Modeling approach in mapping groundwater vulnerability

A numerical modelling method using a backward-in-time advection dispersion equation is introduced in assessing the vulnerability of groundwater to contaminants as an alternative to classical vulnerability mapping methods. The flux and resident concentration measurements are normalized by the total contaminants mass released to the system to provide the travel time probability density function and the location probability function. With the results one can predict the expected travel time of a contaminant from up stream location to a well and also the relative concentration of the contaminant at a well. More specific groundwater vulnerability can be mapped by these predicted measurements.