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CCD camera image analysis for mapping solute concentrations in saturated porous media
Stefanie Jaeger1, Markus Ehni, Christina Eberhardt
1Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany. stefanie.jaeger@ipc.uni-tuebingen.de
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|August 4, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a low-cost optical method using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to measure solute concentrations in porous media. This non-invasive technique accurately maps solute plumes, aiding in understanding contaminant transport.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geosciences
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Accurate measurement of solute concentrations in porous media is crucial for understanding contaminant transport.
- Traditional methods can be invasive or provide limited spatial resolution.
- Developing non-invasive techniques is essential for detailed process investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, low-cost optical approach for quantitative determination of solute concentrations.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of this method in tracer experiments within a laboratory model tank.
- To enable direct, non-invasive mapping of solute concentration distributions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to capture images of solute distribution.
- Converting RGB values from CCD images into quantitative concentration data.
- Implementing a specialized evaluation procedure with internal referencing to account for noise, color adjacencies, and scattering effects.
Main Results:
- The CCD-based optical method successfully quantified solute concentrations in saturated porous media.
- Vertical concentration profiles were accurately evaluated over the entire tank area.
- The non-invasive technique provided direct mapping of the solute plume without disturbance.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical approach offers a cost-effective and non-invasive solution for solute concentration determination.
- This method is valuable for detailed investigations of solute transport processes, such as transverse dispersion.
- It serves as an important tool for studying contaminant transport in porous media.
