Significance of organic chemical adsorption in soil and groundwater remediation

Abstract

Adsorption of organic chemicals onto soils is affected by a number of factors related to the soil properties, chemical type, and environment. Organic chemical adsorption has significant impact on soil and groundwater cleanup criteria and on the time required for remediation using in situ vapor extraction, bioventing, and biosparging methods. Phase equilibrium relationships will permit specifying the contaminant concentration levels in soil that would prevent groundwater contamination beyond the limits prescribed by provincial regulations. Computer programs that neglect the adsorption effects will significantly underestimate the time required for soil remediation by vapor extraction.

Key words:

• phase equilibrium relationships
• cleanup criteria
• vapor extraction models
• risk assessment.