Coping with groundwater contamination
- 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
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