Limitations of contaminant transport models for simulation of groundwater remediation using slurry walls

摘要

Remedial technologies for groundwater can be broken into two broad categories: containment of contaminated groundwater and groundwater quality restoration (1). Passive containment systems such as slurry walls can be used alone, but are more effective when used in conjunction with an extraction system that creates an inward gradient. Although restoration is not the primary goal, some groundwater remediation will occur as groundwater slowly passes through the wall, and the extracted groundwater is treated. Based on EPA's findings, complete remediation may be unachievable at many sites due to tailing which is the persistence of residual levels of contamination over the target level (1,2,3). Many researchers believe plume containment and mass reduction should be primary remediation goals, and that restoring aquifers to a pristine condition is not always necessary based on risk assessment studies.