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Published on: February 25, 2015
Multiphase flow and transport in fractured clay/sand sequences
1Department of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Sand lenses significantly slow the migration of trichloroethylene (TCE) dense, non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) in fractured clay, extending migration times from days to years. Hydraulic gradients and capillary pressure are key factors influencing DNAPL movement in these complex geological formations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Geotechnical Engineering
Background:
- Dense, non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contamination poses significant environmental challenges.
- Understanding contaminant transport in fractured media is crucial for effective remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically model and assess the migration rate of trichloroethylene (TCE) DNAPL in fractured clay.
- To investigate the specific influence of interbedded sand lenses on DNAPL migration dynamics.
- To evaluate the impact of hydraulic gradients and capillary pressures on contaminant transport.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Queen's University Multi-Phase Flow Simulator (QUMPFS), a numerical model.
- Simulated DNAPL migration through a 30 m vertical sequence of fractured clay with varying sand lens inclusions.
- Analyzed the effects of applied vertical hydraulic gradients and displacement pressures.
Main Results:
- Sand lenses substantially increase DNAPL migration time from days to years.
- Hydraulic gradients are dominant factors in migration speed when sand lenses are present.
- Higher displacement pressure in sands delays DNAPL migration due to capillary pressure build-up.
- DNAPL loading to aquifers significantly exceeds aqueous phase loading.
Conclusions:
- Interbedded sand lenses act as significant barriers to DNAPL migration in fractured clay.
- DNAPL reaches lower aquifers concurrently with aqueous plumes, despite matrix diffusion effects.
- Remediation strategies must account for the complex interplay of geological features and hydraulic forces in DNAPL transport.
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