title: Mobilization and rupture of LNAPL ganglia during freeze-thaw: two-dimensional cell experiments.
abstract: Experiments were conducted on dodecane at residual saturation (21-26%) in a two-dimensional water-saturated glass bead cell (0.5 mm diameter)--to simulate light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) trapped below the water table--subject to controlled freeze-thaw cycles. The experiments reveal substantial remobilization and rupture of LNAPL ganglia during freeze-thaw, especially during the first few cycles. This includes the detachment and upward mobilization of LNAPL from larger ganglia during upward propagation of the freezing front; the formation of numerous subsinglet ganglia during this transport process, and their entrapment in ice; and the coalescence of such small ganglia during thawing, to form larger singlets. Theoretical calculations suggest that the LNAPL redistribution is caused by large freezing-induced pressure gradients, of up to 6 orders of magnitude higher than the water-LNAPL interfacial (capillary) pressure. The findings have important implications for the understanding and remediation of LNAPLs in cold climate regions.
authors.affiliation: School of Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, The University of New South Wales at ADFA, Northcott Drive, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia. r.niven@adfa.edu.au
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Niven
authors.forename: Kamaljit
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singh