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Published on: July 4, 2014
Multiscale quantification of LNAPL redistribution processes in multiphase systems under groundwater table fluctuation
Zhijiang Yuan1, Xiaosi Su2, Hang Lyu2
1Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environments, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, PR China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, PR China; Shandong Provincial Geo-mineral Engineering Group Co., Ltd., Shandong Gold Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, 250000, PR China; Institute of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, PR China.
Groundwater table fluctuation (GTF) controls light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) movement in contaminated sites. This study reveals how GTF patterns influence LNAPL transformation and transport, aiding in predicting migration and remediation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The groundwater table fluctuation (GTF) zone is a key interface for light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) migration.
- Understanding LNAPL behavior in water-medium-air systems under GTF is crucial for contaminated site management.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated LNAPL redistribution dynamics during GTF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate LNAPL redistribution under seasonal and diurnal GTF.
- To categorize LNAPL migration patterns (dripping and smearing) under GTF.
- To quantify LNAPL phase transformations and transport fluxes influenced by GTF.
Main Methods:
- Field study at a petroleum-contaminated site in northeastern China.
- Laboratory experiments using a 1D flow chamber with porous media under three-phase conditions.
- Monitoring LNAPL content (dissolved, volatile, free, residual) via sampling and light transmission visualization.
Main Results:
- LNAPL migration under GTF occurs in dripping and smearing patterns.
- GTF influences LNAPL dissolution and volatilization by altering hydrodynamic conditions and entrapped LNAPL.
- Maximum free-phase to residual-phase LNAPL transformation rates were 0.17 mL/min (dripping) and 0.98 mL/min (smearing).
- GTF cycles significantly increased volatilization and convective transport fluxes in the dripping pattern, while increasing volatilization but decreasing convective transport in the smearing pattern.
Conclusions:
- GTF is a critical factor controlling LNAPL migration, transformation, and transport dynamics.
- The study provides a mechanistic understanding of LNAPL behavior under fluctuating water tables.
- Findings support improved LNAPL migration pathway prediction and remediation strategy development for contaminated sites.
