Mass transfer rate limitation effects on partitioning tracer tests
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2000
Abstract
Partitioning tracer tests are often used to quantify the amount of non- aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) present in a porous medium. Results from such tests are usually interpreted by using models that assume local equilibrium exists between the NAPL and the aqueous phase or by using a moment method to solve for the fraction of the pore space occupied by the NAPL. We investigated the transport of partitioning alcohol tracers through heterogeneous sand porous medium systems containing a stationary trichloroethylene (TCE) phase for a range of aqueous phase velocities. NAPL saturations were quantified using a non-destructive X-ray absorption methodology. Experimental results were simulated using a numerical solution to an advective-dispersive model in which mass transfer between the NAPL and the aqueous phase was approximated using a dual-resistance approach consisting of a boundary layer mass transfer resistance and a diffusional resistance within the NAPL. The numerical model agreed well with the experimental data, and moment analysis yielded reasonable estimates of actual NAPL saturations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
First Page
79
Last Page
97
Recommended Citation
Willson, C., Pau, O., Pedit, J., & Miller, C. (2000). Mass transfer rate limitation effects on partitioning tracer tests. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 45 (1-2), 79-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-7722(00)00120-0