Application of a discontinuous permeable adsorptive barrier for aquifer remediation. A comparison with a continuous adsorptive barrier. Issue 48 (20th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santonastaso, G.F.; Bortone, I.; Chianese, S.; Erto, A.; Di Nardo, A.; Di Natale, M.; Musmarra, D.
• Is Part Of: Desalination and water treatment. Volume 57:Issue 48/49(2016)
• Page Start: 23372
• Page End: 23381
• Publication Date: 2016-10-20
• Subjects: Permeable adsorptive barriers (PAB) -- Passive wells -- Adsorption -- Groundwater remediation; Saline water conversion -- Periodicals; Saline water conversion; Water -- Purification; Periodicals; 628.167
• DOI: 10.1080/19443994.2015.1130921
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-3994

Abstract

Abstract: This work presents an innovative configuration of a permeable adsorptive barrier (PAB) for the in situ remediation of benzene-contaminated groundwater in the area of Naples (Italy). A PAB is a type of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) made with adsorbing materials (e.g. activated carbon). This particular PAB is a discontinuous permeable adsorptive barrier (PAB-D), consisting in an array of deep passive adsorptive wells whose hydraulic conductivity is higher than the surrounding soil. The design was based on COMSOL Multi-physics ® simulations, which allow for the description of pollutant transport in groundwater and adsorption onto the barrier by means of a 2D model solved using a finite element approach. Based on a hydrological and geotechnical characterization of the entire polluted aquifer, the design and optimization of PAB-D parameters (location, orientation, number of wells and dimensions) were defined. The influence of hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity on the total number of wells for a complete aquifer remediation was investigated. Finally, a comparison with a continuous barrier (PAB-C), i.e. a wall of adsorptive material, in terms of total adsorbing material needed, is presented.