Partitioning and interfacial tracer tests for NAPL source zone characterisation at a former gasification plant

Contaminant release from heterogenous tar oil source zones, which can typically be found at former gasification plants, depends on the composition of the non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL), the NAPL volume and the interfacial area between NAPL and water. Partitioning and Interfacial Tracer Tests (PITTs) allow the in-situ determination of these source zone parameters. This contribution presents results from batch experiments, pulse type laboratory column experiments and a two-well pulse type PITT in a large scale tank experiment. The breakthrough curve data were interpreted using the method of the first temporal moment, normalized to the zero^th moment and adjusted for the finite pulse duration. Aim of this study is the validation of the field-applicability and the determination of the limits of Partitioning and Interfacial Tracer Tests.