Successfully applying sparging technologies

Abstract Air sparging is an innovative methodology for remediating organic compounds present in contaminated, saturated soil zones. In the application of the technology, sparging (injection) wells are used to inject a hydrocarbon‐free gaseous medium (typically air) into the saturated zone below or within the areas of contamination. Two major mechanisms of remediation are engaged/enhanced due to the sparging process. First, volatile organic compounds are dissolved in the groundwater and sorbed on the soil partition into the advective air phase, effectively simulating an in‐situ air stripping system. The stripped contaminants are transported in the air phase to the vadose zone, generally within the radius of influence of a standard vapor extraction and vapor treatment system. Second, with optimal environmental conditions, volatile and semivolatile organic compounds may be biodegraded by utilizing the sparging process to oxygenate the groundwater, thereby enhancing the growth and activity of the indigenous bacterial community. Air sparging is a complex multifluid phase process which has been applied successfully in Europe since the mid‐1980s. Major design considerations include site geology, contaminant type, gas injection pressures and flow rates, injection interval (areal and vertical), and site‐specific biofeasibility parameters. Site‐specific geology and biofeasibility are the dominant design parameters. Pilot testing and full‐scale design considerations should also be addressed. Mathematical models have been developed to simulate the air flow field during the sparging process and to examine the limitations imposed by site geology. Correct design and operation of this technology have been demonstrated to achieve groundwater cleanup to low part‐per‐billion contaminant levels. Incorrect design and operation can introduce significant pollution liability through undesirable contaminant migration in both the dissolved and vapor phases.