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Characterization of Contaminated Groundwater Site and Numerical Simulation and Analytical Solution of Contaminants Transport and Fate in Groundwater

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 24332

Special Issue Editor

Center for HLW Geological Disposal Geology Division Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Korea
Interests: innovative numerical algorithms for flow and transport; analytical solution of multispecies transport; multiphase flow and transport; hydrogeology in coastal aquifer including seawater intrusion and inland contamination; mathematical analysis of chemical and physical data; artificial recharge
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, the occurrence of contamination problems from various sources has become widespread in Korean groundwater as a result of increased human activity. The contaminants could be industrial solvents from industrial complex areas, pesticides from rural areas, salt due to seawater intrusion, or radionuclides from nuclear waste repositories. These chemicals have varying toxicities and different fates depending on their chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. Hydrogeologists and civil engineers from all over the world, as well as in Korea, are continually facing the problem of groundwater pollution from both industry and agriculture as well as threats of contamination from nuclear power plants and waste disposal activities of increasing intensity. In order to effectively manage and solve these problems, the development of sophisticated characterization tools for contaminated groundwater sites and innovative simulation techniques are required which provide better knowledge and prediction regarding contaminant fate and transport within groundwater. This then allows for the improved and sustainable management and protection of water resources. In addition, the development of effective remediation techniques is needed to achieve the goal of remediation within particular time and budget constraints. In particular, the effective management of groundwater systems for the purpose of drinking, municipal, or agricultural use will required sophisticated characterization techniques, innovative numerical modeling methods, and new analytical methods or mathematical analyses.

The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for scientists and academics all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in the area of contaminated groundwater. For this Special Issue, potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Multiphase flow and transport simulation
  • Fate and transport of radionuclides in groundwater
  • Control and remediation of groundwater
  • Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers
  • Agricultural chemical pollution of groundwater
  • Industrial chemical pollution of groundwater
  • Health risk assessment of groundwater pollution
  • Advanced numerical methods
  • Analytical solution of solute transport
  • Mathematical analysis for characterization, transport and fate, and remediation

We solicit high-quality, original research articles as well as review papers focused on the characterization of contaminated groundwater sites and numerical and mathematical simulation of contaminant transport and fate in groundwater, which can be based on theoretical and numerical analysis or laboratory tests. Case or field-oriented studies which bring in new insights with practical observations are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Heejun Suk
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Transport and fate of contaminants
  • Numerical simulation
  • New analytical method
  • Innovative numerical algorithms
  • Characterization of contamination sites
  • Innovative remediation methods

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 2100 KiB  
Article
Generalized Analytical Solutions of The Advection-Dispersion Equation with Variable Flow and Transport Coefficients
by Abhishek Sanskrityayn, Heejun Suk, Jui-Sheng Chen and Eungyu Park
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7796; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13147796 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2494
Abstract
Demand has increased for analytical solutions to determine the velocities and dispersion coefficients that describe solute transport with spatial, temporal, or spatiotemporal variations encountered in the field. However, few analytical solutions have considered spatially, temporally, or spatiotemporally dependent dispersion coefficients and velocities. The [...] Read more.
Demand has increased for analytical solutions to determine the velocities and dispersion coefficients that describe solute transport with spatial, temporal, or spatiotemporal variations encountered in the field. However, few analytical solutions have considered spatially, temporally, or spatiotemporally dependent dispersion coefficients and velocities. The proposed solutions consider eight cases of dispersion coefficients and velocities: both spatially dependent, both spatiotemporally dependent, both temporally dependent, spatiotemporally dependent dispersion coefficient with spatially dependent velocity, temporally dependent dispersion coefficient with constant velocity, both constant, spatially dependent dispersion coefficient with spatiotemporally dependent velocity, and constant dispersion coefficient with temporally dependent velocity. The spatial dependence is linear, while the temporal dependence may be exponential, asymptotical, or sinusoidal. An advection–dispersion equation with these variable coefficients was reduced to a non-homogeneous diffusion equation using the pertinent coordinate transform method. Then, solutions were obtained in an infinite medium using Green’s function. The proposed analytical solutions were validated against existing analytical solutions or against numerical solutions when analytical solutions were unavailable. In this study, we showed that the proposed analytical solutions could be applied for various spatiotemporal patterns of both velocity and the dispersion coefficient, shedding light on feasibility of the proposed solution under highly transient flow in heterogeneous porous medium. Full article
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26 pages, 10228 KiB  
Article
Reliability of Relative Permeability Measurements for Heterogeneous Rocks Using Horizontal Core Flood Experiments
by Chia-Wei Kuo and Sally M. Benson
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2744; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13052744 - 03 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
New guidelines and suggestions for taking reliable effective relative permeability measurements in heterogeneous rocks are presented. The results are based on a combination of high resolution of 3D core-flooding simulations and semi-analytical solutions for the heterogeneous cores. Synthetic “data sets” are generated using [...] Read more.
