Permeation of BTEX through Unaged and Aged HDPE Geomembranes

Abstract

The effects of aging of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes on the diffusion and partitioning of a group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are examined. Two different 1.5 mm thick HDPE geomembranes were aged in the laboratory at 85°C by immersing in a synthetic leachate for up to 32 months. The results of partitioning and diffusion tests performed at room temperature on both unaged and aged geomembranes using a dilute aqueous solution containing four VOCs commonly found in landfill leachates [benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX)] are reported. The diffusion and partitioning coefficients decreased with increased aging. The calculated permeation coefficients decreased by 36–62% after aging the geomembrane for about 10–32 months. This decrease in diffusion, partitioning, and permeation coefficients is related to the increase in geomembrane crystallinity during aging. A relationship between partitioning, diffusion, and permeation coefficients with the geomembrane crystallinity is established and could potentially be used to evaluate the migration of VOCs through HDPE geomembranes. Aging of HDPE geomembrane did not increase diffusive transport of organic contaminants.