Field demonstration of foam injection to confine a chlorinated solvent source zone

• Published in: Journal of contaminant hydrology 2018-07, Vol.214, p.16-23
• Main Authors: Portois, Clément, Essouayed, Elyess, Annable, Michael D., Guiserix, Nathalie, Joubert, Antoine, Atteia, Olivier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chlorinated solvents; DNAPL containment; Foam; Groundwater; In situ
• ISSN: 0169-7722; 1873-6009
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2018.04.003

A novel approach using foam to manage hazardous waste was successfully demonstrated under active site conditions. The purpose of the foam was to divert groundwater flow, that would normally enter the source zone area, to reduce dissolved contaminant release to the aquifer. During the demonstration, foam was pre generated and directly injected surrounding the chlorinated solvent source zone. Despite the constraints related to the industrial activities and non-optimal position of the injection points, the applicability and effectiveness of the approach have been highlighted using multiple metrics. A combination of measurements and modelling allowed definition of the foam extent surrounding each injection point, and this appears to be the critical metric to define the success of the foam injection approach. Information on the transport of chlorinated solvents in groundwater showed a decrease of contaminant flux by a factor of 4.4 downstream of the confined area. The effective permeability reduction was maintained over a period of three months. The successful containment provides evidence for consideration of the use of foam to improve traditional flushing techniques, by increasing the targeting of contaminants by remedial agents. [Display omitted] •Surfactant foam allowed hydraulic conductivity reduction over a factor of 100.•Source zone containment was proved by measuring a flux reduction (factor 4.4) downstream.•Foam persistence was measured over 3 months.