Mass-Transfer Dynamics of Chlorinated-Solvent Immiscible Liquids in Porous Media

Background
Effective risk assessment and remediation of NAPL contaminated sites depends on the ability to accurately characterize the mass transfer of components between NAPL and groundwater (NAPL dissolution). The factors influencing dissolution of NAPLs have been examined in detail at the laboratory column scale. However, the fundamental dissolution behavior of NAPLs at the pore scale is not well understood. In addition, minimal research has been conducted to examine the impact of porous-medium heterogeneity on NAPL dissolution.

Goal
To better understand the dissolution behavior of dense nonaqueous-phase, immiscible organic liquids (DNAPLs) in subsurface systems.

Objectives
1. Investigate the dissolution dynamics of DNAPLs at the pore scale.

2. Develop and apply a lattice/network model to simulate dissolution dynamics at the pore scale.

3. Investigate the impact of porous-medium heterogeneity on DNAPL dissolution.

4. Investigate the impact of porous-medium heterogeneity on the efficacy of hydraulic-based source-zone remediation technologies.

5. Develop and evaluate advanced mathematical models capable of simulating the dissolution and transport of DNAPL constituents in heterogeneous porous media at multiple scales.

Field Trial Sites and Descriptions

A "Manager's Tool Kit": Site Chracterization and Evaluation of a Chlorinated-Solvent Contaminated Superfund Site in Tucson, Arizona

Assessing the Feasibility of Monitored Natural Attenuation for Remediation of Chlorinated-Solvent Contaminated Groundwater

Contact
Mark L. Brusseau
brusseau@ag.arizona.edu
(520) 621-3244