Electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomographies to test the efficiency and safety of the new landfill of Bellolampo (Palermo, Italy)

A geophysical study by means of electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomographies was carried out in the landfill site of Bellolampo (Palermo, Italy) to check the integrity of the landfill liner and to detect possible leachate plumes. Preliminarily, synthetic tests were performed, simulating acquisition data along profiles placed above resistivity distribution, suitable to represent landfills protected with an high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner at the bottom or with possible leachate plumes. Optimized array data sets for parallel measurements have been tested in order to assess the resolution and the effectiveness of tomographic images, comparing inversions with and without the constraint of the HDPE liner position. Based on the obtained results, three electrical tomographies have been planned and carried out directly over the landfill and nearby. The results provided useful information for identifying the electrical properties of the rock, waste, and leachate; for identifying snags and disruption of the tank bottom liner; and for pointing out possible polluting leachate nearby and below the landfill.