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AGI Ebook - ERI For Bioremediation
AGI Ebook - ERI For Bioremediation
Electrical Geophysics
in use for
bioremediation
March 2021
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Contents
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An Introduction to
ERI, IP, and SP
You may have already noticed the common factor between the three methods we’re discussing.
They all rely on an electric current. Of course, there are other geophysical methods, but in
our experience, electrical methods have provided either the best results—or have served as a
complement to other methods.
IP Induced Polarization
IP is the Earth’s capacity to hold an electric charge over time. IP
measures the voltage decay curve after the injected current is shut
off. The higher the IP, the longer the charge is held over time. IP
always decays and disappears over time, typically a few seconds—but
sometimes up to a couple of minutes. IP is a derivative of resistivity—so
in order to measure IP, first, you must measure resistivity.
SP Streaming Potential
You may have seen various iterations of “SP”. SP can stand for Self
Potential, Spontaneous Potential, and Streaming Potential. Since
Self Potential and Spontaneous Potential are mostly used in mineral
exploration, for the purpose of discussing bioremediation, we’re only
referencing Streaming Potential.
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What are these methods
generally used for?
Electric-based geophysical methods are used for various applications. Again, the versatility
of these methods is one of the main reasons why Advanced Geosciences only manufactures
equipment that does this kind of work. Below are just a few of the many applications these
methods can be used:
• Construction Projects
• Groundwater Exploration
• Geotechnical Applications
• Cathodic Protection
• Cave Exploration
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versatility of these methods.
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Why use these methods
for bioremediation?
There are a few reasons why you may want to use these methods—either alone or in conjunction
with other subsurface imaging methods.
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How can these methods be
applied to bioremediation?
ERI, IP, and SP are great for two aspects of bioremediation: mapping and monitoring. It’s an
unfortunate truth that most projects require mapping (i.e, after a problem occurs), but we’re
strong advocates for monitoring projects that can catch problems before they arise. In fact, an
aspect of these geophysical methods that could use more awareness is that they can be used in
time-lapse monitoring—where one can keep track of changes over time.
Mapping:
Wastewater, Saltwater, & Similar
Contaminants
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How can these methods be
applied to bioremediation?
Monitoring:
Pond/Leach Field Monitoring
Structures like feedlot runoff ponds and leaching fields have a high tendency to pollute the
surrounding soils. As such, it’s important to keep a constant eye on these structures in the event
that a leak or seepage occurs. In
addition to monitoring wells, ERI
and SP have proven to be effective
ways to monitor any movement
of liquids below the surface.
Whereas monitoring wells are
dependent on groundwater, ERI
can detect seepage in the soils
near and around ponds. (Source:
Woodbury, B.L., Eigenberg, R.A.,
Koelsch, R. 2015. Early warning
wastewater pond monitoring
system. Nebraska Agricultural
Experiment Station Bulletin. Date
first used: September 2015.)
Hydrocarbons
As we mentioned above, ERI can be used in time-lapse monitoring. This means that with ERI and
SP, you can track underground water levels over time. Not only that, but you can track when and
where contaminants have polluted fresh groundwater.
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Who is qualified to use
these methods?
It may seem like you would need to employ the help of a geophysicist to complete a survey that
uses these methods. While that would definitely help, it’s not totally necessary.
For instance, when Advanced Geosciences sells a SuperSting™ System to our customers, we
always include a training seminar with the purchase. We have trained hundreds of users to use
the system within the span of 8-24 hours. The backgrounds of our customers can vary from
geotechnical engineers to ranchers.
With that said, seeking out help from local experts in the geoscience field can help projects go
smoothly. Making connections with professors, geotechnical engineers, and geophysicists are
recommended. Even a cursory knowledge of your surrounding geology goes a long way.
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Sources & links
Sources:
• Roger A. Eigenberg, Bryan L. Woodbury (2011), “With Feedlot Manure, It Pays To Be Precise”
May/June 2011 issue of Agricultural Research magazine)
• Woodbury, B.L., Eigenberg, R.A., Koelsch, R. 2015. Early warning wastewater pond monitoring
system. Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin. Date first used: September 2015.)
• agiusa.com
• helpdesk.agiusa.com
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