Groundwater Modeling and Remediation Scenarios of a Hexavalent Chromium Plume Released from an Industrial Site

Abstract

In recent years, high concentrations of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] have been found in the groundwater system of the Asopos River Basin. This work focuses on a Cr(VI) plume detected in the industrial area of Inofyta, the most important contamination hot spot of the Asopos River Basin. A groundwater flow and Cr(VI) transport model was developed to assess the behaviour of the plume and investigate the location of a suspected nearby source zone. According to the model results, the suspected source zone location is highly probable and the Cr(VI) plume does not migrate significantly. Based on the above findings, it is believed that the remediation effort could potentially be very effective in the area, if the remediation plan is designed properly. In order to assess the remediation potential of (a) natural attenuation and (b) polyphenol-coated nZVI treatment, two model scenarios were created and their results were compared and discussed.