Sorption studies of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) related to soil/ground water contamination at LLNL (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
In 1980, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) initiated a preliminary ground water study beneath and in the vicinity of the LLNL site in Livermore, California. Findings from that study indicated that volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), were present in local ground water. Subsequent sampling results showed several locations with VOCs in the parts-per-billion range, and three areas where parts-per-million concentrations were detected. Subsequently, more than 200 wells were drilled and tested during investigations to assess the lateral and stratigraphic extent of ground water contamination and to understand the hydrogeologic characteristics under the Laboratory and adjacent affected areas. Although PCE and TCE predominate, dichloroethanes, dichloroethylenes, and carbon tetrachloride have been detected in ground water at concentrations exceeding California Department of Health Services recommended action levels. In order to predict the rate and extent of movement of the VOCs in ground water, it is essential to understand the sorptive properties of these compounds in relation to the subsurface soils that exist in this area. TCE and PCE were selected for study initially because of their predominance in the contaminant plume. Additional tests were performed using 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA), 1,2-dichloroethene (DCE), and chloroform (CF). 28 refs., 4 figs., 7 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/DP
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5517985
- Report Number(s):
- UCID-21651; ON: DE89016698
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: Environmental Restoration Series
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GROUND WATER
CONTAMINATION
VOLATILE MATTER
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
CALIFORNIA
COMPLIANCE
CONCENTRATION RATIO
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE LABORATORY
REGULATIONS
SOILS
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
DISTRIBUTION
FEDERAL REGION IX
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MATTER
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SURFACE PROPERTIES
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
WATER
510200* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)