Effects of co-solvents on the partition coefficient of hydrophobic organic compounds
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Date
1993-03
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) pose a major threat to aqueous systems. The tendency for HOCs to sorb onto soil organic matter makes them less accessible for remediation with traditional pump and treat techniques. As a result, many "treated" aquifers remain contaminated after their purported remediation. The addition of alcohol solvents into the aqueous system can enhance the movement of the HOCs. Isotherm batch experiments were used to find values of the equilibrium partition coefficient for the commonly found HOCs through the following relationship, Cs= KpCe where Cs and Ce are the equilibrium solid phase and liquid phase concentrations respectively. The results of our experiments show that there is a definite increase in solution phase concentration (i.e. decrease in Kp of the organic compounds when the methanol concentration in the solution phase was increased. Thus, we believe methanol can be used as an additive to enhance the removal of HOCs from tainted aquifers.