Spatialization of saturated hydraulic conductivity using the Bayesian Maximum Entropy method: Application to wastewater infiltration areas

Abstract

Wastewater treatment, a major issue at the European level, focuses on improving surface water and groundwater quality, preserving the receiving environment, and ensuring a sustainable use of water. Soil infiltration is increasingly practiced downstream of wastewater treatment plants, particularly in rural areas without surface water bodies, as is the use of soil as an additional buffer and treatment step. However, the design of infiltration areas on heterogeneous soils remains an extremely complex task due to the costly and time-consuming spatial measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). This article proposes integrating 2D electrical resistivity tomography and infiltration tests into a Bayesian Maximum Entropy method, yielding a vertical mapping of soil heterogeneities at a metric scale. This updated method will facilitate infiltration area design in a heterogeneous soil setting.

Keywords: Bayesian Maximum Entropy; Design; Electrical resistivity tomography; Infiltration test; Saturated hydraulic conductivity; Wastewater treatment plant.