es026297d_si_001.pdf (96.55 kB)
Application of Waves for Remediation of Contaminated Aquifers
journal contribution
posted on 2003-08-28, 00:00 authored by Amit Gross, Alexey Besov, Damiana Diaz Reck, Shaul Sorek, Gabi Ben-Dor, Alexander Britan, Eugene PalchikovA theory developed suggested that significant displacement
of solute in saturated porous media results from the
propagation of compression waves. Four independent one-dimensional experimental setups and a variety of laboratory
methods were used to confirm the predictions of the
theory, specifically aimed at developing a novel method
of inducing compression waves for use in remediation of
contaminated aquifers. Compaction and shock waves were
emitted through granular porous media saturated with
saline water. The changes in solute concentration at
observation points along the propagating wave were used
to verify the validity of theory. The first setup was
designed mainly to provide a qualitative assessment (i.e.,
changes in pressure due to the propagating wave were not
recorded). In situ quantitative measurements of the
pressure and electrical conductivity profiles along a sand
column were done with the second and third experimental
setups, respectively, to short and long shock waves. In the
fourth setup, solute displacement was visualized by
X-ray absorption. The findings were consistent with the
theory in all experimental setups.