Modeling Biodegradation and Reactive Transport: Analytical and Numerical Models

Abstract

The computational modeling of the biodegradation of contaminated groundwater systems accounting for biochemical reactions coupled to contaminant transport is a valuable tool for both the field engineer/planner with limited computational resources and the expert computational researcher less constrained by time and computer power. There exists several analytical and numerical computer models that have been and are being developed to cover the practical needs put forth by users to fulfill this spectrum of computational demands. Generally, analytical models provide rapid and convenient screening tools running on very limited computational power, while numerical models can provide more detailed information with consequent requirements of greater computational time and effort. While these analytical and numerical computer models can provide accurate and adequate information to produce defensible remediation strategies, decisions based on inadequate modeling output or on over-analysis can have costly and risky consequences. In this chapter we consider both analytical and numerical modeling approaches to biodegradation and reactive transport. Both approaches are discussed and analyzed in terms of achieving bioremediation goals, recognizing that there is always a tradeoff between computational cost and the resolution of simulated systems.

HYTEC results of the MoMas reactive transport benchmark

“…Several possiblities are open to test the precision and accuracy of the codes. Analytical solutions are the ideal tool, when available [5,15,21,13]; however, they are not easy to devise and are limited to simplified systems: specific hydrodynamic, simplistic chemistry, weak feedbacks. It is also possible to use laboratory or field experiments [6,12].…”