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Characterization of a TCE DNAPL zone in alluvium by partitioning tracers

Journal Article · · Ground Water

Partitioning interwell tracer tests (PITT) were used to determine the spatial distribution and volume of residual trichloroethene (TCE) present in alluvium beneath the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in southern Ohio. Its first use at this site was in support of the design of a surfactant flood to remove the residual DNAPL (dense nonaqueous phase liquids) from the alluvial aquifer. The second application assessed the performance of the surfactant flood. The average DNAPL saturation in the first PITT was 0.1 to 0.2% in a swept pore volume of 4,500 gallons (17,000 L). A second PITT was undertaken following the surfactant flood and yielded an average residual saturation of 0.06% in a swept pore volume of 3,400 gallons (13,000 L), the reduction in pore volume being due to the confinement of the tracers to the lower sand and gravel unit of the alluvium. The design, operation, and analysis of the two PITTs provided strong evidence of a buried channel that controls the spatial distribution of the residual TCE DNAPL in the basal sand and gravel aquifer and must be considered in the eventual full remediation of this aquifer.

Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC21-92MC29111; FG07-96ER14720
OSTI ID:
6469896
Journal Information:
Ground Water, Journal Name: Ground Water Vol. 19:1; ISSN GRWAAP; ISSN 0017-467X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English