Prediction of mass discharge from multicomponent DNAPL pools using a semi-analytical model

Multicomponent DNAPL pools are among the most common reasons for groundwater contamination and represent highly persistent source areas. Although several studies have already shown that their constituents influence each other's solubility, existing models neglect these interactions. For this reason, a semi-analytical model has been developed, considering the pool composition as temporally variable. Based on Raoult's law, the molar fraction, the effective solubility and finally the mass discharge due to advection, dispersion and diffusion of each component are determined. The results significantly differ from studies on single-phase pools. It is shown that mass discharges can both increase and decrease over time and that the longevity of DNAPL pools as well as the time until threshold values are fullfilled will be significantly underestimated if Raoult's law is neglected. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis reveals that poorly soluble minor components must not be neglected, whereas highly soluble ones can.