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Abstract
Light nonaqueous-phase liquids (LNAPLs) such as gasoline and diesel fuel are among
the most common causes of soil and groundwater contamination. Dissolution and subsequent
advective transport of LNAPL components can negatively impact water supplies, while
biodegradation is thought to be an important sink for this class of contaminants.
We present a laboratory investigation of the effect of a water-table fluctuation on
dissolution and biodegradation of a multi-component LNAPL (85% hexadecane, 5% toluene,
5% ethylbenzene, and 5% 2-methylnapthalene on a molar basis) in a pair of similar
model aquifers (80 cm x 50 cm x 3 cm), one of which was subjected to a water-table
fluctuation. Water-table fluctuation resulted in LNAPL and air entrapment below the
water table, an increase in the vertical extent of the LNAPL source zone (by factor
6.7), and an increase in the volume of water passing through the source zone (by factor
~18). Effluent concentrations of dissolved LNAPL components were substantially higher
and those of dissolved nitrate lower in the model aquifer where a fluctuation had
been induced. Thus, water-table fluctuation led to enhanced biodegradation activity
(28.3 mmol of nitrate consumed compared to 16.3 mmol in the model without fluctuation)
as well as enhanced dissolution of LNAPL components. Despite the increased biodegradation,
fluctuation led to increased elution of dissolved LNAPL components from the system
(by factors 10-20). Hence, water-table fluctuations in LNAPL-contaminated aquifers
might be expected to result in increased exposure of downgradient receptors to LNAPL
components. Accordingly, water-table fluctuations in contaminated aquifers are probably
undesirable unless the LNAPL is of minimal solubility or the dissolved-phase plume
is not expected to reach a receptor due to distance or the presence of some form of
containment.