Precise mass flux and groundwater velocity measurement made easy
Technology at-a-glance
FluxTracer® flux mapping tools are easy-to-use devices that vertically delineate contaminant mass flux and groundwater velocity within existing monitoring wells to aid in site characterization and remedial designs.
Conventional methods (pump and slug tests) give a single value for groundwater velocity whereas passive tools like FluxTracer are designed to distinguish individual zones within an aquifer. This level of resolution is especially useful for remediation design.
What is it?
A dual-functioning, passive sampling tool for site characterization and in situ remediation designs
How does it work?
Each FluxTracer canister contains adsorbent pre-loaded with five biodegradable alcohol tracers. As groundwater flows through, tracer loss indicates flow rate while contaminants adsorb to the media. Measuring accumulated contaminants allows calculation of contaminant mass flux.
Is it right for my site?
FluxTracer data helps remedial designers identify high-flux areas, enabling targeted and efficient remediation. FluxTracer is especially useful for complex or heterogeneous aquifers, ensuring cleanup efforts are optimized, cost-effective, and based on accurate site-specific information.
FluxTracer resources
PlumeStop® Treats PFAS and Protects Island Community Resources
PFAS and CVOC's Successfully Treated Using PlumeStop at Former Textile Manufacturing Site
FluxTracer overview technology at-a-glance
Installation and retrieval instructions
Treatment solution for large TCE plume saves client $380,000
At a former Indianapolis manufacturing site, a large TCE plume threatened the White River. REGENESIS deployed a combined solution of PlumeStop and S-MicroZVI, with the addition of FluxTracers, to accurately map CVOC flux zones. This precise flux data guided strategic placement of permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), ensuring safe, efficient installation, rapid in situ plume reduction, and $380,000 in project savings.
How To Order
Download and fill out the FluxTracer Evaluation Form.
Step 1
Accelerates efficiency
Reach out to us to review the evaluation form and define the site needs and FluxTracer best practices
Step 2
Evaluation form
The number and type of devices requested will be prepared and shipped
Place order
Step 3
Receive FluxTracer device(s) on-site ready to deploy. After deployment, retrieve devices, store in return kit and ship back for analysis
Deployment
Step 4
Once the Fluxtracer(s) are received and analyzed, a report with the darcy velocity and mass flux of contaminants will be generated
Analysis and reporting
Step 5
What is mass flux?
Mass flux refers to the rate at which contaminants move across an aquifer perpendicular to the direction of groundwater flow. It is measured as mass/area/time (e.g., mg/m²/day). Understanding mass flux is essential as it helps quantify the actual movement of contaminants.
Why design remediation efforts based on mass flux rather than concentration alone?
Concentration alone does not provide information about the amount (mass) of contaminant moving into a treatment area. FluxTracer plays a pivotal role in precisely delineating impacted zones, estimating the longevity of remediation products, and devising more effective and targeted remediation strategies.
Can FluxTracer data assist in regulatory compliance and stakeholder communication?
Yes, understanding mass flux through FluxTracer data provides robust scientific evidence that can support regulatory compliance efforts. Nonetheless, the reports are not intended for regulatory purposes but to provide clear insights into contaminant movement and enhance stakeholder communication by providing transparent and actionable information about the remediation process.
What contaminants can FluxTracer measure?
FluxTracer can measure Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds (CVOCs) and PFAS. Research is ongoing to add BTEX compounds to the list of capabilities. The CVOCs species FluxTracer can detect are PCE, TCE, and cis-DCE. For PFAS, the 40 analytes listed in EPA Method 1633 are reported.
How is the depth-dependent concentration of contaminants calculated in the reports?
Flux-derived concentration is derived from field measurement of mass flux and Darcy velocity as follows:
What is the reporting limit of Darcy velocity and mass flux of FluxTracers?
Groundwater velocities below 2 cm/day are not accurately distinguishable and, therefore, reported as < 2 cm/day. The mass flux reporting limit for CVOCs is around 1 µg/m²/day, and for PFAS, it is 0.5 µg/m²/day.
Can FluxTracer measure groundwater flow direction?
No, FluxTracer devices are explicitly designed to quantify contaminant mass flux and groundwater speed within monitoring wells. Determining groundwater flow direction requires additional site-specific information and traditional groundwater level/elevation data analysis by qualified environmental professionals. For precise flow direction determination, engineers integrate mass flux data with other site-specific hydrogeological information and tools to assess groundwater dynamics comprehensively.
What are the requirements for monitoring wells to deploy FluxTracers?
The monitoring wells must be built in 2-inch schedule 40 and must accurately represent the section of the aquifer studied.
Can FluxTracer be applied to sites where only Darcy velocity is required?
Yes, we offer FluxTracers for sites where only Darcy velocity measurements are needed.
What is the required deployment time for the FluxTracers? Would longer deployment times yield more accurate results?
FluxTracers are typically deployed for a two-week period, although the actual time is determined on a case-by-case basis. While longer deployment times can increase the sensitivity of FluxTracers in low mass flux scenarios, they can also result in potential washout of the tracers in aquifers with fast groundwater velocity or where tracers are easily susceptible to degradation (e.g., sites where biostimulation or bioaugmentation occurred).
Can I request FluxTracer services without buying Regenesis products?
Yes, FluxTracer services are currently available to the public.
What is the expected turnaround time from receipt of the devices from the field and issuance of a report?
The typical turnaround time for up to 5 devices is three weeks; for more than five units, it will vary depending on the number of devices deployed.
How long does the installation of FluxTracers take?
Installing FluxTracers is quick and easy, typically requiring only about 15 minutes per device. FluxTracers are delivered pre-assembled and ready for immediate deployment upon arrival. This streamlined approach eliminates on-site assembly requirements, ensuring a hassle-free setup process.