Applying analytical techniques to solve groundwater contamination problems

This article describes approaches for analyzing chemical compounds in drinking water along with broad-spectrum analysis techniques that are effective tools in arriving at optimum methods to treat groundwater contamination. The analytical approaches described were used to study spatial and temporal groundwater variations and adsorbent treatment alternatives for three contaminated aquifers in the Philadelphia, Pa. , area. The case studies show that the control of large fluctuations in concentrations of contaminants influenced the choice of pilot testing of aeration treatment at Lansdale, Pa. , whereas at Upper Merion, although granular activated carbon (GAC) was a possibility, aeration would lead to fewer operational problems. At Washington, NJ. , GAC was chosen for treatment at the well head.