Fluorescent dyes as partitioning tracers for the estimation of <scp>NAPL</scp>‐mass saturation in porous media

Accurate estimation of the non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) saturation such as chlorinated organic compounds (COCs) in aquifers is crucial for proper remediation contaminated groundwater. A combination conservative and partitioning tracers (PTs) are commonly used to assess NAPL saturations subsurface at COC release sites, using interwell tracer test (PITT). In this study, five fluorescent dyes were assessed PTs estimate octanol 3 NAPLs soil columns. PT experiments required an initial assessment both (NAPL/water octanol/water) linear free energy relations. The predictability partition coefficients was correlated pH two-phase fluids systems octanol/water). acidic some with acid-base properties, like fluorescein, easily influenced by pH. PITT performed a column packed glass beads, rhodamine WT because its particular specificity complex mixture sodium chloride inert tracer. Breakthrough curves examined made COCs. DNAPL residual accuracy sensitive variations water velocity. latter represented exponential function which resulted from non-equilibrium measurements, heterogeneous sweeping sample, redistribution droplets medium. This article protected copyright. All rights reserved.