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Assessment of Multi-Gate Interceptors Equipped with Baffles in Contaminated Aquifers

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Abstract

Funnel-and-gate structures with three gates, two funnels (collinear with gates), and two perpendicular flow-directing vanes (baffles) were assessed for capturing contaminated groundwater in a hypothetical unconfined aquifer. Simulated structures, anchored into an underlying aquiclude, were 35 m wide. One 5-m wide gate occupied the center, and two 3-m wide gates occupied the ends, of each structure. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous (with respect to hydraulic conductivity) aquifers were modeled, with baffles at various positions along funnels in alternative configurations. A contaminant transport model, accounting for advection and hydrodynamic dispersion, tested the capability of various structures for capturing contaminant plumes. Based upon modeling results: (1) structures with baffles performed up to 17% better (homogeneous case), but also up to 48% worse (heterogeneous case), than structures without them; (2) the most effective baffles generally occupied interior portions of funnels; and (3) small (1-m) shifts in the locations of baffles resulted in up to a 33% increase (homogeneous case) in remediation timeframe.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Environmental Science Program, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305279, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA

    Paul F. Hudak

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  1. Paul F. Hudak
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Correspondence to Paul F. Hudak.

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Hudak, P.F. Assessment of Multi-Gate Interceptors Equipped with Baffles in Contaminated Aquifers. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 87, 96–100 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-011-0295-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-011-0295-y

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