Optimization of contaminant removal for heterogeneous systems by soil venting

The efficiency of remediation of vadose zone organic compounds can be enhanced by refinement of methods for soil venting and bioventing in complex heterogeneous systems. This can be accomplished by (a) identification of physical and chemical conditions (e.g., soil temperature, moisture content, flow rates) required for rapid contaminant removal rates, (b) precise engineering control of identified parameters in the subsurface, and (c) development of knowledge-based operational strategies providing greater removal efficiencies at low cost. One method with promise is to moderately heat and humidify the input/replacement air during venting. Initial calculations indicate that this strategy may be quite effective in enhancing remediation of heterogeneous systems with diffusional control of cleanup time.