Analytical closed-form solutions for assessing pumping cycles, times, and costs required for NAPL remediation

Abstract

An analytical solution is given to evaluate the number and duration of pumping cycles required for the remediation by pumping of contaminants, both single component and multi-component non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), when no free product is present in the system. The method can be applied in a homogenous medium if the contamination zones have been delineated and residual total NAPL concentrations assessed. Based on the principle of the NAPL partitioning in unsaturated or saturated porous media, analytical closed-form solutions are provided for both cases of remediation by pumping in saturated and unsaturated conditions: “pump-and-treat” and “soil vapor extraction”. In each case we determine the number of pumping cycles required to reach the residual required concentration of NAPL (for example, according to health-based standards), considering one or more chemicals simultaneously present in an aquifer. The method requires information on the aquifer saturation state and the properties of the chemicals of interest. Calculations are based on the assumption of equilibrium partitioning of chemicals between the pore water, the soil solids, and the soil gas (in the case of unsaturated conditions), and no presence of a NAPL phase.