Overview of Natural Source Zone Depletion: Processes,Controlling Factors,and Composition Change

Natural source zone depletion (NSZD) has emerged as a practical alternative for restoration of light non‐aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) sites that are in the later stages of their remediation lifecycle. Due to significant research, the NSZD conceptual model has evolved dramatically in recent years, and methanogenesis is now accepted as a dominant attenuation process (e.g., Lundegard and Johnson 2006 ; Ng et al. 2015 ). Most of the methane is generated within the pore space adjacent to LNAPL (Ng et al. 2015 ) from where it migrates through the unsaturated zone (e.g., Amos and Mayer 2006 ), where it is oxidized. While great progress has been made, there are still some important gaps in our understanding of NSZD. NSZD measurements provide little insight on which constituents are actually degrading; it is unclear which rate‐limiting factors that can be manipulated to increase NSZD rates; and how longevity of the bulk LNAPL and its key constituents can be predicted. Various threads of literature were pursued to shed light on some of the questions listed above. Several processes that may influence NSZD or its measurement were identified: temperature, inhibition from acetate buildup, protozoa predation, presence of electron acceptors, inhibition from volatile hydrocarbons, alkalinity/pH, and the availability of nutrients can all affect methanogenesis rates, while factors such as moisture content and soil type can influence its measurement. The methanogenic process appears to have a sequenced utilization of the constituents or chemical classes present in the LNAPL due to varying thermodynamic feasibility, biodegradability, and effects of inhibition, but the bulk NSZD rate appears to remain quasi‐zero order. A simplified version of the reactive transport model presented by Ng et al. 2015 has the potential to be a useful tool for predicting the longevity of key LNAPL constituents or chemical fractions, and of bulk LNAPL, but more work is needed to obtain key input parameters such as chemical classes and their biodegradation rates and any potential inhibitions.     

Comparing Natural Source Zone Depletion Pathways at a Fuel Release Site

Natural source zone depletion (NSZD) refers to processes within chemically impacted vadose and saturated zones that reduce the mass of contaminants remaining in a defined source control volume. Studies of large petroleum hydrocarbon release sites have shown that the depletion rate by vapor phase migration of degradation products from the source control volume through the vadose zone (V‐NSZD) is often considerably higher than the rate of depletion from the source control volume by groundwater flow carrying dissolved petroleum hydrocarbons arising from dissolution, desorption, or back diffusion, and degradation products arising from biodegradation (GW‐NSZD). In this study, we quantified vadose zone and GW‐NSZD at a small unpaved fuel release site in California typical of those in settings with predominantly low permeability media. We estimated vadose zone using a dense network of efflux monitoring locations at four sampling events over 2 years, and GW‐NSZD using groundwater monitoring data downgradient of the source control volume in three depth intervals spanning up to 9 years. On average, vadose zone was 17 times greater than GW‐NSZD during the time interval of comparison, and vadose zone was in the range of rates quantified at other sites with petroleum hydrocarbon releases. Estimating vadose zone and GW‐NSZD rates is challenging but the vadose zone rate is the best indicator of overall source mass depletion, whereas GW‐NSZD rates may be useful as baselines to quantify progress of natural or engineered remediation in portions of the saturated zone in which there are impediments to loss of methane and other gases to the vadose zone.     

Thermal Monitoring of Natural Source Zone Depletion

Natural depletion of subsurface petroleum liquids releases energy in the form of heat. The rate of natural source zone depletion (NSZD) can be derived from subsurface temperature data. An energy balance is performed to resolve NSZD‐generated energy in terms of W/m². Biodegradation rates are resolved by dividing the NSZD energy by the heat of reaction in joules/mol. Required temperature data are collected using data loggers, wireless connections, and automated data storage and analysis. Continuous thermal resolution of monthly NSZD rates at a field site indicates that apparent monthly NSZD rates vary through time, ranging from 10,000 to 77,000 L/ha/year. Temporal variations in observed apparent NSZD rates are attributed to processes governing the conversion of CH₄ to CO₂, as opposed to the actual rates of NSZD. Given a year or more of continuous NSZD rate data, it is anticipated that positive and negative biases in apparent NSZD rates will average out, and averaged apparent NSZD rates will converge to true NSZD rates. An 8.4% difference between average apparent NSZD rates over a 31‐month period using the thermal monitoring method and seven rounds of CO₂ efflux measurements using CO₂ traps supports the validity of both CO₂ trap and thermal monitoring methods. A promising aspect of thermal monitoring methods is that continuous data provide a rigorous approach to resolving the true mean NSZD rates as compared to temporally sparse CO₂ trap NSZD rate measurements. Overall, a vision is advanced of real‐time sensor‐based groundwater monitoring that can provide better data at lower costs and with greater safety, security, and sustainability.     

