TOC Determinations in Ground Water

Determinations of total organic carbon (TOC) can provide valuable diagnostic evidence of the extent of ground-water contamination by organic compounds. The usefulness of conventional TOC results in monitoring efforts is limited by the bias introduced during the purging of inorganic carbon prior to analysis. A modified TOC procedure has been evaluated to permit the quantitation of the volatile organic carbon (VOC) fraction in water samples. The methodology consists of trapping the VOC in a manner analogous to commercial purge and trap instruments which are used for specific organic compound separations. The method has been found to be sensitive, accurate and reasonably precise for TOC determinations of standard solutions as well as on ground-water samples. Volatile organic carbon levels can range from 9–50% of the TOC in both uncontaminated and contaminated ground waters. The reporting of the volatile and nonvolatile fractions of the TOC will enhance both monitoring and research efforts, since it permits more complete characterization of the organic carbon content of ground-water samples.     

Consequences of Groundwater-Model Vertical Discretization in Risk-Based Decision-Making

One of the first and most important decisions facing practitioners when constructing a numerical groundwater model is vertical discretization. Several factors will influence this decision, such as the conceptual model of the system and hydrostratigraphy, data availability, resulting computational burden, and the purpose of the modeling analysis. Using a coarse vertical discretization is an attractive option for practitioners because it reduces data requirements and model construction efforts, can increase model stability, and can reduce computational demand. However, using a coarse vertical discretization as a form of model simplification is not without consequence; this may give rise to unwanted side-effects such as biases in decision-relevant simulated outputs. Given its foundational role in the modeled representation of the aquifer system, herein we investigate how vertical discretization may affect decision-relevant simulated outputs using a paired complex-simple model analysis. A Bayesian framework and decision analysis approach are adopted. Two case studies are considered, one of a synthetic, linked unsaturated-zone/surface-water/groundwater hydrologic model and one of a real-world linked surface-water/groundwater hydrologic-nitrate transport model. With these models, we analyze decisions related to abstraction-induced changes in ecologically important streamflow characteristics and differences in groundwater and surface-water nitrate concentrations and mass loads following potential land-use change. We show that for some decision-relevant simulated outputs, coarse vertical discretization induces bias in important simulated outputs, and can lead to incorrect resource management action. For others, a coarse vertical discretization has little or no consequence for resource management decision-making.     

A Rapid Decision Support Tool for Estimating Impacts of a Vadose Zone Volatile Organic Compound Source on Groundwater and Soil Gas

Diminishing rates of subsurface volatile contaminant removal by soil vapor extraction (SVE) oftentimes warrants an in-depth performance assessment to guide remedy decision-making processes. Such a performance assessment must include quantitative approaches to better understand the impact of remaining vadose zone contamination on soil gas and groundwater concentrations. The spreadsheet-based Soil Vapor Extraction Endstate Tool (SVEET) software functionality has recently been expanded to facilitate quantitative performance assessments. The updated version, referred to as SVEET2, includes expansion of the input parameter ranges for describing a site (site geometry, source characteristics, etc.), an expanded list of contaminants, and incorporation of elements of the Vapor Intrusion Estimation Tool for Unsaturated-zone Sources software to provide soil gas concentration estimates for use in vapor intrusion evaluation. As part of the update, SVEET2 was used to estimate the impact of a tetrachloroethene (PCE) vadose zone source on groundwater concentrations, comparing SVEET2 results to field-observed values at an undisclosed site where SVE was recently terminated. PCE concentrations from three separate monitoring wells were estimated by SVEET2 to be within the range of 6.0–6.7 μg/L, as compared to actual field concentrations that ranged from 3 to 11 μg/L PCE. These data demonstrate that SVEET2 can rapidly provide representative quantitative estimates of impacts from a vadose zone contaminant source at field sites. In the context of the SVE performance assessment, such quantitative estimates provide a basis to support remedial and/or regulatory decisions regarding the continued need for vadose zone volatile organic compound remediation or technical justification for SVE termination, which can significantly reduce the cost to complete for a site.     

