Newcastle University

Groundwater Contamination and Remediation

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This course introduces the principles of contaminant behaviour in groundwater systems, and provides an overview of remediation technologies for polluted groundwaters. It demonstrates the range of possible contaminants, and the mechanisms by which they are transported in groundwater systems. The ways in which human activities can modify the quality of groundwater, and how such modifications can be detected and distinguished from natural processes, are illustrated, as is the means by which the results can be simulated. The course introduces the fundamental principles and factors that govern the fate of pollutants in the groundwater environment. This understanding underpins the techniques by which it is possible to calculate the timing and extent of groundwater pollution, which will be demonstrated with real world examples. Applying the principles of groundwater contaminant behaviour, the course explores available treatment technologies for polluted groundwaters, including their design, operation and advantages or disadvantages of the various technologies. Case studies are used throughout.

Course Objectives

On completion of this course, delegates will understand:

• the main ways pollutants migrate in the sub-surface
• the principles of modelling solute transport
• the fate and behaviour of inorganic and organic pollutants, including their identification and sampling
• the principles of groundwater remediation.

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

• describe the human activities that may modify groundwater chemistry
• discuss pollutant classification and the nature of diffuse and point-source pollution, giving examples
• describe the origin and properties of the major organic and inorganic pollutants
• apply the principles of modelling solute transport
• outline the various approaches to remediation of polluted groundwaters.

Course Outline

• Sources and types of groundwater contamination
• Principles of groundwater movement
• Calculating groundwater transit times
• Contaminant transport in the subsurface
• Case studies of inorganic groundwater pollution
• Introduction to modelling inorganic and organic solute transport
• Groundwater modelling exercises
• Fate and transport of organic substances in groundwater
• Case studies of organic groundwater pollution
• Principles of groundwater remediation
• Case studies of remediation, including pump-and-treat, landfill, and mine waters.

Who is the course aimed at?

This course is particularly appropriate for all those involved in groundwater investigation and remediation investigations, particularly those working in the consulting and regulatory sectors. Although the course is designed to be appropriate for those just becoming involved in the subject area as well as those already with some knowledge, certain aspects of the material is at a more advanced level. Therefore some background in water chemistry is beneficial, and pre-course background learning material is available by request.

Presenters

School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

• Dr Adam Jarvis (Course Leader)
• Dr Catherine Gandy
• Dr David Werner

Academic Professionals

• To be confirmed

[ Book online ]

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