LNAPL Recovery Endpoints: Lessons Learnt Through Modeling,Experiments, and Field Trials

It is important to estimate what light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) recovery can be practicably achieved from subsurface environments. Over the last decade, research to address this included a broad field program, laboratory measurements and experimentation, and modeling approaches. Here, we consolidate key findings from the research in the context of current literature and understanding, with a focus on a well-validated, multiphase multicomponent modeling approach to achieve estimates of reasonable endpoints for LNAPL recovery. Simple analytical models can provide approximate saturation distributions and estimates of LNAPL recoverability via transmissivity approximation, but are insufficient to predict LNAPL saturation- and composition-based recovery endpoints for various recovery technologies. This is because they cannot account for multiphase, multicomponent fate and transport and key processes such as hysteresis. Recent advances to improve estimates of the fraction of recoverable LNAPL and its transmissivity are summarized. These advances include further development and application of a well-validated model to characterize active LNAPL recovery endpoints. We present key factors that affect the determination of LNAPL recovery endpoints, and outline how recovery endpoints are affected by natural source zone depletion (NSZD—currently gaining acceptance as a LNAPL remediation option). Major factors include geo-physical characteristics of the formation, magnitude of an LNAPL release and partitioning properties of the key LNAPL constituents of concern. Based on the capabilities of the validated model, the paper also provides a basis to optimize LNAPL recovery efforts.     

Influence of Ambient Temperature,Precipitation, and Groundwater Level on Natural Source Zone Depletion Rates at a Large Semiarid LNAPL Site

Natural source zone depletion (NSZD) is increasingly being integrated into management strategies for petroleum release sites. Measurements of NSZD rates can be used to evaluate naturally occurring hydrocarbon (HC) mass losses, and provide a baseline for evaluating engineered recovery systems. Here, nominal saturated and unsaturated zone HC losses were quantified by groundwater sampling and ground surface CO₂ effluxes approximately monthly over a 1-year period. In addition, subsurface gas profiles and temperature, precipitation, and groundwater elevation were evaluated to elucidate dominant environmental factors controlling NSZD rates. Results showed that NSZD rates estimated by surface CO₂ effluxes were, on average, more than a factor of 3 greater than those estimated by uptake of electron acceptors (primarily sulfate) in extracted groundwater. This may indicate that vadose zone mass loss mechanisms (e.g., volatilization and subsequent biodegradation) were dominant in this system, but possible transfer of gases from the saturated zone to the vadose zone confounds this interpretation. Results for this semiarid site revealed that increasing NSZD rates tended to occur with increasing ambient monthly precipitation and temperature when accounting for time lags associated with subsurface transport. However, groundwater elevation was not found to be significantly related to NSZD rates. This result is counter to an expectation that increased smear zone exposure increases HC mass losses, and suggests that the pump-and-treat system did not greatly influence total NSZD rates directly through smear zone flushing or indirectly by lowering the regional water table.     

Measurement of LNAPL flow using single-well tracer dilution techniques

This paper describes the use of single-well tracer dilution techniques to resolve the rate of light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) flow through wells and the adjacent geologic formation. Laboratory studies are presented in which a fluorescing tracer is added to LNAPL in wells. An in-well mixer keeps the tracer well mixed in the LNAPL. Tracer concentrations in LNAPL are measured through time using a fiber optic cable and a spectrometer. Results indicate that the rate of tracer depletion is proportional to the rate of LNAPL flow through the well and the adjacent formation. Tracer dilution methods are demonstrated for vertically averaged LNAPL Darcy velocities of 0.00048 to 0.11 m/d and LNAPL thicknesses of 9 to 24 cm. Over the range of conditions studied, results agree closely with steady-state LNAPL flow rates imposed by pumping. A key parameter for estimating LNAPL flow rates in the formation is the flow convergence factor alpha. Measured convergence factors for 0.030-inch wire wrap, 0.030-inch-slotted polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and 0.010-inch-slotted PVC are 1.7, 0.91, and 0.79, respectively. In addition, methods for using tracer dilution data to determine formation transmissivity to LNAPL are presented. Results suggest that single-well tracer dilution techniques are a viable approach for measuring in situ LNAPL flow and formation transmissivity to LNAPL.     

