Relative efficiency of multi-transect, non-pumped, reactive well networks for removing contaminated groundwater.

Alternative networks of non-pumped wells filled with reactive media were evaluated for groundwater remediation capability. Wells were screened across the saturated zone of a simulated, unconfined aquifer with a heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity. A numerical mass transport model generated an initial contaminant plume and then simulated its movement through different networks of non-pumped wells. Two cases were investigated: (1) a linear transect of wells downgradient of the plume; and (2) a downgradient linear transect combined with a second linear transect crossing the plume's interior. Several simulations were conducted for each case to determine the smallest number of wells necessary to prevent the plume from traveling offsite. Case 2 required 11% more wells, but reduced cleanup time by 21%.