Abstract

Previously funded EMSP research efforts have been directed towards the quantification of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) migration and entrapment behavior in physically and chemically heterogeneous systems. This important research has demonstrated that chemical heterogeneities can have a significant influence on DNAPL fate and persistence. Previous work, however, has been limited to pure DNAPLs and well defined aqueous and solid surface chemistries. Subsurface chemical heterogeneities at many DOE sites are generally more complex as a result of the disposal of mixtures of wastes into heterogeneous subsurface environments. The research planned in this project seeks to build upon our previous research experience and expertise to explore the influence of waste and porous media composition on DNAPL migration and entrapment in the saturated zone. DNAPL mixtures and soils typical of those found across the DOE complex will be used in these studies. Many of the experimental procedures and protocols to be employed are based upon those developed under previous EMSP funding. This past work also provides the conceptual framework for characterizing and interpreting experimental results, mathematical model development, and inverse modeling protocols. Specific objectives of this research are identified below: (1) Relate measured interfacial properties for representative wastes and soils to parameters such as mineralogy, organic carbon content, pH, ionic strength, and DNAPL acid and base numbers. (2) Assess predictive procedures to estimate interfacial properties for DOE wastes and soils. (3) Deduce mechanisms of interfacial property alteration. (4) Quantify the influence of waste and porous medium composition on hydraulic properties and residual saturation. (5) Develop and assess constitutive hydraulic property and residual saturation models. (6) Explore the migration and entrapment behavior of model DNAPL wastes in spatially and temporally heterogeneous systems. (7) Develop and validate a multiphase flow model to simulate the migration and entrapment of model DNAPL wastes in heterogeneous systems. (8) Investigate the upscaling of findings from batch and soil column experiments to larger systems.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.