Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography in Mapping Groundwater Contaminants

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) as a geophysical technique for mapping groundwater contaminants in various environmental settings. The study focuses on the potential of ERT to provide high-resolution subsurface images that can aid in identifying and characterizing groundwater contaminants for effective remediation strategies. The research objectives include evaluating the effectiveness of ERT in detecting and delineating groundwater contaminants, assessing the limitations and challenges associated with the technique, and proposing recommendations for optimizing its use in environmental investigations. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study, including the background information on geophysical methods, the problem statement regarding groundwater contamination, the objectives of the research, the limitations and scope of the study, the significance of the research, the structure of the thesis, and the definition of key terms used throughout the document. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review on the principles and applications of ERT in environmental studies. The chapter discusses the theoretical foundations of ERT, previous studies on using ERT for mapping groundwater contaminants, the challenges and advancements in the technique, and the potential future directions for research in this field. Chapter 3 details the research methodology employed in this study, including the selection of study sites, data acquisition procedures, data processing and interpretation techniques, quality control measures, and validation methods. The chapter also discusses the equipment used for ERT surveys and the software tools utilized for data analysis. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the ERT surveys conducted at various contaminated groundwater sites. The chapter includes the interpretation of ERT data, the identification of subsurface features indicative of groundwater contamination, the comparison of ERT results with conventional sampling methods, and the assessment of the accuracy and reliability of the ERT technique for mapping contaminants. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings of the study, highlighting the implications of the research for environmental monitoring and remediation efforts, and providing recommendations for future research and practical applications of ERT in mapping groundwater contaminants. The chapter also discusses the contributions of this research to the field of geophysics and environmental science. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the application of ERT for mapping groundwater contaminants and underscores the potential of geophysical methods as valuable tools for environmental investigations and resource management.