BioTracker
is a specialized natural attenuation screening model that
incorporates unique visualization tools for assessing the natural
attenuation of chlorinated solvents. Special calibration tools allow
you to quickly assess the fit between the modeling results and your
field data.
The BioTracker model interface is integrated with the same
Project Data Management System and chemical properties database
(CHEMbase) used by other MoNA ToolKit products such as SEQUENCE and
BioTrends. This means that the model simulation results can easily
be compared to field data which is automatically extracted from the
project database.
The simulation code behind the BioTracker system is based on a
3-D finite difference numerical model called BioRedox. This model
was developed based on MT3D to simulate coupled biodegradation-redox
reactions. The current version of BioTracker is capable of modeling
one-dimensional, multi-species contaminant transport in groundwater
using a uniform groundwater velocity. BioTracker is capable of
simulating straight-chain sequential transformation reactions for
any number of chlorinated solvent or radio nuclide daughter
products.
BioTracker is also capable of simulating the accumulation of
chloride which is known to occur during the sequential reduction of
chlorinated species such as TCE, DCE, and vinyl chloride.
BioTracker has been developed with a unique visualization tool
that allows model simulation results to be overlaid directly on a
site map. A special particle tracking algorithm is used to delineate
the primary flowpath downgradient from the source zone, based on
observed groundwater elevations. The one-dimensional grid is then
aligned along this flowpath, and "stream-tube" contours are used to
show the model results on the site map.
The image below shows an example of a BioTracker 1-D model grid
that was determined based on a particle tracking routine (which used
a Surfer contour (GRD) file of measured groundwater elevations as
input).