In situ groundwater remediation using air sparging and soil vapor extraction: Development and calibration of a VOC extraction rate model

Air sparging is an innovative technology in which air is injected into the saturated zone so that the VOCs in the liquid phase are partitioned to the vapor phase and the VOC-laden air migrates upward into the unsaturated zone where it is extracted using conventional SVE. To estimate the length of time necessary to remediate contaminated groundwater in a source area, the design engineer must be able to estimate the VOC extraction rate from air sparging. This information can also be used to size the vacuum blower for the SVE system, and estimate the VOC loading of the vapor treatment system. This paper develops and evaluates a proposed and simple mathematical model for the removal of VOCs from groundwater that is being remediated by air sparging. Two case studies will be presented to illustrate the application of the technologies. The first case involves the removal of solvents from soil and ground water in Michigan. The second case involves the removal of gasoline from soil and ground water in New Jersey.