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Application of Geophysical Techniques in Identifying Illegally Buried Toxic Waste
Authors:
Alastair Ruffell a;
Bernd Kulessa b
| Affiliations: | a School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| b School of the Environment & Society, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea |
DOI:
10.1080/15275920903130230
Publication Frequency:
4 issues per year
First Published on:
01 September 2009
Subjects:
Environmental Law - Law;
Environmental Studies & Management;
Forensic Chemistry;
Forensic Science;
Pollution;
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Abstract
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a rapid geophysical technique that we have used to assess four illegally buried waste locations in Northern Ireland. GPR allowed informed positioning of the less-rapid, if more accurate use of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI). In conductive waste, GPR signal loss can be used to map the areal extent of waste, allowing ERI survey lines to be positioned. In less conductive waste the geometry of the burial can be ascertained from GPR alone, allowing rapid assessment. In both circumstances, the conjunctive use of GPR and ERI is considered best practice for cross-validation of results and enhancing data interpretation.
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| Keywords: illegally buried waste; security; geophysics; resistivity; ground penetrating radar |
| view references (15) : view citations |

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