Several studies have shown that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be transported in sewer pipes as a preferential pathway and ultimately contaminate indoor spaces via plumbing fixtures. There are no models available to describe VOCs' fate and transport through sewer systems in the context of vapor intrusion, which poses a challenge when assessing and mitigating risks associated with this exposure pathway. As part of this research, we developed a numerical model that predicts VOC concentrations within a sewer system. The model allows various input parameters, including temperature, sewer liquid depth, groundwater depth, and sewer construction specifics, to account for each sewer's unique situation. The model was calibrated to simulate the fate and transport of TCE (trichloroethylene) within a section of a sewer system located near a TCE contaminated groundwater plume near a Superfund site in California. Overall, the field and model data compare well and provide insight into improving site assessment and mitigation approaches.

Modeling behavior of volatile organic compounds inside sewer systems

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.