Category: Contaminant Transport Modeling
Posts
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Why Your Contaminant Model Is Wrong (And How to Fix It)
Contaminant transport models are supposed to bring clarity to complex subsurface systems. But in practice, many models—especially those used for groundwater contamination and landfill assessments—are fundamentally flawed. They may look polished. They may produce clean breakthrough curves. They may even pass regulatory review. And yet… they’re wrong. Not because the software failed—but because the assumptions,…
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How to Build a Breakthrough Curve for Contaminant Transport
Breakthrough curves are one of the most powerful tools in contaminant hydrogeology. Whether you’re assessing landfill leachate migration, evaluating remediation performance, or modeling groundwater contamination, a well-constructed breakthrough curve provides clear insight into how contaminants move through subsurface systems over time. In 2026, the process goes beyond spreadsheets. With advanced tools like POLLUTE and MIGRATE,…
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MIGRATEv10 Core Features: Advanced 2D Contaminant Transport Modeling
Understanding contaminant migration in complex subsurface environments requires tools that go beyond simplified assumptions. MIGRATEv10 is designed to meet this need by providing robust, two-dimensional modeling capabilities that capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of contaminant transport. This post highlights the core features that make MIGRATEv10 a powerful solution for landfill and groundwater impact assessments.…
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MIGRATEv10 vs POLLUTEv10: Fractured Layer with Sorption Comparison
Overview This example compares results from MIGRATEv10 and POLLUTEv10 for a fractured soil layer with sorption. This is one of the more complex transport scenarios, combining: The result is a system where contaminants can move rapidly through fractures while simultaneously being retarded and stored in the soil matrix. Model Setup Both models simulate a two-layer…
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MIGRATEv10 vs POLLUTEv10: Finite Mass Source Comparison
Overview This example compares finite mass transport results from MIGRATEv10 and POLLUTEv10. Unlike constant source cases, this scenario represents a limited contaminant inventory, where concentrations rise, peak, and then decline as the source is depleted. The key objective is to evaluate how both models predict: Model Setup Both models use identical physical conditions: This configuration…
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MIGRATEv10 vs POLLUTEv10: Pure Diffusion Comparison
Overview In this example, we compare pure diffusion results generated using MIGRATEv10 and POLLUTEv10 under identical conditions. The objective is to verify consistency between the two models and highlight key differences in their capabilities. Both simulations consider contaminant transport through a 4 m thick layer under pure diffusion (no advection), with constant concentration boundary conditions…
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MIGRATEv10 vs POLLUTEv10: Advective–Diffusive Transport Comparison
Overview This example compares advective–diffusive transport results from MIGRATEv10 and POLLUTEv10 using identical input conditions. The goal is to evaluate consistency between the two models while highlighting key differences in how they represent contaminant transport. Unlike pure diffusion, this case includes advection, resulting in much faster contaminant migration and earlier breakthrough at depth. Model Setup…
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MIGRATEv10 Example 1: Modeling a RCRA Subtitle D Landfill with a Composite Liner
Introduction MIGRATEv10 Example 1 demonstrates how to model contaminant migration from a U.S. RCRA Subtitle D landfill using a composite liner system and a primary leachate collection system (PLCS). This example is foundational for understanding how engineered barriers control leakage and how contaminants move into underlying groundwater systems. The simulation focuses on a volatile organic…
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MIGRATEv10 Example 2: Composite Liner System with Primary & Secondary Leachate Collection
Introduction MIGRATEv10 Example 2 builds on the fundamentals introduced in Example 1 by incorporating a more advanced landfill design that includes: This example demonstrates how multiple engineered barriers work together to minimize contaminant migration and how MIGRATEv10 models leakage and transport through a layered system. Conceptual Model Overview The modeled landfill system includes: This multi-barrier…