Regional scale framework for modeling water resources and health risk problems

Abstract

A framework of simulation models for including human exposure to contaminants in regional scale aquifer management problems is presented. The framework includes horizontal flow and transport of contaminant plumes in the aquifer and multiple‐pathway human exposure. Well water from the aquifer simulation model is used as the source of contaminant in the human exposure model. The exposure pathways considered for regional analysis are ingestion of foods grown using well water as part of the irrigation supply; ingestion and dermal absorption of contaminants in tap water; and inhalation of vaporized contaminants while bathing. An environmental compartment model is used to track the contaminant in irrigation water into the soil layers in contact with food products. The simulation framework is demonstrated in a study of the sensitivity of exposure to various aquifer and water supply parameters. The region used is hypothetical; however, the parameters are typical of California.