Unique Interfacial Properties of the Chlorinated Solvent DNAPL at Savannah River National Laboratory
Tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene are the primary constituents in a DNAPL found in the unsaturated zone at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS). Following equilibration of the SRS DNAPL with deionized water, the measured interfacial tension was less than 2 dynes/cm and the pH of the aqueous phase 3.8, thus indicating the presence of constituents other than chlorinated solvents. Based on contamination history at DOE facilities, we explored the potential for co-contamination by oils, surfactants or organic acids. Non-aqueous potentiometric titration techniques revealed a high acid content (4 mg (as KOH)/g of DNAPL). Surrogate mixtures of TCE with the hydraulic oil, dibutylbutylphosphonate (DBBP) and tributylphosphate (TBP), which were used in the plutonium production process, also had low interfacial tension but not as low as the value measured for the SRS DNAPL. Research to identify the constituents and mechanisms responsible for the low interfacial tension of this DNAPL is on-going.
- Research Organization:
- Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500; FG07-99ER15006; FG02-03ER63660
- OSTI ID:
- 826036
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 227th American Chemical Society Meeting, Anaheim, CA (US), 03/28/2004--04/01/2004; Other Information: PBD: 31 Mar 2004
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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