The migration and entrapment of DNAPLs in physically and chemically heterogeneous porous media. 1998 annual progress report
'The migration and entrapment of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) at hazardous waste sites is typically believed to be controlled by physical heterogeneities. This belief is based upon the assumption that permeability and capillary properties are determined by soil texture. These transport properties however, also depend on porous media wettability characteristics, which may vary spatially in a formation due to variations in aqueous phase chemistry, contaminant aging, and/or variations in mineralogy and organic matter distributions. The overall objective of this research is to investigate the influence of such coupled physical and chemical heterogeneities on the migration and entrapment of DNAPLs in the saturated zone. This research includes laboratory and numerical investigations for a matrix of organic contaminants and solid media encompassing a range of wettability characteristics. Specific objectives include: (1) quantification of system wettability and interfacial tensions; (2) determination of transport property relations; (3) two-dimensional infiltration experiments; (4) modification of a continuum based multiphase flow simulator to account for physical heterogeneity, saturation independent and saturation dependent wettability, and concentration dependent wettability and interfacial tension; and (5) utilization of this model to explore the potential influence of coupled physical and chemical heterogeneities on the migration of DNAPLs and the development of innovative remediation schemes. The accomplishment of the above research objectives will facilitate the characterization and remediation of contaminated field sites. This section summarizes research conducted towards the accomplishment of goals (1), (2), (4), and (5) during the first 1.5 years of this 3-year project. Goal (3) builds upon results from the other objectives and will be initiated in the coming year.'
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM), Office of Science and Risk Policy
- OSTI ID:
- 13605
- Report Number(s):
- EMSP-54680-98; ON: DE00013605
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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The migration and entrapment of DNAPLs in physically and chemically heterogeneous porous media. Annual progress report, September 15, 1996--August 25, 1997
The Migration and Entrapment of DNAPLs in Physically and Chemically Heterogeneous Porous Media