Hydrocarbon Spill Site Characterization by Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground Penetrating Radar Methods - a Review

Assessment of the source and geometry of contaminated soils by hydrocarbon spills is the first step towards designing an effective remediation programme. Electrical Resistivity Tomorgraphy and Ground Penetrating Radar are shown in this review to easily delineate spills under certain conditions. On a 2D-geoelctric profile of the subsurface, recent hydrocarbons spills are reflected as highly resistive anomalous zones, as biodegradation occurs spills become more conductive and may be masked by conductive soil. On a radargram fresh hydrocarbon spills are observed in zones of saturation where resistive fresh hydrocarbon spills displaces conductive water in pore spaces creating anomalous zones. Accurate interpretation of geoelectric profiles and radargrams in the Niger Delta requires knowledge of the lithology of the site of contamination which could easily be obtained by shallow drilling or pitting.