Webinar | Uncertainty Analyses In contaminant Fate and Transport Modeling: From Fundamentals To Applications

Overview

Join us on November 13, 2024 for a technical webinar regarding Uncertainty Analyses In contaminant Fate and Transport Modeling.

Presentation Description

Background/Objectives

The development of groundwater models using both publicly available and commercial software can reveal valuable lessons for the environmental modeling community. This presentation compares the techniques and outputs of a variety of modeling tools as well as advantages and pitfalls of different modeling interfaces. Furthermore, modeling uncertainty fundamentals and management techniques are provided.

Approach/Activities

The study utilized synthetic and publicly available data to create a mathematical model for uncertainty evaluations and sensitivity testing. Standard groundwater modeling tools, such as MODFLOW-USG, PEST++, Groundwater Vistas, FloPy, Python, and R were employed. Parameter perturbation of soil and chemical properties, along with conceptual model alterations, were analyzed using statistical metrics and visualizations to assess potential variability at per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contaminated sites.

Results/Lessons Learned

Preliminary results indicate significant variability in plume travel time and distance, heavily influenced by sorption properties. For PFAS, the variability in sorption parameters can lead to substantial differences in transport predictions. The study highlights the critical role of sorption in PFAS transport and offers guidance for practitioners to manage uncertainty in multi-parameter systems with difficult-to-constrain parameter ranges.

Presenters

Louie Manzella – Louie Manzella is a geologist with Parsons who specializes in groundwater modeling, geostatistical data analysis of hydrogeological features, 3D visualization modeling, and remedial design support.

James W. Schuetz, PG – Jim Schuetz is a Principal Hydrogeologist and Technical Manager with Parsons specializing in groundwater modeling, advanced 4D visualization modeling, and investigation and remediation of sites in complicated geological environments.

To Join The Webinar

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device: Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 244 406 371 901

Participant Passcode: khhKvS

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