Transport and Remediation of Subsurface Contaminants

Contamination of subsurface soils and ground water formations is a pervasive
environmental problem that has proven to be extremely difficult to remediate.
Cleanup of contaminated subsurface environments is complicated both by the
physical nature of the formation and the behavior of contaminants introduced to
the formation. Soils and many aquifers are porous media comprised of solid
material and pore spaces which are occupied by fluids and/or gases. In addition
to a complex physical structure, subsurface formations are hidden from view and
highly inaccessible. With accessibility limited to localized points (boreholes) or
complete disruption (excavation), remediation of the subsurface environment
represents a formidable challenge