Patterns and Rates of Ground-Water Flow on Long Island, New York

Increased ground-water contamination from human activities on Long Island has prompted studies to define the pattern and rate of ground-water movement. A two-dimensional, fine-mesh, finite-element model consisting of 11,969 nodes and 22,880 elements was constructed to represent ground-water flow along a north-south section through central Long Island. The model represents average hydrologic conditions within a corridor approximately 15 miles wide. The model solves discrete approximations of both the potential and stream functions. The resulting flownet depicts flow paths and defines the vertical distribution of flow within the section. Ground-water flow rates decrease with depth. Sixty-two percent of the water flows no deeper than the upper glacial (water-table) aquifer, 38 percent enters the underlying Magothy aquifer, and only 3.1 percent enters the Lloyd aquifer. The limiting streamlines for flow to the Magothy and Lloyd aquifers indicate that aquifer recharge areas are narrow east-west bands through the center of the island. The recharge area of the Magothy aquifer is only 5.4 miles wide; that of the Lloyd aquifer is less than 0.5 miles. The distribution of ground-water traveltime and a flownet are calculated from model results; both are useful in the investigation of contaminant transport or the chemical evolution of ground water within the flow system. A major discontinuity in traveltime occurs across the streamline which separates the flow subsystems of the two confined aquifers. Water that reaches the Lloyd aquifer attains traveltimes as high as 10,000 years, whereas water that has not penetrated deeper than the Magothy aquifer attains traveltimes of only 2,000 years. The finite-element approach used in this study is particularly suited to ground-water systems that have complex hydrostratigraphy and cross-sectional symmetry.     

A Model of Regional Ground-Water Flow in Secondary-Permeability Terrane

The ground-water flow system in the Lower Susquehanna River Basin in Pennsylvania and Maryland can be considered as one complex unconfined aquifer in which secondary porosity and permeability are the dominant influences on the occurrence and flow of ground water. The degree of development of secondary porosity and permeability in the various lithologies of the lower basin determines the aquifer characteristics of each lithology. Based on qualitative evidence, the use of a porous-media model was assumed to be appropriate on a regional scale and a finite-difference ground-water flow model was constructed for the lower basin. The conceptual model of ground-water flow in the lower basin incorporates the major features of the flow system. Through the use of two layers, 21 hydrogeologic units, and five topographic settings, the conceptual model was systematically reduced to arrive at a simplified conceptual model. Further reduction produced a numerical model representation of the conceptual model, in which the essential features of the lower-basin flow system were quantified for input into the numerical model. The model was calibrated under both steady-state and transient conditions, and was used to evaluate the water-supply potential of the 21 hydrogeologic units. The carbonate units have the greatest potential for ground-water development and the Triassic sedimentary and crystalline units have the least potential. A total ground-water yield potential of about 900 million gallons per day could be obtained from the lower basin with a consequent 50-percent reduction of base flow in streams.     

The RESPECT model: evolving decision-making approaches in water management

Decision-making processes and their final outcomes, in the field of water management, have caused tensions and conflicts throughout the world. This article discusses numerous problematic issues in decision-making processes and suggests a framework to improve decision making. This framework is referred to as the `RESPECT model' and includes the principles of research, equity, sustainability, participatory decision making, education, communication and trust. The lack of consideration of these principles was found to be at the root of tensions in a case study of ground water extraction in Ontario, Canada. The paper concludes by suggesting that if decisions followed the principles of the RESPECT model, the tensions of the case study area may have been reduced or not have occurred and that the RESPECT model could be a useful tool in many water management decision-making processes.     

Ground-Water Mounding Beneath a Large Leaching Bed

An 84 m (276 ft) by 64 m (205 ft) experimental leaching bed was constructed to receive the secondary effluent from the Norwood, Ontario sewage treatment plant. The distribution system consisted of 100 mm diameter perforated pipes laid 2.1 m apart in 0.45 m wide trenches. The main soil layer at the test site was sandy silt. Ground-water levels at the site were measured approximately weekly at 36 piezometers for a period of about 2½ years. An initial hydraulic loading of 122,700 1/day caused surface ponding. A reduced loading of 40,900 1/day was then used for most of the study period. Ground-water level fluctuations beneath and adjacent to the leaching bed were attributed to seasonally varying infiltration and hydraulic loading. The experimental data were simulated using a transient two-dimensional, phreatic integrated depth finite-element model and an analytic solution for ground-water mounding. Results from the study indicated that seasonal infiltration was a controlling factor in determining leaching bed design loads. Both mathematical models were found adequate for design.     

