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Controlling Factors Affecting NAPL Residuals in Aquifers Containing Low-Permeability Lens Bodies

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  • Weichao Sun

    (Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
    School of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100086, China
    Key Laboratory of Groundwater Remediation of Hebei Province & China Geological Survey, Shijiazhuang 050083, China)

  • Shuaiwei Wang

    (Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
    Key Laboratory of Groundwater Remediation of Hebei Province & China Geological Survey, Shijiazhuang 050083, China)

  • Lin Sun

    (Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
    Key Laboratory of Groundwater Remediation of Hebei Province & China Geological Survey, Shijiazhuang 050083, China)

Abstract

The presence of residual non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) in low-permeability lens aquifers of ten results in a “tailing” effect, ecological deterioration and poor sustainability, which is a primary factor contributing to remediation failures at NAPL-contaminated sites. This issue is largely due to the poorly understood mechanisms by which NAPL residuals interact with low-permeability lens aquifers. To elucidate these mechanisms, this study conducted a series of column experiments, varying the permeability contrast ( Kmn ), lens sizes ( ϕ ), and hydraulic gradients ( I ). Complementary techniques such as mercury intrusion porosimetry and particle size analysis were employed to characterize the aquifer and lens materials. The data obtained include the residual NAPL saturation ( Sr ), groundwater flow velocity ( V ), pore size distribution, particle size, and gradation under different experimental conditions. Sensitivity analyses using range and variance analyses identified the following order of effect on NAPL residuals in low-permeability lens aquifers: Kmn > ϕ > I . Correlation analyses further suggest that the governing mechanisms are predominantly mediated by changes in the average particle size, macroporosity (pores > 60 μm), mesoporosity (pores = 30~60 μm), and microporosity (pores = 2~30 μm), as well as abrupt changes in pore size at the interface between the lens and the aquifer, in addition to V . This study can provide a theoretical basis for green, low-carbon, and sustainable development, such as pollution remediation and ecological environment security.

Suggested Citation

  • Weichao Sun & Shuaiwei Wang & Lin Sun, 2025. "Controlling Factors Affecting NAPL Residuals in Aquifers Containing Low-Permeability Lens Bodies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3205-:d:1627867
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Heng & Kou, Zuhao & Ji, Zemin & Wang, Shouchuan & Li, Yunfei & Jiao, Zunsheng & Johnson, Matthew & McLaughlin, J. Fred, 2023. "Investigation of enhanced CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers by WAG and brine extraction in the Minnelusa sandstone, Wyoming," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    2. Wang, Heng & Xin, Yuchen & Kou, Zuhao & He, Chunyu & Li, Yunfei & Wang, Tongtong, 2024. "Unveil the role of engineering parameters on hydrogen recovery in deep saline aquifer, Rock Springs Uplift, Wyoming," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
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