Evaluation of MNA in A chlorinated solvents-contaminated aquifer using reactive transport modeling coupled with isotopic fractionation analysis

Groundwater contamination by chlorinated hydrocarbons is a worldwide problem that poses important challenges in remediation processes. In Italy, the Legislative Decree 152/06 defines the water quality limits to be obtained during the cleanup process. In situ bioremediation techniques are becoming increasingly important due to their affordability and, under the right conditions, because they can be more effective than conventional methodologies. In the initial feasibility study phase, the numerical modeling supports the reliability of each technique. Two different codes, BIOCHLOR and PHREEQC were discussed and compared assuming different field conditions. Isotopic Fractionation-Reactive Transport Models were then developed in one synthetic and one simple field case. From the results, the two codes were in agreement and also able to demonstrate the Monitored Natural Attenuation processes occurring at the dismissed site located in Italy. Finally, the PHREEQC model was used to forecast the remediation time frame by MNA, hypothesizing a complete source cleanup: a remediation time frame of about 10–11 years was achieved by means of natural attenuation processes.