Applying a One-Dimensional Mass Transport Model Using Groundwater Concentration Data
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 4
Abstract
One-dimensional analytical mass transport models are familiar to environmental professionals because they are typically used as learning devices in undergraduate groundwater courses. The application of the models requires relatively certain knowledge of contaminant release to the saturated zone. However, release data are typically not reliably known at sites with uncontrolled contaminant releases. A mass balance approach has been developed to calculate contaminant release parameters based on site-specific groundwater concentration data. Standard numerical calibration and sensitivity analysis techniques were modified for use with the one-dimensional spreadsheet model. A groundwater concentration dataset from a Superfund site was used to evaluate three schemes for calculating the model initial concentration. The site application demonstrates how the spreadsheet model could be used for preliminary remediation system comparisons including restoration time estimating. The use of the spreadsheet model may reduce the effort associated with subsequent numerical modeling typically required for remedial design. The spreadsheet application highlights the importance of collecting physical data with groundwater concentration data.
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Acknowledgments
The writer would like to thank Ms. Lisa Tholl, R.G., and Mr. Matt Wilson, R.G., URS Group, Inc., Overland Park, Kan., and Mr. Jason Leibbert, P.E., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, for providing site data.
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© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 30, 2006
Accepted: Oct 24, 2006
Published online: Apr 1, 2007
Published in print: Apr 2007
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