ORIGINAL RESEARCH
A Simulation-Based Nonlinear Goal Programming
Model for Groundwater Remediation Systems
Design
Jing Li1, Li He1,2, Hongwei Lu1,2, Min Xu3
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1Resources and Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
2College of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
3Water Environment Institute, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing 100012, China
Submission date: 2014-05-09
Final revision date: 2014-07-29
Acceptance date: 2014-08-03
Publication date: 2015-04-02
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2015;24(2):563-574
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ABSTRACT
This study proposes an integrated method that simulates and optimizes groundwater design and management
in combination with goal programming, which establishes the equilibrium between technical and
environmental constraints in a pump-and-treat system. This method is applied to a petroleum-contaminated site
in Western Canada to identify optimal remediation strategies given a set of remediation scenarios. The significant
influential factors are remediation duration, standard concentration levels, and total pumping rate. Results
indicate that goal programming can greatly enhance the remediation effect under low contaminant concentrations.
In the pump-and-treat system, wells I2, E1, and E3 are the dominant components, whereas wells M7 and
M5 are sensitive to variations in the identified influential factors. These wells must therefore be monitored
intentionally. Moreover, these factors influence one another in interaction. Thus, high total pumping rates do
not always generate favorable outcomes, and a long remediation period is unnecessary. In conclusion, the three
identified factors should be spontaneously considered in the general goal-programming framework.