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Analytical models of steady-state plumes undergoing sequential first-order degradation
Daniel K Burnell1, James W Mercer, Lawrence S Sims
1Tetra Tech GEO, Inc., 21335 Signal Hill Plaza, Sterling, VA 20164, USA. Dan.Burnell@Tetratech.com
New analytical solutions accurately model contaminant transport and degradation in groundwater. These findings improve predictions for sequential first-order degradation processes, crucial for environmental remediation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Contaminant transport in groundwater is complex, involving advection, dispersion, and degradation.
- Sequential first-order degradation is common for many dissolved species, impacting environmental fate.
- Accurate analytical solutions are needed for efficient modeling and site assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- Derive exact, closed-form analytical solutions for 1D, coupled, steady-state advection-dispersion equations.
- Analyze the sensitivity of solutions to parameters like dispersivity, Damköhler number, and Peclet number.
- Provide efficient and accurate tools for estimating degradation rates and validating existing models like BIOCHLOR.
Main Methods:
- Developed exact, closed-form analytical solutions for 1D, 2D, and 3D advection-dispersion with sequential degradation.
- Performed dimensionless and mathematical analyses to assess solution sensitivity.
- Applied the 1D advection-dominated solution to estimate field-scale rate constants.
Main Results:
- Relative error in analytical solutions decreases with slower parent degradation (Damköhler number < 1) and advection-dominated flow (Peclet number > 6).
- Multispecies analytical solutions confirm BIOCHLOR accuracy for 1D steady-state with dispersion and for multidimensional cases with zero dispersion.
- Estimated field-scale degradation rate constants for trichloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride.
Conclusions:
- The derived analytical solutions offer computational efficiency and ease of use compared to numerical methods.
- These solutions enhance the understanding and modeling of multispecies contaminant transport and degradation in groundwater.
- Accurate estimation of degradation rate constants is vital for effective site remediation and risk assessment.
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