Coal tar recovery using enhanced 'pump‐and‐treat'. Issue 12 (24th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kostarelos, Konstantinos; Yoon, Sungho; Lee, Kenneth Y.
• Is Part Of: Journal of chemical technology & biotechnology. Volume 88:Issue 12(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 2252
• Page End: 2263
• Publication Date: 2013-05-24
• Subjects: coal tar -- surfactant -- soil treatment -- nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) -- ground water pollution -- soil remediation; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Technical -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Industries -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/jctb.4097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-2575

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most experts acknowledge that low aqueous solubility results in low mass recovery rates using pump‐and‐treat (P&T), making such systems ineffective for coal tar (a multi‐component NAPL) recovery. It is proposed to increase the apparent aqueous solubility of coal tar by orders of magnitude as an enhancement to conventional P&T schemes (or 'P&T–E'), increasing coal tar recovery rates, reducing the pore volumes and time required for complete recovery, thus translating into cost savings . RESULTS: Batch test results of aqueous solutions containing anionic surfactant, co‐solvent, and electrolyte are presented that were studied for both compatibility with a field‐obtained coal tar and effectiveness at solubilizing the coal tar above its aqueous solubility. Seven surfactants were tested at room temperature (23C) in aqueous solutions containing the surfactant with co‐solvents and electrolytes. The most promising surfactant solution solubilized upwards of 40 000 mg L −1 coal tar. A 1–D column test resulted in 97% recovery using the promising surfactant . CONCLUSIONS: P&T–E could significantly increase coal tar solubility without causing the formation of a rate‐limiting, solid‐like film and offers a promising approach for the remediation of coal tar from the subsurface. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry