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Geoelectrical investigation of oil contaminated soils in former underground fuel base: Borne Sulinowo, NW Poland

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The survey has been carried out in the area of 0.23 km2 of the former military underground fuel base. The oil derivative products were observed in excavations and the laboratory tests confirmed the occurrence of hydrocarbons (>C12) in soils. The purpose of the survey was to determine the spatial extent of the contamination. The studied area is covered by postglacial sediments: sands, gravels and till. The first water table was observed at a depth of 10–12 m. The detailed electromagnetic measurements with Geonics EM31-MK2 conductivity meter were performed in the whole area of the former fuel base. Obtained results were elaborated statistically and the map of apparent electrical conductivity to a depth of 6 m was created. Many local low conductivity anomalies were observed. The measurements with Geonics EM34-3XL were performed along one A–A′ profile and 1D electromagnetic modelling along with this profile was calculated to obtain the electrical conductivity cross-section to a depth of 30 m. Two-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging measurements were carried out along the same profile and the resistivity cross-section to a depth of 20 m was performed. Both conducivity and resistivity cross-sections show anomalous zones. The zones correlate with oil contaminated zones very well.

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Acknowledgment

This work has been sponsored by Governmental Grant N 525 013 32/1715.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, ul. Będzińska 60, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland

    B. Zogala, R. Dubiel, W. M. Zuberek & M. Rusin-Zogala

  2. Faculty of Chemistry, Technical University of Wroclaw, ul. Gdanska 7/9, 50-344, Wroclaw, Poland

    M. Steininger

Authors
  1. B. Zogala
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  2. R. Dubiel
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  3. W. M. Zuberek
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  4. M. Rusin-Zogala
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  5. M. Steininger
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Correspondence to R. Dubiel.

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Zogala, B., Dubiel, R., Zuberek, W.M. et al. Geoelectrical investigation of oil contaminated soils in former underground fuel base: Borne Sulinowo, NW Poland. Environ Geol 58, 1–9 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1458-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1458-y

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