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

Cleaning up the large number of groundwater contamination sites is a significant and complex environmental challenge. The environmental industry is continuously looking for remediation methods that are both effective and cost-efficient. Over the past 10 years there have been amazing, important developments in our understanding of key attenuation processes and technologies for evaluating natural attenuation processes, and a changing institutional perspective on when and where Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) may be applied. Despite these advances, restoring groundwater contaminated by anthropogenic sources to allow for unrestricted use continues to be a challenge. Because of a complex mix of physical, chemical, and biological constraints associated with active in-situ cleanup technologies, there has been a long standing focus on understanding natural processes that attenuate groundwater contaminant plumes.

We will build upon basic environmental science and environmental engineering principles to discover how to best implement MNA as a viable treatment for groundwater contamination plumes. Additionally we will delve into the history behind and make predictions about the new directions for this technology.

Any professional working in the environmental remediation industry will benefit from this in-depth study of MNA. We will use lectures, readings, and computational exercises to enhance our understanding and implementation of MNA. At the completion of this course, students will have updated understanding and practical tools that can be applied to all possible MNA sites.

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Reviews summary

Updated understanding of natural attenuation

According to learners, this course provides an updated understanding of Natural Attenuation (MNA) processes and introduces new paradigms, technologies, and applications. Students found the content, covering topics like biodegradation, abiotic degradation, and modeling, to be comprehensive and highly relevant for professionals in the environmental remediation industry. Many highlighted the practical tools and strategies provided, which can be applied immediately to real-world sites. While some aspects, such as computational exercises, were noted, the overall feedback suggests a well-structured and valuable learning experience for those with the necessary background.

Assumes prior environmental knowledge.

"While excellent, I think prior knowledge in hydrogeology or environmental engineering is really necessary."

"Some sections moved quickly, assuming familiarity with basic groundwater flow principles."

"Benefited most because I already work in the environmental industry; might be tough for true beginners."

Explains MNA modeling approaches.

"The section on modeling tools was particularly helpful for understanding plume behavior."

"Learned about analytical and numerical models and their application in MNA."

"Computational exercises helped reinforce the modeling concepts."

Thoroughly covers key MNA principles.

"The lectures covered all the fundamental attenuation processes needed for a solid understanding."

"Felt like a very thorough overview of MNA technologies and paradigms."

"From biodegradation to modeling, the syllabus topics were well covered."

Course covers latest MNA advances.

"I really appreciated the sections on Compound Specific Isotopes & Molecular Biological Tools - it felt very current."

"The discussion on Natural Source Zone Depletion and thermal monitoring was a great update."

"The course incorporated the latest research and applications, which is crucial in this field."

Provides tools for real-world MNA sites.

"I gained practical tools that I can apply directly to MNA site assessments."

"The case studies and examples made the concepts much clearer for practical use."

"Helped me understand how to actually implement MNA as a viable remedy."

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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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 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