ABSTRACT
This chapter determines the volatilization rates of Perchloroethylene (PCE) from water and soil and the mass transfer of PCE into a stagnant body of water. It presents some methods to determine the volatilization rates of PCE from water and soil and the mass transfer of PCE into a stagnant body of water. PCE is a low molecular mass chlorinated hydrocarbon, that is classified as a priority pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PCE is used extensively as a solvent, with major applications being as a dry cleaning agent and metal and computer component degreasing chemical. Frequent spills occurred during manufacture and transportation and storage of PCE. The spills occurs on the water surface, on soil or on any other impervious surface, creating a pool of PCE which may mix with the existing water or any subsequent precipitation. In any case, conditions may exist under which the PCE can volatilize into the atmosphere.
