DNAPL - Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids

What Is A Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid?

DNAPL, or a dense non-aqueous phase liquid, is a liquid that is denser than water and is also classified as a NAPL. Non-aqueous phase liquids can dissolve in water very slowly over time. In fact, not only does it take a long time for a NAPL to dissolve, but when introduced to water, an apparent distinction and separation will occur. The separation between the DNAPL and water is often called a physical interface.

Dense non-aqueous phase liquids are especially difficult to remediate due to the fact alluded to in their very name. A "dense" NAPL has a specific gravity greater than water and sinks when introduced to water or groundwater plumes. What this means for remedial sites is that DNAPL pools can travel in ways that are incredibly difficult to track and trace. 

The contaminant will flow in the path of least resistance. Often the contaminant pool will drop and run several times before remaining in place. With this movement, it forms complex networks of contaminantion.

The issue with these contaminant pools is that, slowly over time, DNAPL can start solubilizing, meaning it will begin to dissolve into the groundwater plume over time. Unless treated, these contaminants will act as a continual source of contamination - even after the bulk has already been treated.

To achieve the highest level of free product destruction with any DNAPL contaminant, the best remedial solution will be able to linger long after treatments have already been completed. These types of solutions will often have the ability to offer various reductive and oxidative reactions for ideally up to 90 days after initial treatment.

Examples Of DNAPLs

Many chlorinated solvents are DNAPLs, and some examples of these DNAPLs are as follows:

• Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
• Creosote
• Mercury
• Coal Tar
• Trichloroethane
• VCM

Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid

Non-aqueous phase liquids aren't easily dissolved in or mixed with water. Over time a NAPL can solubilize (dissolve) into any present water source, but it takes time. There are generally two classifications of NAPLs. Dense non-aqueous phase liquids - which you know about now - and light non-aqueous phase liquids, which we'll cover below.

Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids

A LNAPL is the exact opposite of a dense NAPL. Where dense NAPLs will sink below groundwater plumes, light non-aqueous phase liquids will rest on top. Many types of LNAPL are considered hydrocarbons, and even more commonly is that these contaminants are most often petroleum based. In fact, most sites in America contaminated with LNAPLs are petroleum based.

Treating Your Chlorinated Solvent (DNAPL) Contamination

Many different environmental remediation techniques revolved around remediating DNAPL contaminants.

In fact, here at DeepEarth Technologies, we've offered an award-winning technology focused on environmental sustainability for over two decades. Using our patented reagent, we have destroyed DNAPL on several sites, enabling site owners to move forward with their plans.

We've worked with huge names from Phillip 66, 7/11, Dow, and even industry leaders such as the EPA. Our research, consultants, and clients have discovered that our technology not only destroys all DNAPL contaminants but also does so with no long-drawn-out remedial projects.

Our technology is unique in that there are no harmful byproducts. Our reagent doesn't result in heat or corrosion, and there is no expensive excavation cost. In addition, our technology doesn't just trap the contaminant - it destroys it.

We offer a wide variety of application methods so we can treat any site our clients need. We specialize in in-situ and ex-situ remediation, and our various remedial solutions can treat even the most complex of contaminations.

Whether your site calls for the least invasive treatment methods possible and our hand lance would be the right solution for you, or you need more intense remedial methods like soil mixing or DP drilling, we've got you covered.

To achieve the highest level of free product destruction with any DNAPL contaminant, the best remedial solution will be able to linger long after treatments have already been completed. These types of solutions will often have the ability to offer various reductive and oxidative reactions for ideally up to 90 days after initial treatment.

Due to the elusive nature of DNAPL contaminants, having an environmental consultant characterize your site will increase the likelihood that all remediation efforts will be successful the first time. While this isn't always possible, a thorough Phase 1 ESA and Phase 2 ESA can ensure the best results with any remedial applications.