Multicomponent NAPL composition dynamics and risk

Catherine Anne Peters, Paula A. Labieniec, Christopher D. Knightes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical simulation of multicomponent non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) dissolution and biodegradation. The model system is a liquid-liquid system consisting of water and a NAPL that is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The dynamic processes include dissolution from the NAPL phase, biodegradation in the aqueous phase, and flushing in the aqueous phase. The model was applied to describe composition dynamics in a NAPL containing seventeen soluble compounds and a stable fraction, and uses a numerical solution procedure to solve a system of 36 coupled differential equations. Parameters describing biodegradation and mass transfer kinetics were estimated from literature data. Simulation results demonstrate the dependence of aqueous concentrations on NAPL composition dynamics, and the resulting interdependence of PAH behavior. Thirty year time-averaged aqueous concentrations were used to estimate carcinogenic risk associated with ingestion of the contaminated water. Only during the first five years do the lower molecular weight compounds contribute significantly to risk, after which the risk is dominated by compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNon-Aqueous Phase Liquids (NAPLs) in Subsurface Environment
Subtitle of host publicationAssessment and Remediation
PublisherASCE
Pages681-692
Number of pages12
StatePublished - Dec 1 1996
EventProceedings of the 1996 Specialty Conference - Washington, DC, USA
Duration: Nov 12 1996Nov 14 1996

Other

OtherProceedings of the 1996 Specialty Conference
CityWashington, DC, USA
Period11/12/9611/14/96

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multicomponent NAPL composition dynamics and risk'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this