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A Comparative Assessment of Analytical Fate and Transport Models of Organic Contaminants in Unsaturated Soils

Author

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  • Maria Grazia Stoppiello

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy)

  • Giusy Lofrano

    (Department of Chemical and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
    Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), University of Naples “Federico II”, via Cinthia ed. 7, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Maurizio Carotenuto

    (Department of Chemical and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy)

  • Giacomo Viccione

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy)

  • Claudio Guarnaccia

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy)

  • Leonardo Cascini

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy)

Abstract

Analytical models for the simulation of contaminants’ fate and transport in the unsaturated zone are used in many engineering applications concerning groundwater resource management and risk assessment. As a consequence, several scientific studies dealing with the development and application of analytical solutions have been carried out. Six models have been selected and compared based on common characteristics to identify pros and cons as well as to highlight any difference in the final output. The analyzed models have been clustered into three groups according to the assumptions on contaminant source and physico-chemical mechanisms occurring during the transport. Comparative simulations were carried out with five target contaminants (Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Vinyl Chloride, Trichloroethylene and Aldrin) with different decay’s coefficient, three types of soil (sand, loam and clay) and three different thicknesses of the contaminant source. The calculated concentration at a given depth in the soil for the same contamination scenario varied greatly among the models. A significant variability of the concentrations was shown due to the variation of contaminant and soil characteristics. As a general finding, the more advanced is the model, the lower the predicted concentrations; thus, models that are too simplified could lead to outcomes of some orders of magnitude greater than the advanced one.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Grazia Stoppiello & Giusy Lofrano & Maurizio Carotenuto & Giacomo Viccione & Claudio Guarnaccia & Leonardo Cascini, 2020. "A Comparative Assessment of Analytical Fate and Transport Models of Organic Contaminants in Unsaturated Soils," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:7:p:2949-:d:342568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen Foster & Ricardo Hirata & Daniel Gomes & Monica D'Elia & Marta Paris, 2002. "Groundwater Quality Protection : A Guide for Water Utilities, Municipal Authorities, and Environment Agencies," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 13843.
    2. Ettore Trulli & Cristiana Morosini & Elena C. Rada & Vincenzo Torretta, 2016. "Remediation in Situ of Hydrocarbons by Combined Treatment in a Contaminated Alluvial Soil due to an Accidental Spill of LNAPL," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-14, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Abhishek Sanskrityayn & Heejun Suk & Jui-Sheng Chen & Eungyu Park, 2021. "Generalized Analytical Solutions of The Advection-Dispersion Equation with Variable Flow and Transport Coefficients," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-23, July.
    2. Abhay Guleria & Pankaj Kumar Gupta & Sumedha Chakma & Brijesh Kumar Yadav, 2023. "Unraveling the Fate and Transport of DNAPLs in Heterogeneous Aquifer Systems—A Critical Review and Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.

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