Petroleum NAPL Depletion Estimates and Selection of Marker Constituents from Compositional Analysis

Spills and releases of hydrocarbons may result in zones of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL) within soils and groundwater. The NAPL will change, or “weather” over time due to a range of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Hydrocarbon constituents in environmental samples collected from NAPL-impacted groundwater wells, sediments, or soils vary in composition over time due to weathering. The changing composition can be used to estimate mass depletion rates and trends for the bulk NAPL and for individual constituent chemicals relative to marker constituents which are less susceptible to weathering. Methods for the selection of marker constituents and for quantitatively and conservatively estimating NAPL depletion rates and trends over time are shown. Estimates are included for two sites with different NAPL mixtures present (crude oil and gasoline/diesel-range product), for which depletion of half the initial total NAPL is estimated at 13.6 ± 2.9 years and 7.3 ± 1.8 years respectively, and with no active NAPL remediation at either site. Similar methods for oil or NAPL depletion estimates have often relied on a prior-identified suite of presumed-conserved marker constituents. The method presented here includes steps which identify the best set of analyzed candidate marker constituents in a NAPL mixture. This can confirm prior-selected markers but is particularly useful for NAPL mixtures in which no prior-identified marker constituents are present.     

Use of Single‐Well Tracer Dilution Tests to Evaluate LNAPL Flux at Seven Field Sites

Petroleum liquids, referred to as light non‐aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), are commonly found beneath petroleum facilities. Concerns with LNAPLs include migration into clean soils, migration beyond property boundaries, and discharges to surface water. Single‐well tracer dilution techniques were used to measure LNAPL fluxes through 50 wells at 7 field sites. A hydrophobic tracer was mixed into LNAPL in a well. Intensities of fluorescence associated with the tracer were measured over time using a spectrometer and a fiber optic cable. LNAPL fluxes were estimated using observed changes in the tracer concentrations over time. Measured LNAPL fluxes range from 0.006 to 2.6 m/year with a mean and median of 0.15 and 0.064 m/year, respectively. Measured LNAPL fluxes are two to four orders of magnitude smaller than a common groundwater flux of 30 m/year. Relationships between LNAPL fluxes and possible governing parameters were evaluated. Observed LNAPL fluxes are largely independent of LNAPL thickness in wells. Natural losses of LNAPL through dissolution, evaporation, and subsequent biodegradation, were estimated using a simple mass balance, measured LNAPL fluxes in wells, and an assumed stable LNAPL extent. The mean and median of the calculated loss rates were found to be 24.0 and 5.0 m³/ha/year, respectively. Mean and median losses are similar to values reported by others. Coupling observed LNAPL fluxes to observed rates of natural LNAPL depletion suggests that natural losses of LNAPL may be an important parameter controlling the overall extent of LNAPL bodies.     

Measurement of Natural Losses of LNAPL Using CO2 Traps

Efflux of CO₂ above releases of petroleum light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) has emerged as a critical parameter for resolving natural losses of LNAPLs and managing LNAPL sites. Current approaches for resolving CO₂ efflux include gradient, flux chamber, and mass balance methods. Herein a new method for measuring CO₂ efflux above LNAPL bodies, referred to as CO₂ traps, is introduced. CO₂ traps involve an upper and a lower solid phase sorbent elements that convert CO₂ gas into solid phase carbonates. The sorbent is placed in an open vertical section of 10 cm ID polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe located at grade. The lower sorbent element captures CO₂ released from the subsurface via diffusion and advection. The upper sorbent element prevents atmospheric CO₂ from reaching the lower sorbent element. CO₂ traps provide integral measurement of CO₂ efflux based over the period of deployment, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Favorable attributes of CO₂ traps include simplicity, generation of integral (time averaged) measurement, and a simple means of capturing CO₂ for carbon isotope analysis. Results from open and closed laboratory experiments indicate that CO₂ traps quantitatively capture CO₂. Results from the deployment of 23 CO₂ traps at a former refinery indicate natural loss rates of LNAPL (measured in the fall, likely concurrent with high soil temperatures and consequently high degradation rates) ranging from 13,400 to 130,000 liters per hectare per year (L/Ha/year). A set of field triplicates indicates a coefficient of variation of 18% (resulting from local spatial variations and issues with measurement accuracy).     

