Fate and Transport Models: Overview

Abstract

Abstract The use of environmental contaminant fate and transport models stems from the need to predict a concentration of contaminant at a spatial location separate from the source at a specified temporal point. The models simulate a simplification of the real‐world scenario. A prediction of this sort is used to support decisions in a wide range of hazardous waste contaminant source scenarios, from small and localized to major industrial. The level of complexity of the model chosen is contingent upon the configuration of the source, the temporal question, the end use needs, and the availability of field data. The theoretical basis for the most common models, the methods used to solve the equations, and the general use of the models to predict the fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater are reviewed. Further, the assumptions, varying levels of model complexity, and sources of uncertainty are discussed.