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SUMMARY OF TECHNIQUES AND UNIQUE USES FOR DIRECT PUSH METHODS IN SITE CHARACTERIZATION ON CONTAMINATED FIELD SITES
Citation:
Beck*, F P., P J. Clark*, R G. Ford*, AND A. Fisher. SUMMARY OF TECHNIQUES AND UNIQUE USES FOR DIRECT PUSH METHODS IN SITE CHARACTERIZATION ON CONTAMINATED FIELD SITES. Bac-Min 2004 conference, Bendigo, AUSTRALIA, November 08 - 10, 2004. Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Victoria, Australia, 73-78, (2005).
Impact/Purpose:
To illustrate the utility of macro-scale mapping information along with spatially- and temporally-resolved subsurface measurements in determining the processes controlling subsurface contaminant transport.
Description:
Site characterization of subsurface contaminant transport is often hampered by a lack of knowledge of site heterogeneity and temporal variations in hydrogeochemistry. Two case studies are reviewed to illustrate the utility of macro-scale mapping information along with spatially- and temporally-resolved subsurface measurements in determining the processes controlling subsurface contaminant transport. The use of a regional-scale data compilation derived from satellite imaging is discussed with respect to directing design of site characterization to monitor the fate of a DNAPL plume in Nevada. Evaluation of the drainage basin contributing to the ground-water flux into the study site was used to re-assess the site conceptual model and re-direct the characterization effort. The use of highly resolved measurements of subsurface hydrogeochemistry in space and time were employed to identify the predominant biogeochemical processes controlling arsenic transport during discharge of ground water into a surface water retention basin at a site in Massachusetts. Direct-push conductivity measurements coupled with vertically-resolved sampling within the retention basin and adjoining aquifer demonstrated significant spatial and temporal variations in dissolved arsenic. Microbially-driven redox processes exerted a direct and indirect influence on arsenic solution speciation and partitioning to surface water sediments.