Identification and Assessment of Confined and Perched LNAPL Conditions

Although confined and perched light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) have previously been recognized, the majority of technical LNAPL literature focuses on unconfined LNAPL. Little information exists regarding the appropriate use of LNAPL distribution and transmissivity data to distinguish between confined, perched, and unconfined LNAPL hydrogeological scenarios. This paper describes three case histories that illustrate how the observed behavior of LNAPL can be used to identify the hydrogeologic condition of LNAPL at a given site and improved methods for calculating LNAPL drawdown based on these hydrogeologic conditions. The assessment methodology uses routinely available data such as fluid gauging, boring lo, laser‐induced fluorescence, visual observations of soil cores, and LNAPL baildown testing. Identification of the correct LNAPL hydrogeologic condition results in more accurate LNAPL conceptual site models, improved estimates of LNAPL recovery rates and volumes, more appropriate technology applications, and improved accuracy of LNAPL remediation metrics such as LNAPL transmissivity.     

A Mass Balance Approach to Resolving LNAPL Stability

This article explores the hypothesis that natural losses of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) through dissolution and evaporation can control the overall extent of LNAPL bodies and LNAPL fluxes observed within LNAPL bodies. First, a proof‐of‐concept sand tank experiment is presented. An LNAPL (methyl tert‐butyl ether) was injected into a sand tank at five constant injection rates that were increased stepwise. Initially, for each injection rate the LNAPL bodies expanded quickly. With time the rate of expansion of the LNAPL bodies slowed and at extended times the extent of the LNAPL became constant. Attainment of a stable LNAPL extent is attributed to rates of LNAPL addition being equal to rates of LNAPL losses through dissolution and evaporation. Secondly, analytical solutions are developed to extrapolate the processes observed in the proof‐of‐concept experiment to dimensions and time frames that are consistent with field‐scale LNAPL bodies. Three LNAPL body geometries that are representative of common field conditions are considered including one‐dimensional, circular, and oblong shapes. Using idealized conditions, the solutions describe volumetric LNAPL fluxes as a function of position in LNAPL bodies and the overall extent of LNAPL bodies as a function of time. Results from both the proof‐of‐concept experiment and the mathematical developments illustrate that natural losses of LNAPL can play an important role in governing LNAPL fluxes within LNAPL bodies and the overall extent of LNAPL bodies.     

Comparative Evaluation of Single‐Well LNAPL Tracer Testing at Five Sites

Light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) tracer testing is a technique used to directly measure LNAPL flow in situ and evaluate LNAPL mobility and recoverability. The test method consists of adding a fluorescent oil‐soluble tracer to LNAPL within a well, isolating small volumes of LNAPL with known tracer concentrations for use as in‐well calibration standards, and measuring the rate of tracer concentration decline in the well over time. The test measures LNAPL flux through the well, which is directly related to LNAPL mobility and recoverability in the surrounding formation. Test results for a total of 29 wells at five sites are presented. Results from LNAPL tracer testing were comparable to results obtained through other methods, and the method offers a time‐averaged result measured over a relatively long period, in ambient conditions, and reflects the influences of heterogeneity and hydraulic changes. In some cases, tracer concentration decline followed unexpected patterns, and these data have led to a better understanding of test assumptions, mechanisms influencing tracer distribution, and options to improve test execution and data interpretation. Method improvements developed over the course of the field studies included refinement of pre‐test screening of LNAPL fluorescence and improvements to measurement equipment. Overall, the field studies confirmed the technical validity and usefulness of the LNAPL tracing technique to support LNAPL mobility and recoverability assessments.     

LNAPL Distribution in a Cohesionless Soil: A Field Investigation and Cryogenic Sampler

Lighter-than-water Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs), such as jet fuels or gasolines, are common contaminants of soils and ground water. However, the total volume and distribution of an LNAPL is difficult to accurately determine during a site investigation. LNAPL that is entrapped in the saturated zone due to fluctuating water table conditions is particularly difficult to quantify. Yet, the amount of entrapped product in the saturated zone is theoretically higher, per volume of soil, than the residual product in the unsaturated zone, and small amounts of LNAPL in the saturated zone can contaminate large volumes of ground water.
The only method currently available to quantify the amount of LNAPL is direct soil-core sampling combined with laboratory analysis of the fluid extracted from the soil cores. However, direct sampling of saturated ground water systems with conventional samplers presents a number of problems. In this study, a new sampler was developed that can be used to retrieve undisturbed soil and pore fluid samples from below the water table in cohesionless soils. The sampler uses carbon dioxide to cool the bottom of a saturated soil sample in situ to near freezing. Results of a field study where a prototype sampler was tested demonstrate the usefulness of a cryogenic sampler and show that the amount of LNAPL entrapped below the water table can be a significant part of the total LNAPL in the soil.     

