Transport modelling of copper contamination in groundwater caused by a wood preservation plant

Abstract

Contaminants can adhere to soil and subsequent rainfall can leach the adhered contaminant into groundwater. Transport models can determine the main features of contaminant and carrier transport in groundwater systems, and therefore determine potential risks for public health and ecosystems. In this study, the effect of copper contamination caused by a wood preservation plant near Eskis ehir, Turkey, on the possible pollution of drinking water supply wells was investigated with two different models. The first model, which deals with the movement of contaminants to groundwater, is a numerical model known as Flonet/Trans (Waterloo Hydrogeologic 1997). It has been used to investigate the change in contaminants from the source with respect to time and distance. The second model, which measures contaminant movement with respect to time and distance through simulations, is an analytical model known as Multi-Flow. It was used for verification of the first model. Both numerical and analytical models have been successfully applied at the work area for investigation of the effects of copper contamination in groundwater. Using the numerical model, the copper concentration in the first observation well was found to be 1.59 mg L-1, and using the analytical model, the copper concentration was found to be 1.35 mg L-1 after 550 days. The measured quantity was 2.11 mg L-1, thus the analytical model is best used for verification of results obtained by simulations of the numerical model.