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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
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Measuring and Mapping Patterns of Soil Erosion and Deposition Related to Soil Carbonate Concentrations Under Agricultural Management
Published on: September 12, 2017
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Using pre-screening methods for an effective and reliable site characterization at megasites
Mette Algreen1, Mariusz Kalisz2, Marcel Stalder3
1Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark.
Summary
Pre-screening methods like phytoscreening and soil gas analysis effectively identify polluted sites, guiding further investigation. These rapid, low-cost techniques accurately pinpoint contamination hotspots for efficient site characterization.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Former military sites often face contamination from fuels and volatile organic compounds.
- Effective site characterization is crucial for understanding and remediating polluted areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of pre-screening methods for characterizing fuel and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) contamination.
- To demonstrate a stepwise screening and site characterization approach for polluted sites.
Main Methods:
- Phytoscreening using tree cores.
- Soil gas measurements (CH4, O2, PID).
- Direct-push methods with MIP and LIF sensors, alongside conventional sampling.
Main Results:
- Phytoscreening and soil gas measurements successfully identified pollution and hotspots.
- Direct-push sensors provided 3D plume delineation.
- Screening results correlated well with conventional sampling, validating the methods.
Conclusions:
- Non- or low-invasive pre-screening methods are cost-effective for directing site investigations.
- A stepwise approach enhances the efficiency of site characterization and informs remediation strategies.
- Tree coring and high-resolution sensors show promise for BTEX and light hydrocarbon detection.
