High Resolution Acoustic Solute Transport Sensor

78594S Many damaging and hazardous organic and inorganic compounds, chemicals, mineral salts, nutrients, radionuclides, and metals are carried in solution into the shallow subsurface system and released into streams. The pathways and extent of contaminant transport in subsurface environment must be determined to guide remediation activities. A vector groundwater flow monitor, tailored for the subsurface geophysics, would validate hydrogeological models and reduce the uncertainty associated with non-invasive, long-term monitoring of contaminant transport parameters. This project will develop an acoustic phase-locked digital system that will enable better than parts-per-million accuracy in seconds of use to determine the Doppler phase shift that accompanies the vector flow of water between two well points. Phase I will design, build, and test a Digital Pulse-Phase Lock loop system for the prediction of flow parameters associated with contaminant transport in subsurface geometries. Laboratory validation tests will be conducted in a simulated field environment. Preliminary field tests will be conducted to prove volume mapping of hydrogeological processes. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The shallow water flow monitor should be a valuable tool for remediation efforts, from identifying the need for remediation to the long term monitoring of a site to check for future contamination. Other possible applications include the analysis of deep wells for the disposal of liquid wastes and the monitoring oil wells for contaminants. Knowledge of the transport and dispersion of contaminants would provide timely safety measures in any liquid storage area.