Simulation of Vapor Transport Through the Unsaturated Zone — Interpretation of Soil-Gas Surveys

Soil-gas surveys are becoming more widely accepted as a tool for the preliminary determination of the extent of soil and ground water contamination by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The interpretation of the results of published soil-gas surveys has been necessarily limited and qualitative due to a lack of adequate models. There has been considerable effort in the recent past to characterize the transport and fate of pesticides in soil. However, the behavior of pesticides generally differ substantially from those of VOCs.
This paper presents a computer model developed to simulate the diffusive transport of VOC vapor through unsaturated soils using a two-dimensional, finite-difference, solution to Fick's second law of diffusion. An effective diffusion coefficient that incorporates the effects of tortuosity, moisture content, and soil organic carbon content is computed. Although the model has not been validated due to the unavailability of adequate field or laboratory data, nevertheless, sensitivity analyses demonstrate the importance of soil moisture and, secondarily, organic matter content in controlling the migration of VOC vapor through the unsaturated zone. The interpretation of soil-gas surveys can be complicated by unknown spatial heterogeneities in soil moisture and organic carbon content, temporal variations in moisture content, extent of contaminant migration as a non-aqueous phase liquid and by the unknown extent of VOC liquid and contaminated ground water.     

Propagating uncertainty from catchment experiments to estimates of streamflow reduction by invasive alien plants in southwestern South Africa

Long-term catchment experiments from South Africa have demonstrated that afforestation of grasslands and shrublands significantly reduces surface-water runoff. These results have guided the country's forestry policy and the implementation of a national Invasive Alien Plant (IAP) control programme for the past few decades. Unfortunately, woody IAP densities continue to increase, compounding existing threats to water security from population growth and climatic change. Decision makers need defensible estimates of the impacts of afforestation or invasions on runoff to weigh up alternative land use options, or guide investment of limited resources into ecosystem restoration through IAP clearing versus engineering-based water-augmentation schemes. Existing attempts to extrapolate the impacts observed in catchment afforestation experiments to broad-scale IAP impacts give no indication of uncertainty. Globally, the uncertainty inherent in the results from paired-catchment experiments is seldom propagated into subsequent analyses making use of these data. We present a fully reproducible Bayesian model that propagates uncertainty from input data to final estimates of changes in streamflow when extrapolating from catchment experiments to broader landscapes. We apply our model to South Africa's catchment experiment data, estimating streamflow losses to plantations and analogous plant invasions in the catchments of southwestern South Africa, including uncertainty. We estimate that regional streamflow is reduced by 304 million m³ or 4.14% annually as a result of IAPs, with an upper estimate of 408 million m³ (5.54%) and a lower estimate of 267 million m³ (3.63%). Our model quantifies uncertainty associated with all parameters and their contribution to overall uncertainty, helping guide future research needs. Acknowledging and quantifying inherent uncertainty enables more defensible decisions regarding water resource management.     

Results of Seepage Meter and Mini-Piezometer Study, Lake Mead, Nevada

The seepage meter and the mini-piezometer were utilized in an attempt to evaluate ground-water reservoir interactions over a 12-month period at Echo Bay in Lake Mead. In conjunction with these techniques three standard piezometers, refraction seismic data, and water chemistry data were utilized to interpret seepage device results. During a four-month period, from December 1979 to March 1980, an 8 ft (2.5 m) rise in reservoir stage, the reservoir contributed water to Echo Wash bank storage at rates of up to 0.29 gpd/ft² (12 lpd/m²). Ground-water discharge occurred for the remainder of the project, during a stage decline from April 1980 to May 1980, a rise in June 1980, and leveling off and slight decline for the remainder of the year, July 1980 to December 1980. The maximum seepage meter ground-water discharge rate of 3.0 gpd/ft² (122 lpd/m²) was recorded in December 1980. Seepage meter water chemistry data for June were similar to Lake Mead water chemistry and were interpreted to be previously recharged Lake Mead water. September water chemistry data showed two possible components of ground-water discharge, a high SpC calcium sulfate Echo Wash ground water and a lower SpC Lake Mead recharged bank storage water. December ground-water chemistry data showed discharge to be a high SpC calcium sulfate water similar to Echo Wash ground-water quality which was apparently unaffected by Lake Mead inflow. Mini-piezometer data were collected at each seepage meter site. However, these data usually did not provide correlative results with seepage meter data probably because of suspended sediment in the piezometer water column and plugging of the perforated tip. Seepage meters were successfully utilized to characterize reservoir ground-water interaction in Echo Bay.     

