Abstract:
Contaminant characterization is important for successful remediation of non-aqueous
phase liquids (NAPLs) in the unsaturated zone. A partitioning interwell tracer test
(PITT) can provide a good estimate of average subsurface NAPL saturations. Screening
experiments were completed in the laboratory to evaluate several gas tracers for a
PITT study to be completed in the vadose zone at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque,
NM. Four perfluorocarbon tracers were found to be suitable for this PITT. Further
laboratory column studies were completed using contaminated field soil to measure the
partition coefficients between the tracers and the NAPL. The results from the column
studies showed that the air/NAPL tracer partition coefficients ranged from 8.8 +/- 0.6
to 71 +/- 3. This range of partition coefficients is suitable for detection of NAPL
saturations in the field of 0.002 to 0.14.
Reference:
N. E. Deeds, G. A. Pope and D. C. McKinney, "Laboratory Characterization of NAPL/Tracer
Interaction in Support of a Vadose Zone Partitioning Interwell Tracer Test," Journal
of Contaminant Hydrology, 41, 293-204, 2000.
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Last updated: April 25, 2002