New guidelines and suggestions for taking reliable effective relative permeability measurements in heterogeneous rocks are presented. The results are based on a combination of high resolution of 3D core-flooding simulations and semi-analytical solutions for the heterogeneous cores. Synthetic “data sets” are generated using TOUGH2 and are subsequently used to calculate effective relative permeability curves. A comparison between the input relative permeability curves and “calculated” relative permeability is used to assess the accuracy of the “measured” values. The results show that, for a capillary number (Ncv = kLpc*A/H2μCO2qt) smaller than a critical value, flows are viscous dominated. Under these conditions, saturation depends only on the fractional flow as well as capillary heterogeneity, and is independent of flow rate, gravity, permeability, core length, and interfacial tension. Accurate whole-core effective relative permeability measurements can be obtained regardless of the orientation of the core and for a high degree of heterogeneity under a range of relevant and practical conditions. Importantly, the transition from the viscous to gravity/capillary dominated flow regimes occurs at much higher flow rates for heterogeneous rocks. For the capillary numbers larger than the critical value, saturation gradients develop along the length of the core and accurate relative permeability measurements are not obtained using traditional steady-state methods. However, if capillary pressure measurements at the end of the core are available or can be estimated from independently measured capillary pressure curves and the measured saturation at the inlet and outlet of the core, accurate effective relative permeability measurements can be obtained even when there is a small saturation gradient across the core. Full article
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22 pages, 3252 KiB  
Article
Application of Factor Analysis for Characterizing the Relationships between Groundwater Quality and Land Use in Taiwan’s Pingtung Plain
by Ching-Ping Liang, Chia-Hui Wang, Sheng-Wei Wang, Ta-Wei Chang and Jui-Sheng Chen
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10608; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122410608 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2396
Abstract
Although the average municipal water coverage in Taiwan is quite high, at 93.91%, only around half of the residents in the Pingtung Plain use tap water originating from the Taiwan Water Corporation to meet their needs. This means the exploitation of a substantial [...] Read more.
Although the average municipal water coverage in Taiwan is quite high, at 93.91%, only around half of the residents in the Pingtung Plain use tap water originating from the Taiwan Water Corporation to meet their needs. This means the exploitation of a substantial amount of groundwater as a source of water to meet drinking, agriculture, aquaculture, and industry requirements. Long-term groundwater quality surveys in Taiwan have revealed obvious contamination of the groundwater in several locations in the Pingtung Plain, with measured concentration levels of some groundwater quality parameters in excess of the permissible levels specified by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Clearly, establishing a sound plan for groundwater quality protection in this area is imperative for maximizing the protection of human health. The inappropriate use of hazardous chemicals and poor management of land use have allowed pollutants to permeate through unsaturated soil and ultimately reach the underlying shallow unconfined groundwater system. Thus, the quality of the water stored in shallow aquifers has been significantly affected by land use. This study is designed to characterize the relationship between groundwater quality and land use in the Pingtung Plain. This goal is achieved by the application of factor analysis to characterize the measured concentrations of 14 groundwater quality parameters sampled from 46 observation wells, the area percentages for nine land use categories in the neighborhood of these 46 observation wells, and the thicknesses of four unsaturated types of soil based on core samples obtained during the establishment of 46 observation wells. The results show that a four-factor model can explain 56% of the total variance. Factor 1 (seawater salinization), which includes the groundwater quality parameters of EC, SO42−, Cl, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+, shows a moderate correlation to land used for water conservation. Factor 2 (nitrate pollution), which includes the groundwater quality parameters of NO3-N and HCO3, shows a strong correlation to land used for fruit farming and a moderate correlation to the thickness of the gravel comprising unsaturated soil. Factor 3 (arsenic pollution), which is composed of groundwater quality parameters of total organic carbon (TOC) and As, is very weakly affected by land use. Factor 4 (reductive dissolution of Fe3+ and Mn2+), which involves Mn2+ and Fe3+, is weakly impacted by land use. Based on a geographic visualization of the scores for the four different factors and the patterns for land use, we can demarcate the areas where the groundwater in shallow unconfined aquifers is more vulnerable to being polluted by specific contaminants. We can then prioritize the areas where more intensive monitoring might be required, evaluate current land use practices, and adopt new measures to better prevent or control groundwater pollution. Full article
