The investigation of contaminated areas in fractured aquifers represents a great technical challenge, due to the frequent conditions of heterogeneity and anisotropy of these environments, which often make it difficult...The investigation of contaminated areas in fractured aquifers represents a great technical challenge, due to the frequent conditions of heterogeneity and anisotropy of these environments, which often make it difficult to identify and predict pathways of subsurface contamination. This work aims to contribute to the development of this subject, through the presentation of the results of an investigation in which geophysical logging tools and straddle packers were used, which allowed the development of a more suitable hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area. Two boreholes were drilled and geophysical logging (gamma, caliper and high resolution acoustic televiewer) were used for the geological-structural characterization of the aquifer. Heatpulse flowmeter and straddle packers were then used to obtain data on hydraulic potentials and flows and for the collection of discrete water samples for chemical analysis. Two types of gneiss rocks were identified below the weathering zone (thickness >30 m), one with predominance of mafic bands, more weathered and with a higher fracture density, up to 65 m, and another deeper one, with the predominance of felsic bands. Seven groups of fractures were defined, being those of Group 1, with low dip angles, the most frequent and important for flow until 65 m, and Group 2 (N to NE-SW with high dips to W and NW) more frequent in deeper felsic gneisses. Downward hydraulic potentials were identified down to 65 m and upward potentials from the bottom up to 65 m. A hydraulic test allowed identifying the occurrence of hydraulic connection between the shallow weathering zone and the underlying fractured aquifer.展开更多
This article presents the results of a forensic investigation concerning the origin of hydrocarbons detected in the subsurface soil of the residential neighborhood Volta Grande IV, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil. Previous ...This article presents the results of a forensic investigation concerning the origin of hydrocarbons detected in the subsurface soil of the residential neighborhood Volta Grande IV, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil. Previous investigations identified several areas with concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above the Brazilian regulatory standards of CONAMA 420/2009 within the study area. Concern was raised that these hydrocarbons might be derived from local steel mill wastes. This forensic investigation determined that the VOCs in the residential soil are associated with gasoline and possibly diesel fuel oil releases into the subsurface soils that are not associated with the steel mill waste. The PAHs in residential subsurface soil generally fell below background concentrations and are likely associated with regional soot. The PAHs in the three samples with concentrations above background (out of a total of thirty-six samples) exhibit compositional features similar to coal byproducts, such as tar and coke, possibly attributable to the steel mill operation. This work discusses the geoforensic data and chemical signatures that support these findings.展开更多
文摘The investigation of contaminated areas in fractured aquifers represents a great technical challenge, due to the frequent conditions of heterogeneity and anisotropy of these environments, which often make it difficult to identify and predict pathways of subsurface contamination. This work aims to contribute to the development of this subject, through the presentation of the results of an investigation in which geophysical logging tools and straddle packers were used, which allowed the development of a more suitable hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area. Two boreholes were drilled and geophysical logging (gamma, caliper and high resolution acoustic televiewer) were used for the geological-structural characterization of the aquifer. Heatpulse flowmeter and straddle packers were then used to obtain data on hydraulic potentials and flows and for the collection of discrete water samples for chemical analysis. Two types of gneiss rocks were identified below the weathering zone (thickness >30 m), one with predominance of mafic bands, more weathered and with a higher fracture density, up to 65 m, and another deeper one, with the predominance of felsic bands. Seven groups of fractures were defined, being those of Group 1, with low dip angles, the most frequent and important for flow until 65 m, and Group 2 (N to NE-SW with high dips to W and NW) more frequent in deeper felsic gneisses. Downward hydraulic potentials were identified down to 65 m and upward potentials from the bottom up to 65 m. A hydraulic test allowed identifying the occurrence of hydraulic connection between the shallow weathering zone and the underlying fractured aquifer.
基金supported by CSN—Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional.
文摘This article presents the results of a forensic investigation concerning the origin of hydrocarbons detected in the subsurface soil of the residential neighborhood Volta Grande IV, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil. Previous investigations identified several areas with concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above the Brazilian regulatory standards of CONAMA 420/2009 within the study area. Concern was raised that these hydrocarbons might be derived from local steel mill wastes. This forensic investigation determined that the VOCs in the residential soil are associated with gasoline and possibly diesel fuel oil releases into the subsurface soils that are not associated with the steel mill waste. The PAHs in residential subsurface soil generally fell below background concentrations and are likely associated with regional soot. The PAHs in the three samples with concentrations above background (out of a total of thirty-six samples) exhibit compositional features similar to coal byproducts, such as tar and coke, possibly attributable to the steel mill operation. This work discusses the geoforensic data and chemical signatures that support these findings.
