Source Screen Module (SSM) for Contaminant Transport

A screening level tool, Source Screening Module (SSM) was developed by SSP&A to evaluate the threat posed by waste sites on groundwater quality. This tool implements analytical solutions to simulate contaminant transport, including PFAS, through the vadose and saturated zones and predict time-varying concentrations at potential groundwater receptors. The screening tool was developed within a user friendly, Microsoft ExcelTM based interface; however, care has been taken to implement rigorous solutions. The screening tool considers:

  1. Partitioning of soil contamination into an equivalent dissolved concentration;
  2. One-dimensional (1D) transport of the dissolved contamination through the vadose zone considering 1D dispersion, equilibrium sorption, and first order transformation reactions;
  3. Blending (mixing) of ambient water quality in the saturated zone with the contaminated water leaching from the vadose zone; and
  4. 3D transport through the saturated zone.

The Excel workbook, documentation, and the original publication* will be re-published for download soon:

*Bedekar, V., C. Neville, and M. Tonkin, 2012. Source Screening Module for Contaminant Transport Analysis Through Vadose and Saturated Zones. Ground Water, v. 50, pp. 954–958. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6584.2012.00954.x

SSM Example

Figure showing 1) Source, 2) Vadose Zone, and 3) Saturated Zone below a Receptor Well

SSM Figure showing 1) Source, 2) Vadose Zone, and 3) Saturated Zone below a Receptor Well

DISCLAIMER: SP&A’s software is provided “AS IS”, without warranty of any kind, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. We request only that application of the software and production of results using the code is accompanied by a suitable acknowledgment. The entire risk and responsibility as to the quality and performance of the Software is borne by the user. SSP&A disclaims all other warranties.