Practical Technology Resulting from MADE Research

by James W. Mercer, GeoTrans Inc, Sterling, United States,
Richard R. Rabold, GeoTrans Inc, Sterling, United States,
William R. Waldrop, GeoTrans Inc, Sterling, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Symposium on Ground Water

Abstract:

As is often the case, when theoretical research is performed, practical technology is developed in the process. This has occurred with the Macrodispersion Experiment (MADE) conducted at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The goal of the natural-gradient tracer experiment was to gain a better understanding of the major processes that control solute movement - advection and hydrodynamic dispersion. The field site was selected, in part, because of the complex stratigraphy that underlies the site. This was the first field experiment of this type to be conducted in something other than a 'homogeneous' sand aquifer. Unfortunately, the extreme spatial variability of aquifer properties presented numerous difficulties to the measurement and monitoring effort. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties, a variety of ancillary studies were performed supplemental to the main field experiment. As a result of these ancillary studies, several practical tools/findings resulted that can be used at many contamination sites. These practical technologies include: electromagnetic borehole flowmeter, multilevel samplers, characterization techniques for aquifer heterogeneities, sampling of organics, monitoring network design, tracer tests, and data interpretation methodology.

Subject Headings: Probe instruments | Site investigation | Field tests | Water sampling | Non-renewable energy | Mass transfer | Hydrocarbons | United States | Ohio | Mississippi

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