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2007 Ground Water Summit |
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 : 8:20 a.m.
State of the Art Research on the Processes Controlling the Dissolution of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids in Fractured Media
This paper presents a review of the processes that control the dissolution of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) in fractured porous media. The behavior of this type of contaminant in fractured systems is poorly understood, yet it is very important for understanding contaminant transport processes and for design of in situ remedial systems. Dissolution occurs as contaminants are converted from the DNAPL phase to the aqueous phase within the fracture system. Dissolution is controlled my many chemical and physical properties of the system in question. The purpose of this analysis is to summarize peer-reviewed research that has been completed to investigate the dissolution behavior of DNAPL in fractured systems, during both natural groundwater flow and active remediation. Of the papers reviewed, seven discuss the physical and chemical processes governing DNAPL dissolution. Three of the reviewed papers perform analysis on a experimental system containing a single fracture. Eleven papers analyze DNAPL behavior in a network containing multiple fractures. Dissolution aided by remediation agents was presented in several articles; however, none specifically dealt with fracture dissolution. Eleven articles featured models designed to simulate dissolution processes in fractures. Research conducted on fracture dissolution was performed in various artificial fractured media, including: a beaded glass matrix, parallel glass plates, etched glass plates, Plexiglas block matrix, and limestone brick matrix. The ideas, data, and results compiled in this literature review will be used to discuss the current state of the art of DNAPL dissolution in fractured rock, and to identify future research needs.
Jared D. King, Colorado School of Mines M.S. Candidate, Environmental Science and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines; B.S. Environmental Science, University of New Mexico, 2006.
Charles E. Schaefer, Ph.D., Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. Ph.D. Hydrogeology, Stanford 1998