4.3. Worst Case Scenario Analysis

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define partitioning constants in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about the ratios that describe movement between states.

2. 2.

   What is mass balance in environmental science?

   Hint

   Remember the conservation of mass principle.

3. 3.

   What do partitioning constants indicate?

   • The rate of contaminants' evaporation
   • Distribution of chemicals between phases
   • Total mass of contaminants

   Hint

   Think about the purpose of these constants.

4. 4.

   True or False: A worse-case scenario only considers environmental impacts in static systems.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how real-world systems vary.

5. 5.

   Consider a situation where 1000 kg of a chemical with a partitioning constant of 3 is released into a lake with 5000 m³ of water and 2000 kg of wet solids. Determine the mass of the chemical in water and solids at equilibrium. Adjust for moisture content of 0.3.

   Hint

   Remember to check that your calculations respect the defined partitioning constant.

6. 6.

   Analyze how variations in particle density of solids could alter the concentration distribution of a contaminant in a hypothetical scenario involving 50 mg/L solubility in undisturbed sediments.

   Hint

   Consider how heavier particles may retain more chemical than lighter ones.