Feasibility of Non-Intrusive and Remote Identification of Chemical Contaminants Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Abstract
The remote detection of low-level chemical contamination and explosives in the ground has been achieved with a custom-designed, high-performance ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system. The system is capable of providing direct images of contamination in the low parts-per-million (ppm) to upper parts-per-billion (ppb) range at depths up to 50 feet or more. Dense, non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) can be distinguished from light, non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs). The dissolved phase can be distinguished from the liquid phase. Chemicals and explosives can be further classified as ionic or non-ionic. Experimental evidence shows that each chemical, such as the explosive nitroglycerine (NG), has a unique radio frequency (RF) signature produced by the discrete energy bands of its molecular structure. This has given rise to the creation of a new technology, electromagnetic radiography (EMR), designed to detect the unique RF signatures produced by chemicals and explosives. Work needs to be done on characterizing the specific RF response of NC and other explosives, as well as more common contaminants such as trichloroethylene (TCE). By cataloging the specific response of each chemical and explosive, it will become possible to perform in-situ identification of low-level chemical contaminants/explosives in the ground with EMR technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA363629
Entities
People
- Aka G. Finci
- Daniel F. Stanfill Iii
- Thomas Brantley