A survey of the geophysical properties of chlorinated DNAPLs

Dense Non Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs) are a family of fluids often encountered as industrial contaminants. Some of the most problematic DNAPLs are chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). While many DNAPLs have been extensively studied from a hydrology perspective, documentation of DNAPL properties relevant to geophysical detection is far from complete. We present a short survey of acoustic velocity, density, and dielectric constant measurements for an important subset of commonly encountered dense chlorinated contaminants. Viscosity and surface tension data are included to allow exploration of contaminant signatures within the context of poroelastic or contact theory models. Where available, the temperature dependence of solvent properties are also provided. Densities for the listed DNAPLs range from 1253 to 1622 kg/m3 at 20 °C. All are effectively non-polar with dielectric constants between 2.2 and 10.9 and have relatively low compressional wave velocities ranging from 938 to 1217 m/s. We conclude with documentation of a small collection of recent experiments investigating the properties of soils partially saturated with similar fluids. Current laboratory evidence demonstrates that DNAPLs can produce changes in geophysically measurable properties. We hope that this survey will facilitate further studies of the feasibility and effectiveness of geophysical techniques for detection of DNAPLs in the subsurface.