Coping with groundwater contamination

Journal Article · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Chemical Engineering

OSTI ID:538270

Maimone, M ^[1]

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1. Camp Dresser and McKee, Woodbury, NY (United States)

Degreasing solvents--including trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and trichlorethane (TCA)--are among the most frequently encountered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in groundwater. These chlorinated solvents are also among a class of contaminants dubbed DNAPLs--dense, nonaqueous phase liquids--because they do not dissolve easily in water, and have a density higher than water. DNAPLs are only removed from soil pores by slow dissolution into the groundwater--a process that can take decades, even if aggressive pumping rates are applied. For this reason, pump-and-treat systems are often deemed ineffective for treating DNAPL contamination. Several remediation techniques, discussed below have shown promise. Also promising is the relatively experimental Lasagna process that uses electrical charges to dislodge contaminants. Remediation techniques discussed are pneumatic fracturing, air sparging, surfactant flushing combined with steam-enhanced extraction, bioremediation, and in-situ reactive barriers.

• OSTI ID: 538270
• Journal Information: Chemical Engineering, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 104; ISSN CHEEA3; ISSN 0009-2460
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIODEGRADATION
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS
DEGASSING
EXTRACTION
FRACTURING
GROUND WATER
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
REMEDIAL ACTION
SURFACTANTS