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18 pages, 3636 KiB  
Article
Practical Application of the Galerkin Finite Element Method with a Mass Conservation Scheme under Dirichlet Boundary Conditions to Solve Groundwater Problems
by Heejun Suk, Jui-Sheng Chen, Eungyu Park and You Hong Kihm
Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5627; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12145627 - 13 Jul 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2132
Abstract
The Galerkin finite element method (FEM) has long been used to solve groundwater flow equations and compute the mass balance in a region. In this study, we proposed a simple, new computational FEM procedure for global mass balance computations that can simultaneously obtain [...] Read more.
The Galerkin finite element method (FEM) has long been used to solve groundwater flow equations and compute the mass balance in a region. In this study, we proposed a simple, new computational FEM procedure for global mass balance computations that can simultaneously obtain boundary fluxes at Dirichlet boundary nodes and finite element hydraulic heads at all nodes in only one step, whereas previous approaches usually require two steps. In previous approaches, the first step obtains the Galerkin finite element hydraulic heads at all nodes, and then, the boundary fluxes are calculated using the obtained Galerkin finite element hydraulic heads in a second step. Comparisons between the new approach proposed in this study and previous approaches, such as Yeh’s approach and a conventional differential approach, were performed using two practical groundwater problems to illustrate the improved accuracy and efficiency of the new approach when computing the global mass balance or boundary fluxes. From the results of the numerical experiments, it can be concluded that the new approach provides a more efficient mass balance computation scheme and a much more accurate mass balance computation compared to previous approaches that have been widely used in commercial and public groundwater software. Full article
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12 pages, 2092 KiB  
Article
Radon Concentrations in Raw Water and Treated Water Used for Bottled Water in South Korea
by Byong Wook Cho, Jae Hong Hwang, Byeong Dae Lee, Yong Hwa Oh and Chang Oh Choo
Sustainability 2020, 12(13), 5313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12135313 - 01 Jul 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
Radon concentrations in the raw water and treated water used for 59 brands of bottled water produced in South Korea were analysed. The radon levels in 59 raw water samples ranged from 3.7 to 476.8 Bq/L, with a geometric mean of 49.0 Bq/L. [...] Read more.
Radon concentrations in the raw water and treated water used for 59 brands of bottled water produced in South Korea were analysed. The radon levels in 59 raw water samples ranged from 3.7 to 476.8 Bq/L, with a geometric mean of 49.0 Bq/L. The mean radon levels in raw water samples were high in Jurassic granite aquifers and low in volcanic rock aquifers. However, the maximum radon levels were observed in metamorphic rock aquifers. The concentrations in 55 treated water samples ranged from 0.1 to 239.4 Bq/L, with a geometric mean of 7.7 Bq/L. In treated water, radon levels decreased by 16.0–98.9% (average, 74.9%) due mainly to storage in water tanks and treatment with granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. The radon levels in raw water and treated water samples exceeded the US EPA alternative maximum contaminant level (AMCL) of 148 Bq/L by 16.9% and 1.8%, respectively. Considering the radon reduction rate, it is anticipated that the radon concentrations in bottled water in stores will not exceed 148 Bq/L because it takes about 1–2 weeks for treated water to reach the customer as bottled water. Full article
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13 pages, 2253 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Non-Point Source Pollution under Different Land Use Types
by Jun Yang, Jiping Liang, Gaihe Yang, Yongzhong Feng, Guangxin Ren, Chengjie Ren, Xinhui Han and Xiaojiao Wang
Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2012; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12052012 - 06 Mar 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2937
Abstract
Non-point source pollution (NPSP) is a major challenge for current global water resources. The output characteristics of pollutants under different land use types are very important for controlling NPSP. In this study, long-term positioning monitoring and an analysis of rainfall runoff from different [...] Read more.
