A one dimensional, multiple reaction pathway model of the dechlorination reactions of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) as these species pass through a zero valent iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) was produced. Three different types of rate equations were tested; first order, surface controlled with interspecies competition, and surface controlled with inter and intra species competition. The first order rate equations predicted the most accurate results when compared to actual data from permeable reactive barriers. Sensitivity analysis shows that the most important variable in determining TCE concentration in the barrier is the first order rate constant for the degradation of TCE. The velocity of the water through the barrier is the second most important variable determining TCE concentration. For PCE the concentration in the barrier is most sensitive to the velocity of the water and to the first order degradation rate constant for the PCE to dichloroacetylene reaction. Overall, zero valent iron barriers are more effective for the treatment of TCE than PCE.

Creator

• Ulsamer, Signe Martha

Contributors

• Mathisen, Paul P.
• Bergendahl, John Andrew

Degree

• MS

Unit

• Civil & Environmental Engineering

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Language

• English

Identifier

• etd-082511-103420

Keyword

• DCE
• PCE
• Permeable reactive barrier
• TCE
• VC

Advisor

• Mathisen, Paul P.
• Bergendahl, John Andrew

Defense date

• 2011-08-22

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-08-25

Resource type

• Thesis

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-01-27