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Dense nonaqueous phase liquid tracer tests: experimental results.
R A Burt1, G L Christians, S P Williams
1Eckenfelder/Brown and Caldwell, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|November 27, 2001
Summary
Dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) tracer tests confirmed DNAPL presence in a Texas aquifer. Mathematical modeling provided semi-quantitative estimates of DNAPL amounts, though aquifer heterogeneity complicated interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) pose significant challenges for groundwater remediation.
- Understanding DNAPL distribution and quantity is crucial for effective site cleanup strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) tracer tests to assess DNAPL presence and quantity in a shallow aquifer.
- To utilize partitioning and non-partitioning tracers to characterize DNAPL sites.
Main Methods:
- Performed two dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) tracer tests using i-Propanol (non-partitioning), n-hexanol, and n-octanol (partitioning).
- Integrated field data, mathematical modeling, column tests, and prior sodium chloride (NaCl) tracer tests for test design.
- Employed mathematical modeling for semi-quantitative estimation of DNAPL volumes.
Main Results:
- Tracer tests indicated the presence of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) at both tested locations.
- Mathematical modeling yielded semi-quantitative estimates of the DNAPL amounts present at the sites.
- Aquifer heterogeneity and complex mass transport effects influenced the interpretation of test results.
Conclusions:
- Dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) tracer tests are effective in detecting DNAPL presence in aquifers.
- Mathematical modeling can provide valuable semi-quantitative estimates of DNAPL contamination.
- Site-specific conditions, such as aquifer heterogeneity, must be carefully considered when interpreting DNAPL tracer test data.