Frequency domain electromagnetic induction imaging: An effective method to see inside a capped landfill

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Environmental Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Anthropic facilities like landfills pose environmental risks.
• Capped landfills present unique investigation challenges due to impermeable liners.
• Traditional electromagnetic conductivity (ECa) maps lack depth information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) methods for characterizing capped landfills.
• To demonstrate the utility of 3D electromagnetic modeling for landfill assessment.
• To validate a rigorous EMI inversion approach for subsurface analysis.

Main Methods:

• Noninvasive FDEM surveys were conducted at a closed landfill.
• Electromagnetic data were inverted to create a 3D subsurface model.
• The study focused on leachate-induced electrical conductivity anomalies.

Main Results:

• The inverted 3D model provided detailed subsurface information.
• FDEM methods proved effective for imaging below the landfill liner.
• Leachate-induced conductivity anomalies were accurately identified.

Conclusions:

• FDEM methods are a powerful, noninvasive tool for capped landfill characterization.
• 3D electromagnetic modeling offers superior insights compared to traditional ECa maps.
• This technique is essential for static imaging and time-lapse monitoring of waste deposits.