UnitAdvancedHydrogeology.pptVIP

Unit 12 : Advanced Hydrogeology Contaminant Hydrogeology Contamination Problems So far we have concentrated on physical and chemical processes of mixing dissolved species in groundwater systems. Most of the discussion has largely avoid issues of organic non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) and multiphase flow. In this section we will discuss practical problems of groundwater systems where a vapour phase and more than one liquid phase may be present. NAPLs In general, the complexity of contamination problems increases when NAPL’s are present. Instead of one, there are up to three plumes to track: vapour phase plume immiscible liquid phase plume dissolved phase plume DNAPLs and LNAPL’s NAPL’s are classified according to their density relative to water: LNAPL’s (light non-aqueous phase liquids) are lighter than water and tend to “float” at the water-table and give rise to associated vapour phase and dissolved phase plumes. DNAPL’s (dense non-aqueous phase liquids) are heavier than water and tend to “sink” to the bottom of aquifers where they can also give rise to dissolved phase plumes. Complex Plumes Contamination Attributes degree of localization point or local non-point or diffuse loading history pulse continuous contaminant type radionuclides trace metals nutrients other inorganics organics biological Degree of Localization of Source A point source is characterized by the presence of an identifiable small-scale source such as a leaking tank, a spill, a small pond or a landfill. A diffuse source refers to a source emanating from many poorly defined locations. Pesticides, fertilizers, acid rain and highway salt are typical non-point diffuse sources. Loading History Loading history describes how the source concentration varies as a function of time. Sources of Contamination A very long list of domestic, agricultural and industrial activities have the potential to result in contamination. Category I: Designed Discharges Septic tanks, injection wells, land application