Tracing of residual multiple DNAPL sources in the subsurface using 222Rn as a natural tracer at an industrial complex in Wonju, Korea

Abstract

Depth-discrete tracing of residual dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) sources in the subsurface is of great importance in making decisions related to contaminated groundwater remediation. Temporal variations in the natural tracer 222Rn and contaminant concentrations in groundwater contaminated with multiple chlorinated contaminants, such as trichloroethene, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform, were examined to trace residual multiple DNAPL contaminants at an industrial complex in Wonju, Korea. The 222Rn activities and multiple DNAPL concentrations in the groundwater fluctuated irregularly according to the groundwater recharge. The natural tracer 222Rn in groundwater present in the soil layer, originating from the underlying crystalline biotite granite, had a wide range from 29,000 to 179,000 Bq/m3, and total concentrations of chlorinated solvents ranged from 0.06 to 17.77 mg/l, indicating the ambiguous results of 222Rn for tracing the residual DNAPL sources. In this paper, a method is presented to locate zones with a high probability of containing depth-discrete residual multiple DNAPL sources using 222Rn and considering relative contaminant concentrations. The results demonstrate that the combination of the 222Rn activities as a natural tracer and the relative contaminant concentrations is able to be used as a useful tool for tracing residual DNAPLs.