Risk assessment of point sources (RAP)

Chlorinated solvents originating from industrial facilities are a common pollutant in the environment, and can be a major threat to the groundwater quality. There is a need for qualified knowledge-based methods for risk assessment at such sites, in order to focus investigation and remediation efforts. The flux of contaminants from the point sources to groundwater aquifers and vapor fluxes to indoor climates are of particular interest when determining contaminant risk. Since many sources of chlorinated solvents are positioned in the unsaturated zone, a better understanding of the processes controlling the pollutant flux across the capillary fringe such as diffusion and advection will enhance the quality of a risk assessment.

The project covers 3 areas:
1. Estimation of fluxes of chlorinated solvents in groundwater from point sources
2. Understanding of governing processes controlling the fate of chlorinated solvents in the unsaturated zone, including the mass transport from the unsaturated zone across the capillary fringe to the groundwater
3. Risk assessment and prioritization of point sources at regional scale

The project covers laboratory experiments, field experiments, field observations and solute transport modeling (at local and regional scale).