Abstract:
Elucidating the re-transport patterns and mechanisms of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) in the vadose zone after spontaneous infiltration and stabilization under freeze-thaw cycles is crucial for the remediation of contaminated sites in seasonal freeze-thaw zones. Chlorobenzene (CB) was selected as a typical DNAPL, and silty clay from the Sejila Pass in Tibet was used as the porous medium. A stratified nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology was used to quantitatively test the CB content at the vertical spatial location of the soil column after different infiltration times and freeze-thaw cycles. Studies have shown that as infiltration time increases, the concentration of CB decreases in the dimensionless infiltration depth range of 0-0.375, and increases in the dimensionless infiltration depth range of 0.375-0.750. The freeze-induced pressure generated by freezing drives the downward transport of CB after it has stabilized, but the driving ability is limited. The smallest change rate of CB concentration after different freeze-thaw cycles is 3.51%, and the largest does not exceed 24%. During spontaneous infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles, the interaction of capillary force, gravity, and freeze-induced pressure controls the transport and distribution of CB at different vertical depths.