Journal Published Online: 09 March 2010
Volume 33, Issue 3

Comparison of Resistivity and Time Domain Reflectometry Sensors for Assessing Moisture Content in Bioreactor Landfills

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Instruments that can monitor the in situ moisture content of landfilled waste would be of great benefit to landfill operators, especially those operating their facilities as bioreactor landills (wet landfills). Two instrumentation technologies for measuring in situ moisture content (resistivity sensors and time domain reflectometry (TDR)) in landfills were examined and compared. Resistivity and TDR instruments were installed in close proximity at multiple locations in a leachate recirculation well field at a bioreactor landfill in Florida, and resulting moisture content measurements were assessed. The resistivity instruments were less expensive, easier to install, and found more reliable over time than TDR sensors. Both technologies predicted transient moisture changes in the landfill. The magnitudes of the moisture content values obtained using the two technologies were much higher compared to values estimated using mass balance, suggesting that accurate calibration to field conditions is difficult.

Author Information

Jonnalagadda, Sreeram
Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Kumar, Dinesh
Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Jain, Pradeep
Innovative Waste Consulting Services, LLC, Gainesville, FL
Gawande, Nitin
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Townsend, Timothy
Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Reinhart, Debra
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ102326
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ102326