Nonadsorptive Retention

Nonadsorptive retention of contaminants may occur when chemicals reach the subsurface as a separate liquid phase or are adsorbed on suspended particles or orgaiuc residues. Contaminated suspended particles originating from sludge disposal or polluted runoff, for example, can represent a substantial hazard to the subsurface environment. 

Element Reported range (mg kg- ) Minimum Maximum Typical median sludge Typical soil 

Nonadsorptive retention of contaminants can also be beneficial. For example, oil droplets in the subsurface are effective in developing a reactive layer or decreasing the permeability of a sandy porous medium. Coulibaly and Borden (2004) describe laboratory and field studies where edible oils were successfully injected into the subsurface, as part of an in-situ permeable reactive barrier. The oil used in the experiment was injected in the subsurface either as a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) or as an oil-in-water emulsion. The oil-in-water emulsion can be distributed through sands without excessive pressure buildup, contrary to NAPL injection, which requires introduction to the subsurface by high pressure. 

Subsurface organisms and organic residues also may affect vertical migration of contaminants. In a laboratory experiment by Tengen et al. (1991), the influence of microbial activity on the migration of Cs+ and the effect of organic matter residue on Cs+ retention were illustrated. These experiments were performed to understand 

The residual content of immiscible liquids can be defined by the amount of NAPL remaining in the subsurface when pore geometry permits NAPL flow greater than the retention capacity. In an outdoor pilot experiment. Fine and Yaron (1993) studied the effect of soil constituents and soil moisture contents on the retention of kerosene in the subsurface. This retention is termed the kerosene residual content (KRC). Ten soils were studied, with a broad spectrum of clay and organic matter contents, together with four soil moisture contents corresponding to oven-dried, air-dried. 

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Nonadsorptive (physical) retention of chemicals in the subsurface has received less attention, despite the fact that significant quantities of contaminants can be retained by processes other than purely adsorptive ones. 

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