Non-point source pollution (NPSP) is a major challenge for current global water resources. The output characteristics of pollutants under different land use types are very important for controlling NPSP. In this study, long-term positioning monitoring and an analysis of rainfall runoff from different land use types were used to evaluate a typical watershed in the water source area of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MR-SNWDP). The results show significant differences in nitrogen and phosphorus content in the runoff water bodies of various land use types. The nitrogen and phosphorus content in the MR-SNWDP was directly related to rainfall intensity and the fertilization period in the runoff following fertilization of farmland and vegetable plots. This nitrogen and phosphorus content was also observed to be significantly higher in the fertilization period than in other periods. The loss of nitrogen and phosphorus in forestland was greatly affected by rainfall intensity. Nitrogen in runoff comes primarily from farmland and vegetable fields, where its main form is nitrate nitrogen (NN). Vegetable fields are the main source of phosphorus, where its primary form is soluble phosphate (PO43−-P). Nitrogen and phosphorus have a defined incubation period during the dry season. Farmland and vegetable fields receive less rainfall during the dry season and it is difficult to form effective runoff; this allows nitrogen and phosphorus deposition. The runoff formed by the first rainfall at the beginning of the flood season (April or May) will carry a large amount of nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil into water bodies. Therefore, it is crucial to pay careful attention to the season when attempting to control NPSP. Full article
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13 pages, 2962 KiB  
Article
Groundwater Quality Assessment for Sustainable Drinking and Irrigation
by Esmaeil Asadi, Mohammad Isazadeh, Saeed Samadianfard, Mohammad Firuz Ramli, Amir Mosavi, Narjes Nabipour, Shahaboddin Shamshirband, Eva Hajnal and Kwok-Wing Chau
Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 177; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12010177 - 24 Dec 2019
Cited by 109 | Viewed by 9036
Abstract
Identification and management of the groundwater quality are of utmost importance for maintaining freshwater resources in arid and semi-arid areas, which is essential for sustainable development. Based on the quality of the groundwater in various areas, local policymakers and water resource managers can [...] Read more.
Identification and management of the groundwater quality are of utmost importance for maintaining freshwater resources in arid and semi-arid areas, which is essential for sustainable development. Based on the quality of the groundwater in various areas, local policymakers and water resource managers can allocate the usage of resources for either drinking or agricultural purposes. This research aims to identify suitable areas of water pumping for drinking and agricultural harvest in the Tabriz aquifer, located in East Azerbaijan province, northwest Iran. A groundwater compatibility study was conducted by analyzing Electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), Chloride (Cl), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Sulfate (SO4), Total hardness (TH), Bicarbonate (HCO3), pH, carbonate (CO3), the and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) obtained from 39 wells in the time period from 2003 to 2014. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and irrigation water quality (IWQ) index are respectively utilized due to their high importance in identifying the quality of water resources for irrigation and drinking purposes. The WQI index zoning for drinking classified water as excellent, good, or poor. The study concludes that most drinking water harvested for urban and rural areas is ‘excellent water’ or ‘good water’. The IWQ index average for the study area is reported to be in the range of 25.9 to 34.55. The results further revealed that about 37 percent (296 km2) of groundwater has high compatibility, and 63 percent of the study area (495 km2) has average compatibility for agricultural purposes. The trend of IWQ and WQI indexes demonstrates that groundwater quality has been declining over time. Full article
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