral surface leading to release of inorganic ions to the pore water, which affects both the fluid and surface conductivity. In addition, we observed a decrease in the polarization followed by further addition of NAPL, which we relate to a lower mobility of the adsorbed polar compound. This study allows a better understanding of the electrical signature of NAPL contaminated porous media, especially in variably saturated conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1007-1011
Number of pages5
JournalGeophysical Journal International
Volume188
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Electrical properties
  • Electromagnetic theory
  • Hydrogeophysics

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