Analysis of liquid-waste injection wells in Illinois by mathematical models

This report contains the results of a preliminary theoretical study of the fate of liquid industrial wastes injected into deep geologic formations. The Jones and Laughlin Corporation well was used as a model and the geology of the area was idealized into a 15-layered homogeneous and an isotropic mathematical model. The finite element method was tested and proved to be an effective mathematical tool in the solution of the equation of flow. The flow and pressure build-up show that the rocks are capable of receiving greater volumes of waste than are now being injected without endangering the integrity of the aquifer or the confining layer.The mass-transport equation for large and complex ground-water reservoir systems was investigated, and it was concluded that the dispersion and diffusion parts of the equation are relatively insignificant, and under extreme conditions the dispersed zone will not be more than a few feet wide. Therefore, it was concluded that a more practical approach to the problem would be the solution of a system with a moving interface boundary in which mass transport results mainly from convection.To overcome difficulties encountered with computer time and memory in the solution of the mass-transport equation for large complex systems, an iterative method is proposed for the solution of the equations, which substantially reduces these difficulties.U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Surve

Isotopic and geologic studies to identify the sources of sulfate in groundwater containing high barium concentrations

"Final report, project no. A-100-I11.""November 1981"--P. 1 of cover.Bibliography: p. 36-39."UILU-WRC-81-0165"--P. 1 of cover

Geologic studies to identify the source for high levels of radium and barium in Illinois ground-water supplies: a preliminary report

Analyses of water from municipal wells in Illinois by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency showed that more than 300 wells exceeded the upper limit, 3 picocuries/liter (U.S. Public Health Service, 1962), for gross alpha radiation in drinking water. More than 30 wells exceeded the upper limit, 1 milligram/liter (U.S. Public Health Service, 1962), for barium in drinking water. High levels of radiation in ground water were more extensive in areal distribution than the high levels of barium. All of the affected wells were finished in bedrock, primarily in rocks of the Cambrian and Ordovician Systems of northern Illinois. The geologic settings in which the high levels of radiation and barium were documented indicated that the problem was not restricted to Illinois.The source of the radiation in ground water was thought to be the natural occurrence of the radioactive elements.uranium-238 and thorium-232 in the aquifer rocks. Analyses of a limited number of rock samples indicated that uranium and thorium concentrations were highest in fine-grained sediments in the aquifer systems; the highest concentration was in shales that confine the aquifer.The occurrence of natural radioisotopes in ground water was thought to be complex, involving source rocks, ground water chemistry, and the hydraulic stress placed on the aquifer.Chemical analyses of rock samples indicated that high concentrations of barium were widespread in rocks of the Cambrian and Ordovician Systems. The concentration of barium in ground water was controlled by solubility equilibria reactions with sulfate ion. A map showing sulfate ion concentration in the Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer could be used to delimit regions where barium might occur at concentrations exceeding 1 milligram/liter.U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Surve

Field study of transit time through compacted clays : interim annual report

Interim annual report, July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1990Ope