Mathematical Problems in Engineering
Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 986867, 13 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/986867
Research Article

A Fuzzy Simulation-Based Optimization Approach for Groundwater Remediation Design at Contaminated Aquifers

A. L. Yang,1 G. H. Huang,1 Y. R. Fan,2 and X. D. Zhang3

1MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, S&C Academy of Resource and Environmental Research, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
2Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada S4S 0A2
3Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA

Received 22 July 2011; Accepted 17 November 2011

Academic Editor: J. Jiang

Copyright © 2012 A. L. Yang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

A fuzzy simulation-based optimization approach (FSOA) is developed for identifying optimal design of a benzene-contaminated groundwater remediation system under uncertainty. FSOA integrates remediation processes (i.e., biodegradation and pump-and-treat), fuzzy simulation, and fuzzy-mean-value-based optimization technique into a general management framework. This approach offers the advantages of (1) considering an integrated remediation alternative, (2) handling simulation and optimization problems under uncertainty, and (3) providing a direct linkage between remediation strategies and remediation performance through proxy models. The results demonstrate that optimal remediation alternatives can be obtained to mitigate benzene concentration to satisfy environmental standards with a minimum system cost.