We present an inversion method that uses self-potential data to invert
for the redox potentials of contaminant plumes. A two-layered electrical
conductivity structure, in which the boundary corresponds to the water
table, is considered. Furthermore, the electrical- dipole sources are
assumed to be vertical and located at the water table. The inverse
method is applied to surface self- potential measurements made in the
vicinity of the Entressen landfill (Southern France). The estimated
redox potentials correlate well with in situ measurements and their
amplitudes are retrieved satisfactorily. This is the first method (to
our knowledge) that can be used to estimate the redox potential of
contaminant plumes non- invasively and remotely without any in situ
measurements.