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Chlorinated ethenes characterization using high-resolution rock core analysis in a weathered crystalline rock aquifer in São Paulo, Brazil

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Abstract

Most of the contaminant conceptual models in weathered crystalline bedrock aquifers in Brazil rely on data collected using conventional site investigation methods, at insufficient spatial resolution for associating contaminant distributions with observed heterogeneity. The DFN methodology was adapted for the characterization of a chlorinated solvent contaminated weathered crystalline bedrock aquifer, located in the region of the Jurubatuba district, Sao Paulo city, Brazil. The objective of this research is to establish a detailed 1-D conceptual model to show variable contaminant distribution within the bedrock matrix under different fracture and weathering conditions. The numerous depth-discrete rock sample analyses, assigned to specific geologic features, indicate the presence of PCE-Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) at discrete-depth intervals along the profile. These zones are mainly related to the lithological contacts and interfaces among the weathered bedrock. The soft and hard weathered-bedrock transition zone does not indicate a sharp decrease in the contaminant mass retention within the bedrock matrix for the studied area. This indicates that contaminant mass storage in the bedrock remains beyond this drilling method-defined interface, which can potentially sustain dissolved VOC concentrations over time and maintain the continuous vertical mass flux into deeper parts of the aquifer. There is a demonstrated need for an appropriate characterization methodology including high-resolution soil coring and sampling to delineate contaminant distribution over crystalline weathered bedrock aquifers. This is a key assumption for the definition of appropriate remedial and groundwater management strategies.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the following institutions for funding this research: FINEP [Grant number 1824/2010], FAPESP [Grant Numbers 2013/10311-03, 2013/21795-1 and 2015/02474-5], Prosecuting Council of São Paulo [TAC 25/09] and CNPq [process 308697/2017-0]. We also thank Nilton Miyashiro and Fernando Ferraz from Engesolos Engenharia de Fundações for their field support. Additional support was provided by Dr. Parker’s research group in the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute at the University of Guelph in Canada by sharing a suite of field and laboratory methods referred to as the CORE-DFN™ methodologies with certain components licensed to Pace Analtyical (Madison, WI, USA) and Sanborn Head and Associated (Concord, NH, USA). Dr. Lojkasek-Lima, Dr.Pino and Dr. Bertolo spent time in the G360 Institute as a visiting PhD candidate and visiting researcher. Several G360 staff scientists provided valuable insights from their experience with the field methods (Dr. Carlos Maldaner, MSc Paulo Casado and MSc Lucas Ribeiro), and VOC rock core VOC analyses in the G360 laboratory (Maria Gorecka). We also acknowledge IPT Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas; Isotope Traces Technologies for their isotope laboratory support; and CEPAS|USP staff and students for fieldwork and laboratory support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Groundwater Research Centre, University of Sao Paulo (CEPAS-USP), Rua do Lago, 562, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-080, Brazil

    P. Lojkasek-Lima, R. Bertolo, D. S. Pino, L. Fregona & R. Hirata

  2. Earth Sciences Institute, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

    R. Aravena

  3. Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    B. L. Parker

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  1. P. Lojkasek-Lima
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  2. R. Bertolo
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Lojkasek-Lima, P., Bertolo, R., Pino, D.S. et al. Chlorinated ethenes characterization using high-resolution rock core analysis in a weathered crystalline rock aquifer in São Paulo, Brazil. Environ Earth Sci 83, 28 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-023-11336-w

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