Using Air Sparging to Clean Contaminated Groundwater
Author Information
Author(s): Jeffrey A. Adams, Krishna R. Reddy, Lue Tekola
Primary Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago
Hypothesis
How does air injection rate affect the removal of dissolved chlorinated solvents from groundwater?
Conclusion
Air sparging can effectively remove dissolved chlorinated solvents like TCE from groundwater, but the process shows a rapid initial removal followed by slower rates.
Supporting Evidence
- Dissolved-phase chlorinated solvents can be effectively removed through the use of air sparging.
- Increased air injection rates will increase the density of air channel formation, resulting in a larger interfacial mass transfer area.
- Rapid initial rates of contaminant removal are followed by a protracted period of lower removal rates, known as a tailing effect.
- Groundwater flow conditions affect the efficiency of contaminant removal during air sparging.
Takeaway
This study shows that blowing air into contaminated groundwater can help clean it up, but it works best at first and then slows down.
Methodology
The study used a two-dimensional aquifer simulation setup to test the effects of different air injection rates and initial contaminant concentrations on TCE removal.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may not fully replicate field conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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