Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Groundwater is a vital natural resource that plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and human activities. However, the increasing contamination of groundwater sources poses significant environmental and health risks. The use of geophysical methods for investigating groundwater contamination has gained prominence due to their non-invasive nature and ability to provide valuable insights into subsurface conditions. This thesis focuses on the investigation of groundwater contamination using geophysical methods, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of contaminant transport mechanisms and facilitating effective remediation strategies. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in Chapter Two explores existing research on groundwater contamination, geophysical methods, and their applications in environmental studies. The review highlights the advantages and limitations of various geophysical techniques in detecting and delineating contaminant plumes in groundwater systems. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of study sites, geophysical surveys conducted, data processing techniques, and the integration of geophysical and hydrogeological data. The chapter also discusses the challenges encountered during fieldwork and the strategies implemented to address them. The research methodology aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of groundwater contamination using a multi-method approach that combines geophysical and hydrogeological analyses. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the geophysical surveys and subsequent data analysis. The chapter examines the spatial distribution of contaminants in the study area, identifies potential sources of contamination, and assesses the effectiveness of geophysical methods in delineating contaminant plumes. The results of the study contribute to our understanding of groundwater contamination processes and provide valuable insights for designing targeted remediation strategies. Chapter Five offers a conclusion and summary of the key findings from the research. The chapter discusses the implications of the study results for environmental management and highlights areas for future research and development in the field of geophysical investigations of groundwater contamination. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the application of geophysical methods in environmental studies and underscores the importance of integrated approaches for assessing and managing groundwater resources. Keywords Groundwater contamination, Geophysical methods, Environmental monitoring, Contaminant plume delineation, Remediation strategies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigation of Groundwater Contamination using Geophysical Methods" aims to address the pressing issue of groundwater contamination through the application of geophysical techniques. Groundwater contamination poses a significant threat to human health and the environment, making it crucial to develop effective methods for identifying and assessing contamination sources. Geophysical methods offer a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to studying subsurface properties, making them well-suited for investigating groundwater contamination. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of groundwater contamination, the existing geophysical methods used in environmental studies, and the challenges associated with detecting and monitoring contamination sources. This review will provide a solid foundation for the research methodology and help in identifying gaps in knowledge that the study aims to address. The methodology will involve the collection of geophysical data using techniques such as electrical resistivity, ground-penetrating radar, and seismic surveys at selected study sites with known or suspected groundwater contamination. The data will be processed and analyzed to map subsurface properties, identify potential contamination sources, and assess the extent of contamination. Ground-truthing activities, such as soil and water sampling, will be conducted to validate the geophysical results and provide a comprehensive understanding of the contamination pathways. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in Chapter Four, highlighting the effectiveness of geophysical methods in detecting and characterizing groundwater contamination. The results will be compared with traditional investigative techniques to evaluate the advantages and limitations of geophysics in environmental studies. The implications of the findings for groundwater management and remediation strategies will also be discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating geophysical surveys into contamination assessment protocols. In conclusion, this research project aims to contribute to the field of environmental geophysics by demonstrating the utility of geophysical methods in investigating groundwater contamination. By improving our ability to identify and assess contamination sources, the study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of remediation efforts and ultimately protect human health and the environment.