Hydrogeochemical analysis of a contaminated industrial site

Author (Your Name)

Amy Lansdale, Colby College

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Colby Access Only)

Department

Colby College. Geology Dept.

Advisor(s)

Jennifer D. Shosa

Second Advisor

Robert A. Gastaldo

Third Advisor

Donald B. Allen

Abstract

Groundwater pollution is an increasing concern in many areas of country. Many site-specific studies are conducted in response to this concern to gain a better understanding of hydrogeochemical systems. This study investigates an industrial site in mid-coast Maine that has a history of contamination. Simple flow calculations and mass transport calculations in combination with numerical, modeling in Modflow (R) will provide a comprehensive hydrogeochemical characterization of the site. Simple flow calculations indicate flux values for each unit. Water-quality data showed detection of arsenic, 1,1,1 trichloroethane, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachlorophenol at levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contamination limits (MCLs) in several of the six monitoring wells instaIled in the site. Mass transport calculations indicate that despite retardation, the 1,1,1 trichloroethane moves through all layers at a rate that is two orders of magnitude higher than any of the other contaminants. Numerical modeling of the site provides support for these calculations. I will make recommendations, based on this study for remediation and further study in the area.

Comments

Full-text download restricted to Colby College campus only.

Keywords

Groundwater -- Analysis, Groundwater -- Pollution -- Maine, Industries -- Environmental aspects

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