DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF AN ELECTRICAL-RESISTIVITY CONE FOR GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION STUDIES

The evaluation of groundwater quality has become increasingly important as more industrial waste and solid domestic refuse come into contact with groundwater. One method of detecting contaminated groundwater is by noting the electrical resistivity of the contaminated soil. This method has been applied at the University of British Columbia by the development and use of a new resistivity cone. The resistivity cone consists of 4 circumferential surface electrodes contained in a separate module behind a 15cm2 piezocone. The cone has a capability of providing a continuous record of resistivity with depth. On the basis of favourable laboratory results the module was constructed, calibrated in the laboratory, and then field tested. The paper describes the design and operation of the resistivity cone, theory and laboratory calibration, and test results from 3 sites in the lower mainland of British Columbia. -from Authors