Quantification of in situ biodegradation rate constants and mean hydraulic conductivities using a novel combined isotope methodology

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Philipp Blum
• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: from 2012 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 236226082

In the proposed study we hypothesize that it is possible to quantify real effective in situ biodegradation rate constants using a novel combined isotope methodology, which combines a two-dimensional compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and tracer-based (3H-3He) groundwater dating (TGD). Furthermore, using the tritium-helium derived groundwater ages we assume that we are able to determine the mean effective hydraulic conductivity of the study site. All previous results on the study site are well documented in several international peer-reviewed journals. The determined effective k-value is validated by previously performed hydraulic pumps tests and two numerical flow and transport models. The latter is finally also used to simulate the new sampled stable isotope data.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants