Non-aqueous phase liquid
Non-aqueous phase liquids or NAPLs are liquid solution contaminants that do not dissolve in or easily mix with water (hydrophobic), like oil, gasoline and petroleum products.[1]
NAPLs tend to contaminate soil and groundwaters.[2][3] Many common groundwater contaminants such as chlorinated solvents and many petroleum products enter the subsurface in nonaqueous-phase solutions.[4] They do not mix readily with water and therefore flow separately from ground water.[5]
If the NAPL is denser than water, like trichloroethylene, it is called DNAPL and will tend to sink once it reaches the water table. If it is lighter, like gasoline, it is called LNAPL and will tend to float on the water table. [6] DNAPL penetrates below the water table like ice cubes in a glass of water. [7]
Notes
- ↑ National Research Council, 1994
- ↑ Konečný F, Boháček Z, Müller P, Kovářová and M, Sedláčková (2003). "Contamination of soils and groundwater by petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds..." (PDF). Bulletin of Geosciences. 78 (3): 1214. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
- ↑ Huling, Scott and Weaver, James (1991). "Dense Nonaquieous Liquids" (PDF). Ground Water Issue. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved May 27, 2017.
- ↑ National Research Council, 1993
- ↑ National Research Council, 1997
- ↑ National Research Council, 1997
- ↑ Interstate Regulatory Technology Council, 2015
See also
External links
- Toxic Substances Hydrology Program from the USGS
References
- National Research Council, 1997, Innovations in ground water and soil cleanup--From concept to commercialization: Washington, D.C., National Academies Press, 310 p.
- National Research Council, 1994, Alternatives for ground water cleanup: Washington, D.C., National Academies Press, 315 p.
- National Research Council, 1993, In situ bioremediation--When does it work?: Washington, D.C., National Academies Press, 224 p.