Anaya-Archila, Nelson M.

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    Enhanced trichloroethylene remediation with a polymer-aided alcohol flushing
    (2010) Anaya-Archila, Nelson M.; Hwang, Sangchul; College of Engineering; Padilla Cestero, Ingrid Y.; Segarra, Rafael; Department of Civil Engineering; Shafiq, Basir
    In situ flushing for remediation of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) contaminated soil and groundwater is done by the injection of a solvent solution into the contaminated zone. The system is followed by downstream extraction of a mixture of groundwater, flushing solution and the contaminants for an aboveground treatment. Permeability is the principal cause which the flushing solution moves through a porous medium and, therefore, determines how effective the remediation is. DNAPLs entrapped in low permeable zones are not easily flushed out diminishing overall treatment efficiency. Moreover, residual DNAPLs are released over a long period of time, which makes our health and safety risky. The objective of the research is to evaluate effectiveness of polymers to modify permeability for in situ flushing of DNAPLs in the heterogeneous subsurface setting. Trichloroethylene (TCE) was tested as the target DNAPL compound and 5% methanol was used as the flushing solution. Both biopolymers and synthetic polymers were utilized. The parameters measured were the pressure developed due to polymer injection and the time for flushing, transport extent and concentration of TCE. Different methanol concentrations and flushing modes were also evaluated. Natural soils having dissimilar properties were tested. Results indicated that the biopolymer injection could reverse permeability contrast and thereby increase overall TCE removal.