LNAPL Volume Calculation: Parameter Estimation by Nonlinear Regression of Saturation Profiles

An estimation of the volume of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) is often required during site assessment, remedial design, or litigation. LNAPL volume can be estimated by a strictly empirical approach whereby core samples, distributed throughout the vertical and lateral extent of LNAPL, are analyzed for LNAPL content, and these data are then integrated to compute a volume. Alternatively, if the LNAPL has obtained vertical equilibrium, the thickness of LNAPL in monitoring wells can be used to calculate of LNAPL in monitoring wells can be used to calculate LNAPL volume at the well locations if appropriate soil and LNAPL properties can be estimated.
A method is described for estimating key soil and LNAPL properties by nonlinear regression of vertical profiles of LNAPL saturation. The methods is relatively fast, cost effective, and amenable to quantitative analysis of uncertainty. Optionally, the method allows statistical determination of best-fit values for the Van Genuchten capillary parameters (n, α_oil-water and α_oil-air), residual water saturation and ANAPL density. The sensitivity of the method was investigated by fitting field LNAPL saturation profiles and then determining the variation in misfit (mean square residual) as a function of parameter value for each parameter. Using field data from a sandy aquifer, the fitting statistics were found to be highly sensitive to LNAPL density, α_oil-water and α_oil-air moderately sensitive to the Van Genuchten n value, and weakly sensitive to residual water saturation. The regression analysis also provides information that can be used to estimate uncertainty in the estimated parameters, which can then be used to estimate uncertainty in calculated values of specific volume.     

An Approach for Passive Removal of Residual LNAPL from Groundwater

Light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are a problematic challenge for obtaining site closure or no further action remediation sites. The source of the LNAPLs varies from leaking underground petroleum storage tanks, to manufacturing facilities where oil leaks create LNAPL accumulations beneath factory floors. Active recovery using pumping or periodic vacuum recovery from wells or sumps is used for remediation, but usually has disappointing results when LNAPL reaccumulates to thicknesses exceeding the 0.01-foot action level recognized by many states. This paper presents a simple passive approach for recovering persistent LNAPL using nonwoven hydrophobic oil absorbing cloth. The method used laboratory trials to assess physical properties of the cloth. Parameters observed and assessed included sorptive capacity and rate, buoyancy, and LNAPL wicking. It was determined that the cloth could be rolled and secured with cable ties for placement in the wells/sumps. Two placement designs were developed, one where rolled sorbent freely floated on the well/sump fluid surface and a second where the sorbent roll was placed in the fluid column at a fixed depth. Sorbents were then used at two manufacturing facilities where LNAPLs persisted for decades. In both instances, many wells/sumps were reduced to thicknesses below the action level in less than 2 months. In most wells, LNAPL did not reaccumulate. Where it did reaccumulate, it was less than 50% of the original thickness. Using laboratory-derived recovery rates, cloth sorbents could be sized to minimize placement/recovery frequency while effectively recovering LNAPL.     

Measurement of LNAPL Flux Using Single‐Well Intermittent Mixing Tracer Dilution Tests

The stability of subsurface Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs) is a key factor driving expectations for remedial measures at LNAPL sites. The conventional approach to resolving LNAPL stability has been to apply Darcy's Equation. This paper explores an alternative approach wherein single‐well tracer dilution tests with intermittent mixing are used to resolve LNAPL stability. As a first step, an implicit solution for single‐well intermittent mixing tracer dilution tests is derived. This includes key assumptions and limits on the allowable time between intermittent mixing events. Second, single‐well tracer dilution tests with intermittent mixing are conducted under conditions of known LNAPL flux. This includes a laboratory sand tank study and two field tests at active LNAPL recovery wells. Results from the sand tank studies indicate that LNAPL fluxes in wells can be transformed into formation fluxes using corrections for (1) LNAPL thicknesses in the well and formation and (2) convergence of flow to the well. Using the apparent convergence factor from the sand tank experiment, the average error between the known and measured LNAPL fluxes is 4%. Results from the field studies show nearly identical known and measured LNAPL fluxes at one well. At the second well the measured fluxes appear to exceed the known value by a factor of two. Agreement between the known and measured LNAPL fluxes, within a factor of two, indicates that single‐well tracer dilution tests with intermittent mixing can be a viable means of resolving LNAPL stability.     

