A simulation model for generation of aquifer characteristics and contaminant concentrations

Abstract

Remediation of natural systems such as aquifers requires a thorough characterization of its physical and hydraulic properties. Variability in physical and hydraulic properties of aquifers makes design and operation of suitable remediation process complex. Variability in the chemical constituents such as organic carbon of the aquifer material further affects the remediation. The variability of aquifer characteristics has to be accounted to design and operate an efficient remediation process. A simulation model was developed to generate aquifer characteristics such as hydraulic conductivity, porosity and organic carbon content. The variability of aquifer characteristics is represented by the fields generated using the simulation model. Random fields with a given mean, variance and correlation length were generated, using the spectral turning bands method to represent aquifer characteristics. Model parameter estimation for the spectral turning bands method was illustrated using the field measurements of hydraulic conductivity at the Borden aquifer site located in Canada. A multidimensional clustered model was used to simulate different contamination scenarios. Non-aqueous phase liquid contaminants present at residual levels were generated using this model.