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Soil clean up by venting: comparison between modelling and experimental VOC removal results
G A Brusturean1, T Todinca, D Perju
1Politehnica University of Timisoara, Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Victoriei Square, no. 2, Romania.
Environmental Technology
|November 1, 2007
Summary
This study models volatile organic compound removal from soil using a mathematical approach. The model accurately predicts pollutant removal during venting, validated by laboratory experiments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Soil Science
Background:
- Petroleum products are a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil.
- Understanding VOC removal mechanisms is crucial for effective soil remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare experimental VOC removal data with predictions from a mathematical venting model.
- To assess the suitability of a classical analytical model for simulating soil venting processes.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory column experiments were conducted using pure toluene and mixtures of toluene, n-heptane, ethylbenzene, m-xylene, and p-xylene.
- A mathematical model was developed to describe contaminant transport across four phases: vapor, nonaqueous liquid, aqueous, and solid.
- Model accuracy was evaluated using criteria such as dynamic absolute error, average error, model accuracy, and correlation coefficient.
Main Results:
- Experimental results for volatile organic compounds removal showed reasonable agreement with the model's predictions.
- The mathematical model accurately described interphase mass transfer, assuming local phase equilibrium and ideal phase behavior.
- Performance criteria confirmed the model's suitability for predicting VOC removal under the tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- The developed mathematical model is effective for simulating the venting process of volatile organic compounds from soil.
- The model's ability to predict contaminant removal across multiple phases validates its application in soil remediation strategies.
- This research provides a validated tool for assessing and optimizing soil venting for petroleum hydrocarbon pollution.
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