Patterns and mechanisms of migration of light non-aqueous phase liquid in an unsaturated sand

The paper presents patterns and mechanisms of light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) migration in an unsaturated/saturated sand, based on a detailed experimental investigation using a fully instrumented two-dimensional model with dimensions of 120 × 120 × 10 cm. Suction head and degree of saturation were monitored simultaneously using tensiometers and time domain reflectometry (TDR) transducers respectively. LNAPL spills into the unsaturated zone were simulated to investigate the influence of new variables of practical importance, including the spill area, volume of spill and fluctuations of groundwater table, on the patterns of LNAPL migration. The patterns are explained in terms of the relationship between matric suction and degree of saturation. Fluctuations of water level are found to have a major influence on the distribution of LNAPLs in the unsaturated/saturated sand for large volumes of LNAPL spill. Measurements of degree of saturation of water at different levels are used to explain the LNAPL migration. It was found that water suction head was not affected by migrating LNAPL if the degree of saturation of water was above the residual saturation. Results of LNAPL suction head were found to be consistent with the migration patterns. Additionally, the average suction head difference between different levels indicated accurately the direction of LNAPL migration, which was in good agreement with the patterns observed using electronic imaging.