Field investigations of contaminated sites

• Plan a field investigation at a given site in order to assess the contamination level and redox conditions including determination of relevant contamination constituents, geochemical parameters, and sampling strategy
• Make a geological description for the site and an assessment of the hydrogeological conditions
• Conduct a field investigation including correct sampling and analysis of soil, water, and pore air
• Evaluate variation and uncertainty of data collected during field investigations
• Make an assessment of the current contamination at a specific site (delineation, composition, and source strength) and a risk assessment
• Make an evaluation of the potential risk based on contaminant mass discharge
• Make an assessment of potential remediation technologies targeting a specific contaminated site
• Write a well-structured technical report including relevant maps showing the geological, hydrogeological and redox conditions as well as the spreading of the contamination

The course has a practical focus on planning and performing field investigations. Lectures are given on selected topics of relevance for field investigation including investigation techniques and methods for contaminant characterization, also the field sites are presented by guest lectures.
The field investigation includes a planning phase with determination of a sampling strategy (soil, water and pore air). Field work with sampling of soil, groundwater and pore air with application of different methods including chemical field analysis and preparation of samples for GC-analysis. Evaluation of results with regard to contaminant distribution, risk assessment and potential remediation. The results are presented orally and in written reports.

12330, Contaminated sites

Lectures, plan and perform field investigations, sampling and analysis, assignments in groups, oral presentation and hand in of written reports. Participation in field work and oral presentations are mandatory.

The course is primarily designed for master students who would like a job in consulting engineering firms or with authorities dealing with soil and groundwater contamination and/or as preparation for thesis/project work to specialize in soil and groundwater contamination

Minimum: 12, Maximum: 25.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.