Modeling natural attenuation of benzene with analytical and numerical models

Natural attenuation of benzene is a much-accepted technology for remediating low risk sites. To date, numerous protocols have been developed for assessing natural attenuation and measuring indicator parameters. Many models have additionally been developed to describe the advection, dispersion, sorption and biodegradation processes involved. It is evident that while there is extensive guidance in natural attenuation protocols for field sampling methodologies, less emphasis is placed on analyzing natural attenuation data for supporting appropriate model development. This paper presents methodologies for data analysis and interpretation that may be undertaken to achieve data reduction for modeling purposes. A case study is presented to illustrate the use of an analytical and a numerical natural attenuation model at the same site for predicting the time required to achieve the remedial goal at the site.