Characterization and assessment of MTBE contamination of groundwater: Student immersion in a real-world problem (OEDG Track 1 proposal)

轨道1：地下水MTBE污染的特征和评估：学生沉浸在一个真实世界的问题中这个项目的中心是对加利福尼亚州选定地区地下水的MTBE(甲基叔丁基醚)污染的特征和评估。该项目旨在让加州州立大学多明格斯山庄代表不足的群体的学生在收集、处理和解释水文地质数据方面发挥主导作用。学生通过实习获得加州地区水质控制委员会的数据，并参与地图分析、水质分析、钻孔记录解释和地下水数据处理。学生们还描述了每个研究地点的当地地质特征(例如，岩性、渗透率、孔隙度、水力坡度、含水层条件、水文地质边界条件、地形)。数据收集之后是分析建模、统计分析和结果解释。预期的科学成果包括确定特定MTBE羽流中的MTBE浓度水平，估计MTBE羽流的几何形状，以及评估羽流几何形状和速度的时间变化。多明格斯州立大学希尔斯分校和当地水务委员会的合作为学生提供了基本的实践经验，这是在政府或行业找到工作的关键优势。

Track 1: Characterization and assessment of MTBE contamination of groundwater: Student immersion in a real-world problem This project centers on the characterization and assessment of MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) contamination of groundwater in selected regions of California. The project is designed so that students from underrepresented groups at California State University Dominguez Hills take a lead role in the collection, processing, and interpretation of hydrogeological data. Students - working through internships - access data from local California Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and participate in map analysis, water-quality analysis, borehole log interpretation, and groundwater data processing. Students also characterize local geology at each study site (e.g., lithology, permeability, porosity, hydraulic gradient, aquifer condition, hydrogeological boundary conditions, topography). Data collection is followed by analytical modeling, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. Expected scientific results include determination of MTBE concentration levels within a given MTBE plume, estimation of MTBE plume geometry, and evaluation of temporal changes in plume geometry and velocity. This collaborative effort between CSU Dominguez Hills and local Water Boards gives students fundamental hands-on experience, a key advantage in finding a job in government or industry.