Two-Dimensional Plume in Uniform Ground-Water Flow

Abstract

A simple analytical model of a two-dimensional plume of ground-water pollution has been developed and applied to the study of hexavalent chromium contamination of Long Island, New York. The model is based on a depth-averaged mass transport equation accounting for convection, dispersion, linear equilibrium adsorption, and decay, and is applicable to the study of pollution migration from point sources in shallow ground-water aquifers. The pollutant concentration description is based on an asymptotic solution to Hantush's well function for a leaky aquifer, and is accurate in the far field downstream of the source. The model results are easily visualized and evaluated when plotted as contour lines of equal concentration using a simple graphical procedure, making it convenient to examine the development of the plume over time and to evaluate the sensitivity of the plume to parameters.