Introducing the social participation concept in water management in Serbia, and related decision-making issues

This paper presents results obtained during recent studies of legal, financial, and organizational prerequisites to establish the water user associations (WUAs) in Vojvodina Province in Serbia. A procedure for launching a small-scale WUA is also proposed based on field data about two-fold irrigation and drainage systems. At a proof-of-concept level, the decision-making process is simulated by assuming the water users’ assembly as a group of representatives. By combining a multi-criteria method analytic hierarchy process with a social choice (voting) Borda method count, it was shown that a convincing decision-making framework is possible to establish and produce good final solutions (decisions).     

Multiple decision-making criteria in the transport and burial of hazardous and radioactive wastes

We evaluate the application of various statistical measures for the identification of optimal financial strategies in environmental projects that may be burdened by the consequences of low-probability, high-cost events. Our particular application lies in the area of transport and burial of hazardous and radioactive wastes but our approach applies to a wide range of problems where the utility structure is of the form of gains minus losses, and where limited and/or catastrophic failures may be encountered. We utilize four statistical measures, the expected value, variance, volatility and cumulative probability to compare the outcomes of limited and catastrophic spills. The maximum expected monetary value which is frequently used in the environmental and gas and oil industries as the sole criterion for the selection of optimum actions is seen to lead to erroneous decisions and fails to unambiguously differentiate the economic consequences of limited and catastrophic failures in a project. We demonstrate that unwarranted inclusion of catastrophic scenarios into the decision-making analysis can substantially alter the perspective of a project and guide a corporation away from an investment that could be profitable even under a limited liability case. We conclude by providing a decision-making procedure for cases where the probabilities associated with future events and/or the monetary returns are characterized not by sharp estimates but rather are represented by a range of values.     

Simulating Errors in Statistical Tests of Leachate-lmpacted Ground-Water Quality

Data on 13 median leachate qualities at 56 landfills show a multivariate character, A simulation technique is used to include this multivariate character of leachate quality in assessing false negative error rates for statistical tests of ground-water quality. Although the technique makes gross simplifying assumptions regarding the conservative mixing of leachate and ground water, the technique is more appropriate than traditional statistical methods for simulating false negative error rates that neglect correlations among water quality parameters. The technique is applied to the simple case of a control chart, intrawell statistical test of ground-water contamination. Simulation results show that both the false positive and false negative errors of statistical tests can be reduced when tests include more parameters and a higher confidence level; thus, the technique can provide a “win-win” situation for regulators and the regulated.     

Study of Shallow Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources Using Integrated Geophysical Methods

The paper is focused on low enthalpy geothermal exploration performed in south Italy and provides an integrated presentation of geological, hydrogeological, and geophysical surveys carried out in the area of municipality of Lecce. Geological and hydrogeological models were performed using the stratigraphical data from 51 wells. A ground-water flow (direction and velocity) model was obtained. Using the same wells data, the ground-water annual temperature was modeled. Furthermore, the ground surface temperature records from ten meteorological stations were studied. This allowed us to obtain a model related to the variations of the temperature at different depths in the subsoil. Integrated geophysical surveys were carried out in order to explore the low-enthalpy geothermal fluids and to evaluate the results of the model. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and self-potential (SP) methods were used. The results obtained upon integrating the geophysical data with the models show a low-enthalpy geothermal resource constituted by a shallow ground-water system.     

