Applications

Mass Flux Based Approach to Site Management:

Performance Assessment: Alternative measure of remedial objectives. Reduce mass flux to meet conditions acceptable for site management rather than MCLs. Evaluate and compare the pre- and post-remediation mass flux values.
Flux-based Natural Attenuation Assessment (mass balance) : Mass flux is useful in assessing the effectiveness of the natural attenuation process. Contaminant mass reduction can be calculated using the differences in total contaminant mass flux across two cross-sections of the contaminant plume.
Remedial Design Optimization (target high mass flux zones): In situ measurements of contaminant flux generate critical data which can be used to optimize the design and assess the performance of proposed remedial systems. These fluxes, when integrated over a source area, produce estimates of the contaminant source concentration, that is, the total mass discharge rate (M/T) to groundwater and surface water. Such information is useful for model inputs and for management of contaminated sites.
Risk Assessment: The concept of risk-based decision making involves using more realistic exposure scenarios and factors to evaluate the relative risks of contaminants to human health and the environment. Depending on these risks, appropriate action may include site closure, monitoring and data collection,
active or passive remediation, or institutional controls. Mass flux measurements can be used on the front end to quantify this risk.
Site Characterization: Incorporate mass flux measurements into initial site characterization efforts to improve decision making when developing the
overall site strategy.