Groundwater: Transition probability/Markov chain analyses of DNAPL source zones and plumes

A multiphase compositional model is applied to reproduce in detail, the dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) saturations and aqueous-phase plume migration in a highly characterized, heterogeneous glaciofluvial aquifer and two alternate methods, novel transition probability/Markov chain approach (TP/MC) and the conventional variogram analysis by ordinary kriging are used to reconstruct the same. It was found that the TP/MC modeling method is more precise, powerful and preferable than the ordinary kriging for the reconstruction of DNAPL saturation patterns and dissolved-phase contaminant plumes.