ABSTRACT
Biodegradation is an important attenuation mechanism of contaminant concen trations in groundwaters and soils. Biodegradation, when it occurs, limits pollutant migration and reduces contaminant mass in the subsurface. Biodegrading plumes are generally less widespread than their nonbiodegrading counterparts and are trans ported at a slower relative rate. In order to quantify the impact of biodegradation on contaminant transport and fate, it is necessary to develop a mathematical expression for biodegradation that can be incorporated into the advection-dispersion equation. The resulting model allows scientists and engineers to simulate natural or enhanced biodegradation and investigate their efficacy as remediation alternatives for contam inated aquifers.
