Book Description

This note summarizes the theory and application of a model to predict the mass loss of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from dredged material through volatilization. A comparison to other contaminant pathways is presented for both in-lake and upland disposal. Background Contaminated sediments placed in a confined disposal facility (CDF) provide the potential for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) to be released through volatilization. Theoretical models have been developed to describe the physical and chemical processes involved in transferring the VOC from the solid or liquid phase to the air (Thibodeaux 1989). To date, PCBs have been the VOC of concern; however, the theory presented is applicable to other VOCs including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The documentation provided is not sufficient to fully understand the development of the models described in this note. The user should refer to the original reports, for complete understanding of model development and limitations. jg.