Groundwater contamination from an industrial river in Florida was studied using time series analysis, flow modeling, and particle tracking. The researchers aimed to identify potential contamination pathways in the aquifer from polluted water entering the river. By analyzing data on precipitation, river flow, and groundwater levels, they found that contaminants could travel thousands of feet sideways from the industrial discharge point during certain weather conditions. This lateral movement was most significant during periods of low rainfall, which typically occur between major El Niño events in Florida.