Modeling of natural attenuation at a contaminated site: a case study

Organ, Marion E. (2004) Modeling of natural attenuation at a contaminated site: a case study. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

A petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated site was evaluated using computer software (SEVIEW) in this study. Using a design of experiment approach, the model was calibrated and verified and a sensitivity analysis was completed. Based on the results of the experimental analysis it was found that the computer model adequately estimated the fate and transport of contaminants under conditions of natural attenuation. The estimated results were in reasonable agreement with the actual field measurements. The sensitivity analysis concluded the model was sensitive to chemical properties (Koc), soil properties (soil pore disconnectedness index, intrinsic permeability, effective porosity, foc and the Freundlich Exponent) and aquifer properties (hydraulic conductivity, longitudinal dispersitivity and transverse dispersivity). The calibrated model was then used to predict the time required for natural attenuation to remediate the site within acceptable risk values. The model was also used to predict the fate and transport of petroleum hydrocarbons in the groundwater. The model predicted that the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil would be within regulatory guidelines in 16 to 17 years under natural attenuation. Additional remediation would be required for groundwater as the concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons posed a risk to a down stream receptor (a small stream that was a tributary for a pond) in the future. The model predicted that the plume would reach a tributary, located downstream, in four years. The concentration would reach a maximum value at fifteen years and the stream would be considered impacted from year 10 onwards.

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