Advanced non-invasive detection for immediate LNAPL spillage: temporal and statistical analysis

Abstract Employing Electrical Resistivity (ER)in this study as a non-invasive geological method for assessing LNAPL (Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid) migration within subsurface soil presents a valuable and cost-effective tool for geological and environmental investigations. Nevertheless, little is known about how ER values are affected by the presence of contaminants Therefore, this research seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship between LNAPL contamination and soil electrical properties to enhance environmental monitoring and remediation efforts, methodology was performed in a 9-sector glass soil box to assess the possible migration pathways for diesel in subsurface layers with spillage volumes of 5ml, 25ml, and 50ml over 24 hours, with readings taken at regular intervals. Soil samples were collected from Bahar al-Najaf which is located in the 'Middle Euphrates' area in the upper part of southern Iraq, 170km southwest of Baghdad, analyzed and packed into four soil profiles inside soil box according to their original stratification as Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). For measuring (ER), the Wenner method by Dr. Frank Wenner of the US Bureau of Standards in 1915, and a Multifunction Installation Tester (Fluke 1652C.USA) were used in this study. Results of the temporal analysis showed a continuous decrease along with the increase in LNAPL, comparing chemical and geophysical data enabled us to evaluate how sensitive physical properties are to the presence of contaminants depending on soil composition as an important factor.