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Soil Gas Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Contours for Locating Vadose Zone Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Contamination

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Abstract

Diffusion of VOC from cylindrical vadose zone domains contaminatedwith distributed nonaqueous phase liquid is examined in the steadystate approximation. The effects of first-order biodegradation and ofan extended underlying pool of LNAPL floating on the water table belowthe cylindrical domain are explored by means of an orthogonal functionsapproach. The distribution of VOC in the vadose zone above a floatingcircular LNAPL pool of finite size is explored by a numerical method.The results provide information useful in estimating the spacing anddepth at which soil gas samples should be taken in order to detect thepresence of such source areas. Comparison of model results with soilgas VOC measurements at various depths also provides insight into theextent to which natural biodegradation of the VOCs is taking place.

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  1. Eckenfelder Inc., 227 French Landing Drive, Nashville, Tennessee, 37228, U.S.A

    David J. Wilson

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  1. David J. Wilson
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Wilson, D.J. Soil Gas Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Contours for Locating Vadose Zone Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Contamination. Environ Monit Assess 48, 73–100 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005787129436

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005787129436

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