Site characterisation of LNAPL-contaminated fractured-rock aquifer

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dc.contributor.advisorVan Tonder, G. J.
dc.contributor.advisorSteyl, G.
dc.contributor.authorGomo, Modreck
dc.date.accessioned2015-11-24T14:22:01Z
dc.date.available2015-11-24T14:22:01Z
dc.date.copyright2009-08
dc.date.issued2009-08
dc.date.submitted2009-08
dc.description.abstractSite characterisation aims to obtain fundamental data needed to describe the subsurface flow pathways and distribution of contaminants. The study describes the application of various geohydrological techniques as complimentary tools to characterise an LNAPL contaminated fractured - rock aquifer on the Beaufort West study area in South Africa. Field investigations were designed to define and determine the properties of the fracture preferential flow paths responsible for LNAPL transportation in a typical Karoo fractured – rock aquifer system. The research places emphasis on the integration of results to maximise the subsurface geological understanding in particular location of fracture features chiefly responsible for facilitating LNAPL migration and distribution. The core and percussion drilling explorations, cross - correlated with borehole geophysics, were valuable for geological subsurface investigations in particular locations of bedding fractures, which are often associated with high hydraulic conductive flow zones. Tracer and pump tests were conducted to determine hydraulic and mass transport parameters respectively. Hydraulically conductive bedding plane fracture flow zones were identified by integrating results from the geological core logs, borehole geophysics and aquifer tests. The chemical characterisation of the study area was conducted by means of organic hydrocarbon, inorganic water analyses and volatile organic carbon measurements in the soil during air percussion drilling. Based on the findings, the hydrogeological structure of the formation was conceptualised as a fractured sandstone aquifer, characterised by bedding plane fracture preferential flow paths at contact areas, with shale and mudstone formations. The study findings demonstrate the merit and value in the application of various geohydrological tools to complement one another for optimised site understanding. The findings and recommendations of the case study are not necessarily confined to LNAPL contaminated fractured - rock aquifers, but may also be applicable to other types of contaminants in fractured - rock aquifer formations.en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorshipWater Research Commission (WRC)en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11660/1888
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherUniversity of the Free Stateen_ZA
dc.rights.holderUniversity of the Free Stateen_ZA
dc.subjectDissertation (M.Sc. (Institute for Groundwater Studies))--University of the Free State, 2009en_ZA
dc.subjectGroundwater -- Pollutionen_ZA
dc.subjectAquifers -- South Africa -- Western Capeen_ZA
dc.subjectHazardous waste site remediation -- South Africa -- Western Capeen_ZA
dc.subjectNonaqueous phase liquidsen_ZA
dc.subjectEnviromental geochemistryen_ZA
dc.subjectBedding plane fractureen_ZA
dc.subjectBorehole geophysical characterisationen_ZA
dc.subjectChemical characterisationen_ZA
dc.subjectContaminated site characterisationen_ZA
dc.subjectGeohydrological toolsen_ZA
dc.subjectHydraulic characterisationen_ZA
dc.subjectKaroo fractured rock aquiferen_ZA
dc.subjectLight – Non Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs)en_ZA
dc.subjectPreferential flow pathen_ZA
dc.titleSite characterisation of LNAPL-contaminated fractured-rock aquiferen_ZA
dc.typeDissertationen_ZA
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