Trident Probe

The Trident probe is a flexible, multi-sensor, water-sampling probe for screening and mapping groundwater plumes at the surface water interface. Its capabilites include:

• Conductivity - detects contrast in salinity between groundwater and surface water
• Temperature - detects groundwater by thermal contrast with surface water
• Porewater Sampler - allows for contaminant characterization and detection of other groundwater-specific tracers

Recent demonstrations conducted to obtain technology transfer and regulatory agency certification led to the design, fabrication, testing, and demonstration of an integrated sand-pack system to allow porewater sampler application at fine-grained sites. Other system improvements included:

• A redesigned reference sensor;
• Incorporation of a positive-lock stopper plate; and
• Software upgrades and bug fixes.

Improved regulatory understanding and acceptance of the technology is being pursued via direct interaction with site regulators during demonstrations and continued participation/review under the CAL-EPA Hazardous Waste Technology Demonstration Program.