Ämnestransport med grundvatten i hydrogeologiska typmiljöer

Sammanfattning: Certain types of waste, e.g. bottom ash originating from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI bottom ash) can be used as road construction materials. A potential problem is the possibility of substances leaching out of the road and spreading in the surrounding groundwater. The aim of this master’s thesis is to conclude whether hydrogeological type settings can be employed to, based on local conditions, provide an estimate of the probable spreading of these substances in the surrounding groundwater, and whether certain types of soils can be identified as being less suitable for the localization of a MSWI bottom ash road. A hydrogeological type setting is defined as a mappable unit with similar hydrogeological properties. An advantage of this approach would be that mainly existing maps and surveys could form the basis for the assessment. The work has been performed by placing a hypothetical road construction in different hydrogeological type settings. The expected patterns of spreading has then been evaluated using theoretical reasoning and analytical and numerical models. The method can be used. In the report various type settings are defined. In several cases further information will be required to render possible a more exact estimate of the spreading. By locating the road on less permeable soils to reduce the local spreading of substances in groundwater, a greater proportion of the water will be drained as surface water. Thus it becomes important to take into account surface water transport aswell. In the report a procedure to estimate the maximum concentrations in groundwater at locations situated downstream the road is presented. This estimate could be used as basis for a more balanced valuation of appropriateness, e.g. by relating the estimated concentrations to background values.