Geochemical modeling is a powerful tool, which has wide applications such as geothermal energy, CO2 storage in saline aquifers and basalts, and groundwater contamination and remediation. Recently, new databases, code enhancements, and utilities associated with computer programs have expanded the applicable ranges of these modeling tools. This short course will introduce these new tools and use examples to demonstrate these expanded geochemical modeling capabilities with examples. Special attention will be devoted to the use of first principles-constrained thermodynamic datasets for geochemical modelling and their application to phase equilibrium calculations up to very high pressure and temperature conditions. Practicals and hands-on tutorial on Gibbs free energy minimization method by in-house computer codes will be also provided during the short course.
Positioned at the vanguard of environmental science, this course centers on contemporary developments in groundwater quality assessment. It aims to explore contaminants' origins and behavior within subsurface geochemical environments. Ecological isotopes, particularly CSIA, represent cutting-edge methodologies in contaminant studies. The curriculum encompasses foundational theory, supplemented by various field case studies. Topics encompass the utilization of environmental isotopes such as 13C, 2H, 18O, 87Sr/86Sr, 37Cl, 81Br, and 3H to delineate contaminant origins and attenuation mechanisms within aquifers. Discussion extends to groundwater pollution from diverse sources, including LNAPLs, DNAPLs, and urban activities. Additionally, the course surveys recent advancements in 13C-CSIA, 37Cl-CSIA, 81Br-CSIA, and 2H-CSIA, elucidating their potential applications in contaminated site characterization. Furthermore, the course addresses the role of groundwater as a renewable energy source, particularly in hydroelectricity and geothermal energy production. Topics include source tracing and residence time determination, which are crucial for evaluating resource sustainability. While short-lived nuclides like 3H and 14C are well-suited for assessing young groundwater ages, geological fluids pertinent to geothermal energy often surpass the applicability of these methods, necessitating the utilization of alternative isotopic systems such as noble gases, actinides, or radiogenic isotopes. The course integrates theoretical discourse with global case studies to illustrate how these isotopes can refine understanding regarding the sources and ages of fluids implicated in energy resource utilization.