The fate of spilled oil in the soil
article
The behaviour of spilled oil within the soil and subsoil is described in terms of the known models for its movement and biochemical transformation. In the case of multiple phase flow, the exactness of the existing models must be doubted; besides, when an oil spill occurs, little will be known about the magnitudes of the physical parameters of the model. One can obtain a rough estimate of the expected extent of contamination, which, in practice, often suffices to decide on the line of action. When a single phase flow (hydrocarbons dissolved in groundwater) is concerned, Darcy's law can be used to arrive at quantitative conclusions. However, little is known yet about the solubility of hydrocarbons in practical situations. With respect to biological transformations, the model of hydrogen transfer is useful. However, a peroxidation for which molecular oxygen is necessary takes place during the first stage of oxidation; an aerobic environment is essential. In the underground, free oxygen will therefore act as a limiting factor. The transformation velocities are highly dependent on the structure of the compound; account should be taken of the solubility of the transformation products which exceeds the solubility of the original hydrocarbons.
The behavior of spilled oil within the soil and subsoil is described in terms of the known models for its movement and biochemical transformation. In the case of multiple phase flow, the exactness of the existing models must be doubted. When a single phase flow (hydrocarbons dissolved in groundwater) is concerned, Darcy's law can be used to arrive at quantitative conclusions.
The behavior of spilled oil within the soil and subsoil is described in terms of the known models for its movement and biochemical transformation. In the case of multiple phase flow, the exactness of the existing models must be doubted. When a single phase flow (hydrocarbons dissolved in groundwater) is concerned, Darcy's law can be used to arrive at quantitative conclusions.
TNO Identifier
227730
Source
Hydrological Sciences Bulletin, 19(4), pp. 501-521.
Pages
501-521
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