Using the backward probability method in contaminant source identification with a finite-duration source loading in a river

Violation of industries in discharging their effluents into rivers leads to river pollution, which endangers the environment and human health. Appropriate tools are needed to deal with violations and protect rivers. The backward probability method (BPM) is one of the most recommended tools identifying the release time and location of the pollutant source. However, the BPM generally was developed for groundwater and spill injection. Since most industries inject their effluents with a constant rate for a finite duration, the use of prevailing models will have some errors. In this study, a numerical model was developed that could simulate a source with either a finite-duration or spill injection. This model is verified for two hypothetical cases and one real case. The results show that the model can accurately identify the release time and location of the pollutant source.