MT3DMS and Genetic Algorithm in Environmental Forensic Investigations

Groundwater pollution is difficult to detect and consequently, in the event of a groundwater pollution episode, it is difficult to assign responsibilities. Identifying the polluter with the strength of proof required to legally fix the responsibility is the task of an environmental forensic expert. In the case of groundwater pollution, use of groundwater transport models are at times, the only option for identifying the polluter. A dumpsite, covered up subsequently, can be an example. In this study, the groundwater transport model MT3DMS, along with genetic algorithm was used to develop a tool to track down the polluter in a case where no information on the location or characteristics of the pollution source is available. The developed tool, when used in hypothetical situations, gave results that fell within the limits of legal acceptability.