Modeling of chlorinated solvents transport and natural attenuation in groundwater

Abstract : The objective of this study is to test differents modeling approaches and the reliability of the codes used in water risk assessment for a site contaminated with chlorinated solvents. The final goal is to elaborate, within the framework of the TRANSPOL research program, a guideline that could be used as a scientist support for contaminated aquifers management. The models performed by 4 teams (ANTEA, ENSMP, ENVIROS and INERIS) to simulate a contamination of groundwater by perchloroethene were compared. The total amount of perchloroethene discharged into the aquifer was unknown and a simplified conceptual model was considered. A first synthesis of the results obtained shows two principal difficulties : evaluate source concentration and simulate natural attenuation phenomenon (sorption/degradation). More accurate diagnosis is needed in order to reduce the uncertainties of model parameters.