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Multiple geophysical surveys for old landfill monitoring in Singapore

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Abstract

One-dimensional boring presents limitations on mapping the refuse profile in old landfills owning to waste heterogeneity. Electrical imaging (EI) and multiple-analysis of surface wave (MASW) were hereby deployed at an old dumping ground in Singapore to explore the subsurface in relation to geotechnical analysis. MASW estimated the refuse boundary with a higher precision as compared to EI, due to its endurance for moisture variation. EI and MASW transection profiles suggested spots of interest, e.g., refuse pockets and leachate mounds. 3D inversion of EI and MASW data further illustrated the transformation dynamics derived by natural attenuation, for instance the preferential infiltration pathway. Comparison of geophysical surveys at different years uncovered the subterranean landfill conditions, indicating strong impacts induced by aging, precipitation, and settlement. This study may shed light on a characterization framework of old landfills via combined geophysical models, thriving landfill knowledge with a higher creditability.

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Acknowledgements

This study is supported by the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF-CRP5-2009-2) for Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre (R3C), Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore, 637141, Singapore

    Ke Yin, Apostolos Giannis & Victor W.-C. Chang

  2. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore

    Huanhuan Tong, Jing-Yuan Wang & Victor W.-C. Chang

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  1. Ke Yin
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  2. Huanhuan Tong
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  5. Victor W.-C. Chang
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Correspondence to Ke Yin.

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Yin, K., Tong, H., Giannis, A. et al. Multiple geophysical surveys for old landfill monitoring in Singapore. Environ Monit Assess 189, 20 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5722-4

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