Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview and MNA as an Evolving Technology

Welcome to the course! In the Course Overview section, you will find general information about the course as well as instructions on how to navigate the course. In the lectures for this week, we will start with history. We look at a general brief history of groundwater remediation, and then a specific history of MNA featuring a list of the key protocols from 1994 to 2015. Special topics include active remediation vs. MNA, and Neat New MNA Technologies, and how degradation, storage, and dilution are all part of the MNA story.

Biodegradation Principles

In this series of lectures, we will learn when biodegradation can or cannot occur and what conditions are conducive to faster degradation.

Abiotic Degradation Principles

In this series of lectures, we will focus on the principles of abiotic degradation and discuss how these processes support monitored natural attenuation. You will be learning about the key reactions and minerals that are involved in abiotic degradation. We will also be covering what methods are used to determine if abiotic degradation is relevant at a particular site, and the rates at which these reactions may be occurring

Attenuation and Storage in Low K Zones

In these lectures, we will focus on the idea that storage of contaminants in geologic media as a potential natural attenuation mechanism. Under this scenario, certain contaminants diffuse in low permeability media such as silt, clay, and limestone and then eventually reenter the aquifer by a process called back diffusion. Like sorption, this process is not destructive, but attenuates a contaminant plume by sequestering some of the initial loading and then slowly releases it over long time scales. You will learn about diffusion vs. dispersion, see case studies in the lab and field, learn how to sample and model this process, and hear the latest research about degradation processes associated with matrix diffusion.

Dilution as an Attenuation Process - Sometimes

In this series of lectures, we will discuss how dilution is an attenuation process – sometimes. We start with the basics, and review groundwater flow and one of the “top ten things” that every hydrogeologist should know: the distinction between Darcy Velocity and Seepage Velocity. Next we give some examples of regulatory programs where dilution is considered an acceptable attenuation process. Then we present how dispersion and mixing in wells are dilution-related processes. Finally we show how the emerging field of mass flux/ mass discharge can be used to see if a contaminant plume is strong enough to impact water supply wells and/or streams, and to see where your plume ranks in the “Plume Magnitude Classification System.”

Better Technologies: Compound Specific Isotopes & Molecular Biological Tools

In this series of lectures, we will focus on several established and emerging methods for demonstrating that biological and other attenuation processes are occurring. We will start with an overview on lines of evidence for biological degradation processes, and then transition to newer molecular methods for identifying and quantifying biodegradation potential for a variety of compounds. Several of this week’s lectures also examine compound-specific isotope analysis, which has been emerging as a key resource for MNA studies. You will learn how stable isotope analyses can provide critical information on whether attenuation is occurring, the rate at which it is occurring, and even the pathway that is responsible.

Monitoring for MNA

In this series of lectures, we will discuss how you should perform the monitoring that is such an important part of monitored natural attenuation (after all, it’s right there in the title!). We start off with a discussion of how data are collected, including using newer high-resolution techniques, to help build a proper conceptual site model and support the selection of MNA as a remedy. Then we touch on how to design a long-term monitoring program to assess the performance of MNA. Methods for analyzing concentration trends and graphically presenting MNA data are also presented, along with a discussion of the potential sources of variability in monitoring data.

Modeling Tools to Support MNA

In this series of lectures, we talk about models and how they can be used to understand MNA. We first start with two key MNA questions: How Long? (will the plume get) and How Far? (how long until the site is clean). Then a review of analytical computer models, remediation timeframe models, the more complex but more powerful numerical models, and even a discussion of the “Fourth Paradigm: Big Data”.

New Directions for MNA

This final series of lectures will cover a mélange of interesting MNA topicsl We start with the brand new ESTCP BIOPIC tool, then talk about the broad universe of MNA that extends to a lot of different contaminant classes. Then some new developments in the LNAPL world: Natural Source Zone Depletion, both with conventional methods and a new method based on thermal monitoring. Then we talk a little bit about low threat closures and transition assessments, and end up with a brief conversation with the three instructors. And then you are done!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores one topic deeply, which is standard in groundwater remediation industry

Provides the essential knowledge and practical tools that can be applied to all possible MNA sites

Introduces new directions in the field of MNA

Designed for professionals in the environmental remediation industry

Taught by experts in the field of groundwater remediation

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications with these activities:

Compile Course Materials

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Compiling your course materials will help you organize and review the material, which will improve your understanding and retention.

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Gather all of the course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize the materials in a logical way.
Review the materials regularly.

Groundwater Monitoring Volunteer

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As a volunteer, you will be able to gain hands-on experience with groundwater monitoring, which will help you to understand the process and the challenges involved.

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Contact a local environmental organization and ask about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in groundwater monitoring activities.
Learn about the different methods used to monitor groundwater.

Groundwater Contamination Study Group

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Joining a study group will allow you to collaborate with other students, discuss the course material, and prepare for exams.

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Find other students who are taking the course and who are interested in forming a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.

Two other activities

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Natural Attenuation of Contaminants in Groundwater

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Reading this book will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of natural attenuation, which is a key component of the course.

View Natural Attenuation of Fuels and Chlorinated... on Amazon

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Read the book.
Summarize the key concepts of natural attenuation.
Apply the concepts of natural attenuation to a real-world case study.

Groundwater Professionals Networking Event

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This event will provide you with an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field of groundwater contamination, which can be helpful for finding a job, learning about new technologies, and staying up-to-date on the latest research.

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Attend the groundwater professionals networking event.
Talk to other attendees about their work and experiences.

Career center

Learners who complete Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental lawyers represent clients in environmental litigation and regulatory matters. They also advise clients on environmental compliance and risk management. This course may be helpful for environmental lawyers who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical engineers design and build structures that interact with the Earth's crust. They work on a variety of projects, including foundations, retaining walls, and tunnels. This course may be useful for geotechnical engineers who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They develop curriculum, deliver lectures, and grade students' work. This course may be helpful for professors who are interested in teaching or conducting research on natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts analyze public policies and make recommendations for changes. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. This course may be helpful for policy analysts who are interested in developing or evaluating policies related to natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural resources managers oversee the planning, development, and management of natural resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for natural resources managers who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and governments on environmental issues. They work on a variety of projects, including environmental impact assessments, site remediation, and regulatory compliance. This course may be useful for environmental consultants who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Research Scientist

Research scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including environmental science, engineering, and technology. They publish their findings in scientific journals and present their work at conferences. This course may be helpful for research scientists who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Groundwater Modeler

Groundwater modelers use computer models to simulate the flow of groundwater. They use these models to help solve problems related to water supply, water quality, and environmental protection. This course may be useful for groundwater modelers who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Remediation Specialist

Remediation specialists design and implement plans to clean up contaminated sites. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for remediation specialists who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers design, build, and operate systems to protect the environment from pollution. They work with a variety of clients, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for environmental engineers who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. They use their knowledge to help solve problems related to natural resources, environmental protection, and land use. This course may be useful for geologists who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Hydrogeologist

Hydrogeologists study the distribution and movement of groundwater in the Earth's crust. They use their knowledge to help solve problems related to water supply, water quality, and environmental protection. This course may be useful for hydrogeologists who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Water Quality Specialist

Water quality specialists monitor and assess the quality of water resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including water utilities, businesses, and government agencies. This course may be useful for water quality specialists who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They use their knowledge to help solve problems related to pollution, climate change, and natural resource management. This course may be useful for environmental scientists who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Water Resources Manager

Water resources managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including water utilities, businesses, and government agencies. This course may be useful for water resources managers who are interested in learning more about natural attenuation of groundwater contaminants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager