Abstract:
The physico-chemical characteristics of five nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) recovered
from contaminated alluvial aquifers are presented. The five include two chlorinated
degreasing solvents, one chlorinated dry-cleaning solvent, and two weathered fuel
hydrocarbons. In addition to density, viscosity, and interfacial tensions, the
equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN), spreading coefficients and Amott-Harvey and
USBM wettability indices with respect to alluvial aquifer materials are used as a means
to characterize three of these NAPLs. Experimentally measured spreading coefficients of
four of these NAPLs illustrate that field NAPLs can have positive initial spreading
coefficients. Furthermore, capillary desaturation curves for two NAPLs with alluvial
aquifer material collected from the NAPL zone are presented as an additional and
important means to infer the practical implications of the wetting characteristics on
the efficacy of NAPL recovery. The results from the wettability and capillary
desaturation experiments show that these NAPLs are mixed-wet soils. Finally experimental
data indicat that adding anionic surfactants to the water shifts the wettability toward
water-wet and makes the NAPL easier to displace and recover.
Reference:
V. Dwarakanath, R.E. Jackson, and G.A. Pope, "Influence of Wettability on the
Recovery of NAPLs from Alluvium," Environmental Science & Technology,
36 (2) 227-231, 2002.
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Last updated: April 25, 2002