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Here's how you can creatively identify potential sources of groundwater contamination as a geologist.

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Groundwater contamination is a critical environmental issue that affects ecosystems and human health. As a geologist, you have the unique skill set to detect and understand the sources of such contamination. This involves a combination of fieldwork, analytical techniques, and creative thinking. Groundwater, which is water located beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations, can become contaminated by various sources, posing risks to drinking water supplies and natural habitats. Identifying these potential sources is a crucial step in preventing and mitigating contamination.

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Erik Appel

Environmental Geologist | Geology, Environmental Site Assessments

1 Visual Survey

Conducting a visual survey of the area is your first step. Look for obvious signs of contamination like discolored vegetation, surface stains, or unnatural odors which can indicate the presence of contaminants. Pay attention to land use patterns such as industrial sites, landfills, or agricultural areas that might use pesticides and fertilizers, as these can be potential sources of groundwater pollutants. By observing the environment carefully, you can gather valuable clues that will guide further investigation.

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Erik Appel

Environmental Geologist | Geology, Environmental Site Assessments
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Suspicious low spots can be signs of a poorly filled pit that could hold impacted debris. Related to that, patches of certain kinds vegetation can signify higher saturated areas. And, if you've got some water, spill a little bit on the ground; some sites that have a lamp black problem may have a hydrophobic surface layer of fine grained particles.

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Preston Berry

Project Manager, Environmental Scientist, and Sustainable Solutions Advocate
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Always look for rusty brackets on the side of an old industrial building's walls. They may have been used to secure vent pipes that were connected to USTs!

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2 Analyze Soil

Soil sampling is an essential technique for detecting potential contaminants. By analyzing soil samples from different depths and locations, you can determine the presence and concentration of pollutants. This can help you trace the source of contamination, whether it's from surface spills that have percolated down or from substances like leaking underground storage tanks. The soil's composition, porosity, and permeability also provide insights into how contaminants might move through the subsurface environment.

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Erik Appel

Environmental Geologist | Geology, Environmental Site Assessments
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A big thing to remember is that not all contamination is visible, and not all apparently discolored soil is contaminated. Field profiling and laboratory analysis are key to fine tuning the known extent of impact.

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3 Water Testing

Testing the water quality in wells and springs near potential contamination sources is crucial. Look for changes in pH levels, unusual concentrations of minerals, or the presence of chemicals like nitrates and hydrocarbons. These indicators can not only confirm contamination but also help pinpoint the source. Comparing water quality data from different locations can reveal patterns of contamination spread, aiding in the identification of the origin.

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4 Geophysical Methods

Utilize geophysical methods to identify subsurface characteristics without excavation. Techniques like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity can reveal anomalies in the subsurface that may indicate contamination pathways or sources. For instance, a low resistivity area could suggest the presence of a plume of contaminated groundwater. These non-invasive methods are powerful tools for mapping contamination extent and identifying potential sources.

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5 Historical Research

Investigating historical land use and records can unearth past activities that may have led to contamination. Old maps, aerial photographs, and land use documents can reveal former industrial sites, waste disposal areas, or underground storage facilities that are no longer visible on the surface but may still contribute to groundwater pollution. This historical detective work is often key to understanding current contamination issues.

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Erik Appel

Environmental Geologist | Geology, Environmental Site Assessments
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Historic aerial photos are key to finding things that have been buried or removed. I've discovered swimming pools and vehicle bays. Old site plans are essential if you can get them. We were able to confirm that our site map had been skewed and stretched east-west from seeing that the pad of an above ground manufactured gas tank was square and not oblong.

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6 Engage Community

Engaging with the local community can be an invaluable source of information. Residents may have historical knowledge about the area or have observed changes over time that could indicate contamination sources. Public meetings and interviews can foster community involvement and provide insights that are not available through scientific methods alone. Listening to local concerns also helps prioritize areas for investigation and remediation.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can creatively identify potential sources of groundwater contamination as a geologist.

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1 Visual Survey

2 Analyze Soil

3 Water Testing

4 Geophysical Methods

5 Historical Research

6 Engage Community

7 Here’s what else to consider

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