Free-product plume distribution and recovery modeling prediction in a diesel-contaminated volcanic aquifer

Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) represent one of the most serious problems in aquifers contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons liquids. To design an appropriate remediation strategy it is essential to understand the behavior of the plume. The aim of this paper is threefold: (1) to characterize the fluid distribution of an LNAPL plume detected in a volcanic low-conductivity aquifer (∼0.4 m/day from slug tests interpretation), (2) to simulate the recovery processes of the free-product contamination and (3) to evaluate the primary recovery efficiency of the following alternatives: skimming, dual-phase extraction, Bioslurping and multi-phase extraction wells. The API/Charbeneau analytical model was used to investigate the recovery feasibility based on the geological properties and hydrogeological conditions with a multi-phase (water, air, LNAPL) transport approach in the vadose zone. The modeling performed in this research, in terms of LNAPL distribution in the subsurface, show that oil saturation is 7% in the air–oil interface, with a maximum value of 70% in the capillary fringe. Equilibrium between water and LNAPL phases is reached at a depth of 1.80 m from the air–oil interface. On the other hand, the LNAPL recovery model results suggest a remarkable enhancement of the free-product recovery when simultaneous extra-phase extraction was simulated from wells, in addition to the LNAPL lens. Recovery efficiencies were 27%, 65%, 66% and 67% for skimming, dual-phase extraction, Bioslurping and multi-phase extraction, respectively. During a 3-year simulation, skimmer wells and multi-phase extraction showed the lowest and highest LNAPL recovery rates, with expected values from 207 to 163 and 2305 to 707 l-LNAPL/day, respectively. At a field level we are proposing a well distribution arrangement that alternates pairs of dual-phase well-Bioslurping well. This not only improves the recovery of the free-product plume, but also pumps the dissolve plume and enhances in situ biodegradation in the vadose zone. Thus, aquifer and soil remediation can be achieved at a shorter time. Rough calculations suggest that LNAPL can be recovered at an approximate cost of $6–$10/l.     

轻非水相液体污染过程的高密度电阻率成像法室内监测

为探讨高密度电阻率成像法监测多孔介质中轻非水相液体迁移过程的有效性,本文通过三维砂槽进行了非饱和带中轻非水相液体的污染试验,并利用高密度电阻率成像法进行了同步的动态监测.试验之后,将砂槽层层挖开,通过数码成像,获取了污染区域的实际范围与形状.结果表明,由高密度电阻率成像法圈定的污染区域在范围与形状上都与实际的结果比较接近,并可通过三维电阻率相对值的时间变化明显的看出轻非水相液体的污染过程.这说明利用高密度电阻率成像法对非饱和多孔介质中轻非水相液体的空间分布范围进行圈定并监测其迁移过程是完全可行的.     

Small Purge Method to Sample Vapor from Groundwater Monitoring Wells Screened Across the Water Table

Groundwater monitoring wells are present at most hydrocarbon release sites that are being assessed for cleanup. If screened across the vadose zone, these wells provide an opportunity to collect vapor samples that can be used in the evaluation of vapor movement and biodegradation processes occurring at such sites. This paper presents a low purge volume method (modified after that developed by the U.S. EPA) for sampling vapor from monitoring wells that is easy to implement and can provide an assessment of the soil gas total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and O₂ concentrations at the base of the vadose zone. As a result, the small purge method allows for sampling of vapor from monitoring wells to support petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) risk assessment. The small purge volume method was field tested at the Hal's service station site in Green River, Utah. This site is well‐known for numerous soil gas measurements containing high O₂ and high TPH vapor concentrations in the same samples which is inconsistent with well‐accepted biodegradation models for the vapor pathway. Using the low purge volume method, monitoring wells were sampled over, upgradient, and downgradient of the light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) footprint. Results from our testing at Hal's show that vapor from monitoring wells over LNAPL contained very low O₂ and high TPH concentrations. In contrast, vapor from monitoring wells not over LNAPL contained high O₂ and low TPH concentrations. The results of this study show that a low purge volume method is consistent with biodegradation models especially for sampling at sites where low permeability soils exist in and around a LNAPL source zone.