Steele-Valentín, Katherine M.

Publication Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

Assessment of potential exposure pathways in karst groundwater systems in Northern Puerto Rico using GIS
(2011) Steele-Valentín, Katherine M.; Padilla-Cestero, Ingrid Y.; College of Engineering; Harmsen, Eric; Zapata López, Raul E.; Department of Civil Engineering; Chizmadia, Lysa
The North Coast Karst Aquifer System of Puerto Rico is the most productive aquifer of the island. Same characteristics that makes it highly productive, makes it vulnerable to contamination. This research assess potential path for contaminant exposure in Vega Alta-Dorado area using GIS. Groundwater velocity vectors were obtained and used for the developing of the longitudinal direction of the pathway. For the transversal direction dispersion was calculated with different dispersivity values, showing changes in the lateral extent. The results show that inside the pathway from Vega Alta Public Supply Well superfund site several wells with VOC were contained. The lateral extent of the contamination could not, however, be captured from average groundwater flow phenomena in the system. Results suggest greater dispersion, dynamic transport phenomena and/or the potential presence of other sources of contamination. GIS made it possible to visualize the extent of contamination and the potential points of exposure.