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Pollutant Partitioning

Pollutant Partitioning. Theodore G. Cleveland Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Houston. Introduction. This laboratory qualitatively explores the partitioning behavior of different pollutants in water and soil.

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Pollutant Partitioning

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  1. Pollutant Partitioning Theodore G. Cleveland Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Houston

  2. Introduction • This laboratory qualitatively explores the partitioning behavior of different pollutants in water and soil. • Three non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) with distinctive colors and different properties are used.

  3. Background • Many cases of pollution involve chemicals dissolved or suspended in water. • Suspended pollutants only partially mix in water (like oil + vinegar) • Dissolved pollutants completely mix in water (like sugar+water).

  4. Suspended Pollutants • Pollutants added to water are suspended as small distinct drops. • In time, may separate back into two parts

  5. Dissolved Pollutants • Pollutants added to water are completely mixed and become “part” of the water

  6. Fate of Pollutants • The pollutants can either stay in water, or stick to soil. • The difference in behavior affects how engineers treat the water and soil to control pollution.

  7. Adsorbtion • Certain pollutants prefer to stick to soil instead of remain in water. • A good predictor of this behavior is the solubility of the pollutant • Low solubility: (like suspended pollutants) stick to soil. • High solubility: (like dissolved pollutants) stay in water.

  8. Partitioning • The amount of a pollutant in different environments (water or solid) is called partitioning. • If the pollutant sticks to soil we say it has partitioned onto the soil phase (a small amount always remains in the water phase).

  9. Mobility • Water flowing through soil may transfer the pollutants to the soil.

  10. Environmental Impact • Impact depends on distance from source of pollution to receptor A B C D

  11. Impact Assessment • Samples are used to determine how much pollutant remains in the water • What would the samples look like if pollutant does not stick to soil? Safe level C A B D

  12. Laboratory Exercise: Part 1 • Water Solubility • Determine which pollutants (red,green,blue) are soluble in water. • Rank the pollutants in order of increasing solubility.

  13. Laboratory Exercise: Part 2 • Sorbtion to sand • Determine which of the soluble pollutants adsborb (stick) to sand. • Rank the pollutants in order of increasing mobility.

  14. Interpretation of Results • Which pollutant would be the most mobile in the environment? • Which pollutant would reach a “safe level” in the shortest distance?

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