Title
In-situ control of DNAPL density using polyaphrons
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2003
Abstract
Once spilled into soils, dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) such as chlorinated solvents migrate deep into the subsurface because of their high density. Their downward migration typically continues until capillary forces balance gravitational forces or until essentially impermeable strata are reached. Efforts to mobilize the DNAPL for remediation purposes risks driving the contaminants deeper, which has spurred research for modifying buoyancy forces in situ. In this paper, a novel means of controlling the density of a DNAPL phase using polyaphrons is presented. Polyaphrons are a class of high internal phase ratio emulsions (HIPREs) that have unusual properties such as indefinite stability and flow properties through porous media. They provide a means of selectively delivering a light organic phase liquid to the vicinity of the DNAPL phase. Upon destabilization of the polyaphron by a polyvalent cation, the light internal phase mixes with the DNAPL to produce a nonaqueous phase of lower density than the original contaminant. The negative buoyancy of the DNAPL can thus be reversed. This approach holds great promise for manipulating DNAPL densities prior to or during remediation treatments.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Environmental science & technology
First Page
4487
Last Page
93
Recommended Citation
Le, Y., Thompson, K. E., Valsaraj, K. T., & Reible, D. D. (2003). In-situ control of DNAPL density using polyaphrons. Environmental science & technology, 37 (19), 4487-93. https://doi.org/10.1021/es034082d