Controlled release, blind tests of DNAPL characterization using partitioning tracers

The partitioning tracer technique for dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) characterization was evaluated in an isolated test cell, in which controlled releases of perchloroethylene (PCE) had occurred. Four partitioning tracer tests were conducted, two using an inverted, double five-spot pumping pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of contaminant hydrology 2002-12, Vol.59 (3), p.187-210
Main Authors: Brooks, Michael C, Annable, Michael D, Rao, P.Suresh C, Hatfield, Kirk, Jawitz, James W, Wise, William R, Wood, A.Lynn, Enfield, Carl G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcohols - chemistry
DNAPL
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Environmental Pollution
Exact sciences and technology
Fresh Water
Groundwater
Hydrogeology
Hydrology. Hydrogeology
Partitioning tracer
Perchloroethylene
Pollution, environment geology
Site characterization
Soil
Tetrachloroethylene - chemistry
Tracer test
Water Pollutants, Chemical
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Summary:The partitioning tracer technique for dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) characterization was evaluated in an isolated test cell, in which controlled releases of perchloroethylene (PCE) had occurred. Four partitioning tracer tests were conducted, two using an inverted, double five-spot pumping pattern, and two using vertical circulation wells. Two of the four tests were conducted prior to remedial activities, and two were conducted after. Each test was conducted as a “blind test” where researchers conducting the partitioning tracer tests had no knowledge of the volume, method of release, nor resulting spatial distribution of DNAPL. Multiple partitioning tracers were used in each test, and the DNAPL volume estimates varied significantly within each test based on the different partitioning tracers. The tracers with large partitioning coefficients generally predicted a smaller volume of PCE than that expected based on the actual release volume. However, these predictions were made for low DNAPL saturations (average saturation was approximately 0.003), under conditions near the limits of the method's application. Furthermore, there were several factors that may have hindered prediction accuracy, including tracer degradation and remedial fluid interference.
ISSN:0169-7722
1873-6009
DOI:10.1016/S0169-7722(02)00057-8