Insights · 2026-02-02
Hydrogeochemistry for source questions: lines of evidence that matter
Pairing chemistry with geology and hydrogeology to evaluate commingled plumes without overclaiming.
Hydrogeochemistry shines when it is paired with physical constraints. Concentration maps alone rarely tell a complete story; stratigraphy, redox zonation, and release history often determine which chemical patterns are meaningful versus misleading.
On commingled plumes, the strongest analyses identify converging lines of evidence: ratios and daughter products, spatial gradients that align—or conflict—with hydraulic barriers, and temporal trends that match operational changes. The goal is not a flashy conclusion—it is a testable narrative that survives cross-examination.
Litigation support benefits from disciplined graphics: a small number of high-signal plots, clearly labeled, each tied to a stated inference. This approach helps judges and juries follow the logic without drowning in spreadsheet density.