Effects of temperature and moisture content on transport of organic vapours in dual-porosity soil

grantor: University of TorontoIn this study, one-dimensional column experiments were performed to examine vapour transport in an aggregated soil. The impact of various temperature and saturation regimes on transport of methane and toluene were investigated. Water content probes based on time domain reflectometry technology and thermocouple temperature probes were used to monitor moisture content and temperature. Effluent vapour concentrations were measured with a flame ionisation detector. No methane retardation occurred under either moist or dry conditions. Mass transfer of methane between mobile and immobile zones was fast. Retardation of toluene decreased with increasing temperature under both moist and dry conditions. In dry conditions, retardation of toluene was due to sorption to Verilite. In moist conditions, retardation of toluene was due to dissolution of toluene in immobile water. Mass transfer coefficients for toluene increased with temperature and decreased with moisture content.M.A.Sc