Partitioning of Ethoxylated Nonionic Surfactants in Water/Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) Systems: Effects of Surfactant and NAPL Properties
EPA Grant Number: U915568Title: Partitioning of Ethoxylated Nonionic Surfactants in Water/Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) Systems: Effects of Surfactant and NAPL Properties
Investigators: Cowell, Matthew A.
Institution: University of Michigan
EPA Project Officer: Thompson, Delores
Project Period: August 1, 1999 through August 1, 2002
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999)
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Chemistry and Materials Science , Engineering and Environmental Chemistry
Description:
Objective:The goal of this research project is to develop an understanding of the effects of surfactant and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) properties on surfactant partitioning in water/NAPL systems.
Approach:Batch equilibrium experiments were conducted to examine the effect of surfactant and NAPL properties on the partitioning of nonionic surfactants between different aqueous and non-aqueous phases. Ethoxylated nonionic surfactants with different chemical structures and mixture distributions were used coupled with NAPLs covering a wide range of NAPL/water interfacial tensions.
Expected Results:Because surfactants are amphiphilic molecules that have a finite solubility in aqueous phases and NAPL, partitioning between the two phases is expected.
Supplemental Keywords:surfactant partitioning, surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation. , Water, Scientific Discipline, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, aquifer flushing, chemical composition, surfactants, aquifer remediation design, NAPLs