Optimal placement of sensors on buildings subjected to intermediate‐storey excitation according to QN control method

An algorithm to calculate direct velocity feedback gain with limited number of sensors is developed in a simple way such that a certain performance index is minimized according to QN control method. If a limited number of velocity outputs can be measured, full velocity responses of the whole structure can be interpolated based on the mode shapes. By defining the performance index function as a combination of the structure's velocity responses and control forces only, feedback gain can be determined according to QN control method with the external excitation being taken into account throughout the entire algorithm. Control forces are then regulated by the time‐invariant feedback gain matrix. The effective location of the active control devices for a building structure subjected to intermediate‐storey excitation has been determined to be in the three floors adjacent to the vibration source. Hence for the purpose of this paper, only the optimal placement of sensors is verified. It is shown in this paper that if the dynamic behaviour of the structure is well described by a mathematical model, sufficient response reduction effect can be achieved according to the new DVFC algorithm, and the degradation of control performance due to time delay can also be verified. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cooperative modeling: linking science, communication, and ground water planning

Equitable allocation of ground water resources is a growing challenge due to both the increasing demand for water and the competing values placed on its use. While scientists can contribute to a technically defensible basis for water resource planning, this framework must be cast in a broader societal and environmental context. Given the complexity and often contentious nature of resource allocation, success requires a process for inclusive and transparent sharing of ideas complemented by tools to structure, quantify, and visualize the collective understanding and data, providing an informed basis of dialogue, exploration, and decision making. Ideally, a process that promotes shared learning leading to cooperative and adaptive planning decisions. While variously named, mediated modeling, group modeling, cooperative modeling, shared vision planning, or computer-mediated collaborative decision making are similar approaches aimed at meeting these objectives. In this paper, we frame "cooperative modeling" in the context of ground water planning and illustrate the process with two brief examples.     

A Method for Estimating Field-Scale Mass Transfer Rate Parameters and Assessing Aquifer Cleanup Times

A general method for estimating ground-water solute mass transfer rate parameters from field test data is presented. The method entails matching solute concentration and hydraulic head data collected during the recovery phase of a pumping test through application of a simulation-regression technique. Estimation of hydraulic conductivity and mass transfer rate parameter values is performed by fitting model simulations to the data. Parameter estimates are utilized to assess cleanup times for pump-and-treat aquifer remediation scenarios. Uncertainty in the cleanup time estimate is evaluated using statistical information obtained with the parameter estimation technique. Application of the method is demonstrated using a hypothetical ground-water flow and solute transport system. Simulations of field testing, parameter estimation, and remedial time frames are performed to evaluate the usefulness of the method. Sets of random noise that signify potential field and laboratory measurement errors are combined with the hypothetical data to provide rigorous testing of the method. Field tests are simulated using ranges of values for data noise, the mass transfer rate parameters, the test pumping rates, and the duration of recovery monitoring to evaluate their respective influence on parameter and cleanup time estimates. The demonstration indicates the method is capable of yielding accurate estimates of the solute mass transfer rate parameters. When the parameter values for the hypothetical system are well estimated, cleanup time predictions are shown to be more accurate than when calculated using the local equilibrium assumption.     

2016年8月24日意大利佩鲁贾MW 6.2级地震同震位移场估计和震源滑动模型反演

利用改进的自动经验基线校正方法SMBLOC,对2016年8月24日意大利佩鲁贾MW 6.2级地震震中周围约60 km内的近场强震记录进行基线校正并尝试给出同震位移场,与GPS观测结果进行对比分析,分别独立和联合两种资料反演震源滑动模型,并根据震源模型进一步给出全空间预测位移场分布.研究结果表明:(1)两种不同的资料给出的水平位移场幅值均为cm级,且均表明断层的错动以正断为主.(2)两种同震位移场分别独立和联合反演所得的震源静态滑动范围基本一致,最大滑动均发生在震中东北侧,强震模型表现出明显的双事件特征,较大滑动分布在震中东北侧和东南侧,GPS模型在震中东南侧的滑动相对较小,其双事件特征不明显.两种模型的最大滑动量分别为0.96 m和0.86 m,较为一致,反演的矩震级均在MW 6.3左右.(3)根据震源滑动模型计算所得的佩鲁贾地震全空间预测的水平同震位移场中最大位移分布区域与震后报告中受灾严重的地区基本一致.表明在一定的条件下,利用SMBLOC方法解算震级较小的MW 6.0左右地震强震记录的同震位移场,并反演震源滑动模型具有一定的可行性,且其同震位移场和滑动模型可为震后灾害快速评估、救援力量分配、余震趋势判定等快速应急响应工作提供参考依据.