Solvent flushing for removal of organic contaminants from aquifers

Conference · · Ground Water; (United States)

OSTI ID:6014833

Wood, A L ^[1]; Rao, P S.C. ^[2]; Augustijn, D C.M. ^[3]

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1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Robert. S. Kerr Environmental Research Lab., Ada, OK (United States)
2. Univ. of Florida, Gainesvill, FL (United States). Environmental Engineering Science Dept.
3. Shell R and D Labs., Sittingbourne (United Kingdom). Environmental Science Group

Solvent flushing, as used here, refers to the in situ displacement of mixed solvent solutions through contaminated soils or aquifers in order to extract organic contaminants. As such, solvent flushing offers a potential remediation option for waste disposal/spill sites contaminated with organic chemicals. Cosolvents may promote contaminant extraction from soils or aquifers containing: (1) low-level aqueous phase contaminants; (2) single constituent, residual, organic immiscible liquids (OILS); or (3) multicomponent residual organic wastes. Partitioning between solution and solid phases (sorption) is the predominant process controlling the removal of aqueous phase contaminants, and the impact of cosolvents on this process has been well-documented. Extraction of residual OILs by solvent flushing has received little attention. These immiscible phases may be removed by solubilization or mobilization. Although cosolvents can be expected to influence both of these processes, the primary focus of this discussion will be on solvent-enhanced solubilization. The results of solvent-enhanced extraction of residual OILs from laboratory columns and the potential field application of this technique will be discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6014833
• Report Number(s): CONF-9310166--
• Journal Information: Ground Water; (United States), Journal Name: Ground Water; (United States) Vol. 31:5; ISSN GRWAAP; ISSN 0017-467X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540250* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (1990-)
AQUIFERS
CLEANING
DECONTAMINATION
EXTRACTION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS RECOVERY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
REMEDIAL ACTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING