Characterizing pore-scale morphology of non-aqueous phase liquids using three-dimensional image analysis
Public Deposited- Last Modified
- February 26, 2019
- Creator
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Schaberg, Erin
- Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- Abstract
- Organic immiscible fluids are common subsurface contaminants which may leach into the groundwater supply, posing a threat to human health. The development of effective remediation techniques is dependent upon a thorough understanding of the microscale processes that govern the dissolution of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL). In order to resolve the local mass transfer in the dissolution process from a fundamental perspective, both the pore-space and NAPL morphology must be known. The purpose of this study was to assess the morphology of trapped NAPL during dissolution using three-dimensional (3-D) image analysis. Data was taken from a previous experiment where a column was packed with a representative porous medium and trichloroethylene (TCE), and flushed with a solution containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Schnaar and Brusseau 2006). 3-D images were taken of the column in its residual state and after each successive flush using X-ray microtomography. Image analysis was performed to assess the orientation, curvature, volume, and surface area of the NAPL. A comparison was constructed between the disconnected NAPL regions (DNRs) that were flushed and those that persisted. The volume, roundedness and orientation were important determinants of dissolution.
- Date of publication
- spring 2014
- Keyword
- DOI
- Resource type
- Rights statement
- In Copyright
- Note
- Funding: National Science Foundation Grant 0941235, Department of Energy Grant DE-SC000216, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Grant P42 ES05948
- Advisor
- Miller, Cass T.
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Honors level
- Highest Honors
- Degree granting institution
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Extent
- 26
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