Complex resistivity dispersion for monitoring soil contaminated by selected organic pollutants
Complex resistivity dispersion for monitoring soil contaminated by selected organic pollutants
Complex Resistivity Dispersion for Monitoring Soil Contaminated by Selected Organic Pollutants
Monitoring soil contamination caused by organic pollutants remains a critical challenge in environmental geosciences. Among various non-invasive geophysical techniques, Complex Resistivity (CR) dispersion—also referred to as Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP)—has emerged as a powerful method for characterizing contaminated subsurface environments. This method leverages frequency-dependent electrical properties of soils, enabling the detection and differentiation of pollution signatures associated with hydrocarbons, pesticides, and industrial solvents.
This study explores the application of CR dispersion in soils impacted by selected organic pollutants, aiming to establish relationships between contaminant type, concentration, and geoelectrical response. Laboratory-controlled experiments were conducted using artificially contaminated soil samples with varying levels of diesel, phenol, and chlorinated solvents. CR measurements were recorded over a wide frequency range (1 mHz to 1 kHz), and both real and imaginary components of the complex conductivity were analyzed.
Results showed distinct phase shifts and increased polarization in contaminated samples, with frequency dispersion curves demonstrating pollutant-specific signatures. The presence of organic molecules significantly altered surface conductivity and polarization mechanisms due to changes in soil pore fluid chemistry and interfacial interactions. The results suggest that CR dispersion parameters—such as phase angle, magnitude, and relaxation times—can serve as diagnostic indicators of contaminant type and concentration.
Furthermore, the study validates CR as a sensitive and reliable method for non-destructive soil contamination assessment, capable of complementing traditional chemical analysis and remote sensing techniques. The findings contribute to advancing sustainable strategies for environmental monitoring, early detection, and remediation planning in polluted areas.
By integrating CR techniques into environmental geophysics workflows, stakeholders can gain real-time insights into contaminant dynamics without invasive sampling. This work reinforces the relevance of electrogeophysical approaches in tackling global soil pollution challenges linked to industrial and agricultural activities.
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