Defense
Student: Giovanna Rocha dos Santos
Program: Geophysics
Title: "Use of the Frequency-Domain Eletromagnetic Method for the temporal analysis of contamination generated by a controlled landfill in Bauru-SP"
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Vagner Roberto Elis
Judging Comitee:
- Prof. Dr. Vagner Roberto Elis - Presidente e Orientador - IAG/USP
- Dr. Alexandre Lisboa Lago - SGB (por videoconferência)
- Profa. Dra. Natália de Souza Pelinson - UFSCAR (por videoconferência)
Other Members:
- Prof. Dr. Jorge Luís Porsani - IAG/USP
- Profa. Dra. Suzan Souza de Vasconcelos - UFBA
- Prof. Dr. Heraldo Luiz Giacheti - UNESP
- Profa. Dra. Marina Fernandes Sanches de Barros - UNESP
Abstract:
Groundwater contamination by landfill leachate is a major environmental challenge associated with municipal solid waste disposal, given the potential to compromise water resource quality. In this context, this study aimed to characterize and monitor the behavior of the contamination plume at the Bauru Municipal Landfill by comparing results obtained through the integration of geophysical methods and hydrochemical data over a 15-year period. Two distinct data collection campaigns using the frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) EM34 method were conducted—one in 2010 and another in 2025. Hydrochemical data from on-site monitoring wells were based on previous studies, also involving two campaigns (2008 and 2023). Integrating these data allowed for the generation of 2D profiles and conductivity maps, enabling a spatial and temporal assessment of the contamination. The results revealed a high-conductivity plume exhibiting preferential migration controlled by local hydrogeological characteristics. This pattern was evident in both the geophysical profiles and the hydrochemical data, which showed high contaminant concentrations in the most impacted areas, thereby confirming the landfill's ineffective containment, as the plume continues to expand even after the site's closure. The findings also demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating geophysical methods and hydrochemical analyses for the environmental monitoring of leachate-contaminated sites. Furthermore, the study highlighted that, despite years of research, no mitigation measures have been implemented to address the issue. Consequently, a remediation proposal for the site is suggested, given that the contamination has persisted for over two decades. Thus, this work serves as a tool to support the environmental management of municipal solid waste landfills, contributing to the planning of monitoring programs and the definition of investigation and remediation strategies.
Keywords: leachate, groundwater contamination, controlled landfills, FDEM, remediation technologies