Innovative tool for good environmental practices
Subsurface investigations for environmental and infrastructure projects require geophysical measurements that vary depending on the typology of contamination and use of land under examination. Hence, use of integrated geophysical techniques, taking advantage of the latest technological advances is essential to obtain sufficient information. In this direction, a new decision support system, GeoPASS, has been developed as a validation tool for selecting the optimum geophysical technique for subsurface investigation. Decision making is facilitated through a PC based user friendly application, built in MS-EXCEL. Assessment of geophysical methods is performed taking into account specific target categories of the site under investigation. The users are prompted to provide input on parameters in terms of characteristics, geological information etc. of the target of interest. Weighted analysis of the individual parameters' impact follows and an evaluation list of geophysical techniques that would optimize applicability in terms of cost and effectiveness is produced. In addition, GeoPASS includes modules for electrical resistivity, electromagnetic, seismic reflection and spectral analysis methods, ground penetrating radar, metallic object detection, etc. Integral part of GeoPASS is a database with aggregated information on physical properties of rocks, sediments and pollutants, as well as previous studies on geophysical literature. This support system is a major achievement of HYGEIA research network that focuses on the development of innovative tools and approaches for the investigation of brown fields. The ultimate aim of the HYGEIA project is to protect human health and environment and promote economic development through land revitalization of brown fields. GeoPASS is considered to be a unique asset for both environmental engineers and end users employing a means of integrated geophysical techniques for site assessments. Hence, there is increasing interest for its application on the three dimensional mapping of insidious contaminated areas and its potential for further exploitation.
