AWWA JAW17225

This article describes appropriate approaches for analyzing groundwater contaminants and demonstrates their use through three case histories. Two different analytical methods can be used to determine specific organic compounds in groundwater: analysis of individual compounds and a broad-spectrum analysis (a screening or profile analysis). Various broad-spectrum methods and data handling approaches are discussed to focus attention on new concepts. For both broadspectrum and individual compound analyses, the desired range of concentrations of contaminants must be selected. Then the objectives of groundwater monitoring can be carried out. The analytical approaches described were used to study spatial and temporal groundwater variations and adsorbent treatment alternatives for three contaminated aquifers in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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, Pennsylvania, whereas at Upper Merion, although granular activated carbon (GAC) was a possibility, aeration would lead to fewer operational problems. At Washington, New Jersey, GAC was chosen for treatment at the well head. Includes 32 references, tables, figures.