Design of aquifer remediation systems: (2) estimating site-specific performance and benefits of partial source removal

J Contam Hydrol. 2005 Dec;81(1-4):148-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2005.08.004. Epub 2005 Sep 26.

Abstract

A Lagrangian stochastic model is proposed as a tool that can be utilized in forecasting remedial performance and estimating the benefits (in terms of flux and mass reduction) derived from a source zone remedial effort. The stochastic functional relationships that describe the hydraulic "structure" and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) "architecture" have been described in a companion paper (Enfield, C.G., Wood, A.L., Espinoza, F.P., Brooks, M.C., Annable, M., Rao, P.S.C., this issue. Design of aquifer remediation systems: (1) describing hydraulic structure and NAPL architecture using tracers. J. Contam. Hydrol.). The previously defined functions were used along with the properties of the remedial fluids to describe remedial performance. There are two objectives for this paper. First, is to show that a simple analytic element model can be used to give a reasonable estimate of system performance. This is accomplished by comparing forecast performance to observed performance. The second objective is to display the model output in terms of change in mass flux and mass removal as a function of pore volumes of remedial fluid injected. The modelling results suggest that short term benefits are obtained and related to mass reduction at the sites where the model was tested.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Fresh Water*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Solvents
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Water Movements
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical*
  • Water Purification*

Substances

  • Soil Pollutants
  • Solvents
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical