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Dr. Mumford is interested in the movement of multiple fluid phases (water, oil, gases) in porous media, and the mass transfer between those phases. These processes are relevant to many important environmental systems. For example, soil and groundwater can be significantly contaminated by the accidental release or improper disposal of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). These hazardous chemicals include petroleum fuels (gasoline, diesel fuel), chlorinated solvents (dry cleaning chemicals, degreasers), and coal tar. Contamination can jeopardize drinking water sources and limit the redevelopment of urban areas. The remediation of sites contaminated by these chemicals is a significant scientific and engineering challenge.  An understanding of how these chemicals are distributed, and how they are transferred to the surrounding groundwater, is required to assess potential risk and design appropriate remediation strategies. 

Of particular interest to Dr. Mumford is how gas production and flow in the subsurface, due to both natural processes and as a result of remediation-based mechanisms, can affect the processes that control contamination and remediation. This includes under conditions relevant to vapour intrusion and thermal remediation, as well as the effects of stray gas migration during energy resource development. Dr. Mumford’s research uses a combination of laboratory experiments and numerical modelling to identify and quantify fundamental behaviour, and apply new insights to remediation scenarios.

Kevin is a co-applicant on the Ontario Research Fund - Research Excellence.