FIELD EVALUATION OF CONTAMINANT MASS REMOVAL IN DOLOMITE KARST

Analytical subsurface mass removal models are often used to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of remediation approaches. Generally, in field settings, the mass of the contaminant source is unknown and thus the models cannot be evaluated effectively. This is more difficult in karst settings which have fracture flow and perched water tables. At a site near Fittstown, OK, several passive and active remediation technologies were used and monitored after 2000 gal of diesel spilled at a municipal supply well in dolomite. Eight analytical models to estimate mass were tested to predict estimated mass removal of diesel from the various forms of remediation that were employed on the site. The analytical predictions of diesel mass removal were underestimated or overestimated depending on the remediation technology or attenuation process. Model errors compared to field data may be based on parameter sensitivity and variability, sampling methodology, or model assumption for analytical solutions. While the models did not predict the mass removed from remediation with precision, the models are useful to provide remediation options and decisions based on these estimates.