Sorption and transport of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in low-carbon aquifer materials. Final report, Jan 88-Jan 89

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6030491

Lion, L W

Sorption studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on low-carbon aquifer materials are reported. Both column and batch partition coefficients (Kd) were affected by synthetic polymeric components, such as Teflon, in commonly used experimental apparatus. These influences include incorrect estimates for Kd and tailing of peaks in column studies. Both batch and column experimental methods are developed, using polymer-free systems, that allow accurate measurement of Kds for hydrophobic PAHs in low carbon systems. Application of these methods shows that organic carbon contents below the commonly cited threshold level of 0.1 percent may dominate the partitioning and subsequent transport of phenanthrene in aquifer systems. Calculated Kd values from batch and column (temporal first moment) techniques did not agree. Reasons for the disparity in the results from these methods are discussed. Column results may be described using the batch Kd and two adjustable fitting parameters representing variables in a two-side kinetic model.

• Research Organization: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States). Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• OSTI ID: 6030491
• Report Number(s): AD-A-242895/1/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUIFERS
CONTAMINATION
CARBON
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
PHENANTHRENE
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
SORPTION
POLYMERS
ACCURACY
COLLOIDS
INTERFERENCE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
WATER POLLUTION
AROMATICS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
HYDROCARBONS
MASS TRANSFER
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SURFACE PROPERTIES
540320* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)