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Use and Measurement of Mass Flux and Mass Discharge

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1 Introduction
2. Concept and Theory of Mass Flux and Mass Discharge
2.1 Basic Concepts
2.2 Calculating Mass Flux and Mass Discharge
2.3 Approaches to Mass Flux Estimation
2.4 Factors that Affect Mass Flux
2.5 Managing Uncertainties
3. Applications for Mass Flux and Mass Discharge
3.1 Site Characterization and Conceptual Site Model
3.2 Potential Impact and Exposure Evaluation
3.3 Remedy Selection and Design
3.4 Performance Monitoring and Optimization
3.5 Compliance Monitoring
3.6 Site Prioritization
3.7 Conceptual Examples for Using Mass Flux and Mass Discharge
3.8 Regulatory Considerations
4. Measuring Mass Flux and Mass Discharge
4.1 Transect Methods
4.2 Well Capture/Pumping Test Methods
4.3 Passive Flux Meters
4.4 Transects Based on Isocontours
4.5 Solute Transport Models
4.6 Key Considerations Using Models to Obtain Mass Flux
4.7 General Comparison of Five Mass Flux Measurement Methods
4.8 Managing Uncertainty
5. Key Findings
6. Research Needs
Appendices
Appendix A: Mass Flux Case Study List
Appendix B: Overview of Comparison Studies with Passive Flux Meters
Appendix C: Team Contacts
Appendix D: Glossary
Appendix E: Acronyms and Symbols
Appendix F: References
Acknowledgements
Special Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
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Use and Measurement of Mass Flux and Mass Discharge
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6. Research Needs

  • Research is needed to develop statistical approaches and models that allow for cost-effective estimation of mass flux and mass discharge in contaminated aquifers and a delineation of the associated uncertainty.
  • Additional methods should be developed to improve the reliability of various mass flux and mass discharge measurement techniques.
  • Additional studies comparing new mass measurement methodologies with the transect method should be conducted.
    • comprehensive comparison of key methods and method categories to each other (point vs. point, boring vs. boring, transect vs. transect, and mixed comparisons [e.g., three- dimensional distributions based on points/borings vs. three-dimensional distributions based on transects])
  • New method-specific “application” guidance documents should be prepared as new methods and technologies to measure mass flux and mass discharge have been validated.
  • Refine the methodologies used to convert discharge estimates obtained using a transect to predicted concentration ranges at a receptor. This is a key to refining the exposure rate at the receptor as compared to the following:
    • exposure rates dependent upon only concentration-based estimates
    • regulatory standards (e.g., drinking water MCLs)
      This could serve to bridge the current gap between engineering performance metrics based on reduction of mass and regulatory performance metrics based on a linkage to anticipated reduction in concentration at a receptor.
  • More work should be performed evaluating the use of mass flux and discharge estimates over time to determine the age of the release and the total mass of the release.
  • Development of plume classification systems that rely on the mass flux/mass discharge concepts (Newell et al. 2011 is an example of such a system).
  • Determine the accuracy and reliability of mass flux/mass discharge measurements made with rapid screening tools (such as the MIP and advanced piezocone).
  • Studies to determine whether long-screen wells (screen intervals of 5 feet or more) are accurately averaging the mass flux information into a single concentration measurement and to determine the overall accuracy and applicability of mass flux/mass discharge measurements from transects using long-screened wells.
  • Develop focused methods to accurately measure mass discharge from specific sources, such as diffuse, low-strength sources associated with low-permeability compartments that have been charged with contaminants via matrix diffusion.

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Use and Measurement of Mass Flux and Mass Discharge

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