Inverse Method to Estimate the Mass of Contamination Source by Comparing Analytical with Numerical Results

Abstract

The development of a conceptual model that best accounts for the different parameters influencing LNAPL fate and transport in groundwater is ultimate the key to a successful simulation of LNAPL concentration in groundwater. Characterization of hydrocarbon sources and identification of areas with heavy LNAPL loadings from point and non-point sources is important for land use planners and environmental regulators.Bistoon petrochemical site has discharged the light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) contamination for 10 months. Since the amount of contamination in this source is not clear and the only available data is the amount of contamination in the observed well, an attempt was made to solve this problem by using inverse method. The amount of source contaminant was found through observed data in the well. In this method the analytical results with numerical ones were compared. Upon computation of the contamination concentration, the mass of contaminants can be calculated by multiplying concentration by volume. The numerical method used is finite difference which is an engine in Modflow program.