Groundbreaking Leachate Migration Evaluation through Ground Penetrating Radar in Different Soil Types

Abstract

Landfill leachate is an exceptionally harmful liquid that originates from the decomposition of organic and biodegradable waste materials that have been transported by water percolating through the soil profile. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) electromagnetic signals in identifying landfill leachate across various soil properties as it infiltrates. Continuous 24-hour measurements have been performed on three soil samples (Terap Red, Cherang Hangus, and Sand) contaminated with landfill leachate in controlled conditions using Common-Offset GPR at frequencies of 250 MHz and 800 MHz. The velocity of the GPR signal and the reflection coefficient, R, were computed so as to diagnose the impact of leachate over the GPR radar. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and normalized root means square error (NRMSE are utilized to quantify the accuracy of GPR signal uncertainty with GPR velocity calibrated, v = 0.0729 m. Additionally, 3D-GPR images illustrating time-related, horizontal, and vertical variances in the GPR signal were analyzed. 24 hours subsequent to contamination, sandy soil exhibits a higher reflection value than Terap Red and Cherang Hangus, with R values of 0.053 (250MHz) and 0.050 (800Mhz), respectively. interpretation results are preferable for Terap Red and Cherang Hangus (which contain finer soil particles) in comparison to sandy soil. Conversely, interpretation leachate migration findings are preferable for Terap Red and Cherang Hangus since constituted by finer soil particles as opposed to sandy soil.