Transport of dodecane in sand and clay columns

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:491083

Wetzel, S; Kyle, G; Banks, M K ^[1]

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1. Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS (United States). Dept. of Civil Engineering

Contamination of soil by petroleum hydrocarbons is a significant problem in the United States. Release of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) petroleum contaminants at or near the ground surface can migrate through the vadose zone to the groundwater. In contaminated coarse-textured soils containing abrupt interfaces with clay layers, petroleum hydrocarbons can accumulate at the clay interface due to restricted water flow through the clay layer. In addition, the soil matrix can act as a sink to which the petroleum contaminant becomes adsorbed, resulting in a difficult remediation scenario. Soil columns were erected using six inch PVC pipe. Three types of columns were constructed: one comprised only of sand, one of only clay, and one with both clay and sand layers. Each column was 24 inches long and duplicate columns were prepared, as well. Dodecane was introduced into the columns at a single mid-point at the top of each column as a one-time event. Four sets of each type of column were constructed to permit sampling of the column soil at four subsequent time intervals. Each column was disassembled at specified times and the contaminant concentration levels were quantified as a function of distance into the column. Results of this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the behavior of NAPLs in contaminated heterogeneous soils with high clay content.

• OSTI ID: 491083
• Report Number(s): CONF-9406250--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CLAYS
DODECANE
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
OIL SPILLS
SAND