Title page for ETD etd-082511-103420

Document Type	thesis
Author Name	Ulsamer, Signe Martha
Email Address	signer at centurylink.net
URN	etd-082511-103420
Title	A Model to Characterize the Kinetics of Dechlorination of Tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene By a Zero Valent Iron Permeable Reactive Barrier
Degree	MS
Department	Civil & Environmental Engineering
Advisors	John Bergendahl, Advisor Paul Mathisen, Advisor
Keywords	VC DCE PCE TCE Permeable reactive barrier
Date of Presentation/Defense	2011-08-22
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract A one dimensional, multiple reaction pathway model of the dechlorination reactions of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) as these species pass through a zero valent iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) was produced. Three different types of rate equations were tested; first order, surface controlled with interspecies competition, and surface controlled with inter and intra species competition. The first order rate equations predicted the most accurate results when compared to actual data from permeable reactive barriers. Sensitivity analysis shows that the most important variable in determining TCE concentration in the barrier is the first order rate constant for the degradation of TCE. The velocity of the water through the barrier is the second most important variable determining TCE concentration. For PCE the concentration in the barrier is most sensitive to the velocity of the water and to the first order degradation rate constant for the PCE to dichloroacetylene reaction. Overall, zero valent iron barriers are more effective for the treatment of TCE than PCE.
Files	Ulsamer.pdf

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