Date of Award
12-1994
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. Duane R. Hampton
Second Advisor
Dr. Mike McCarville
Third Advisor
Dr. Alan Kehew
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Tracers are used in many facets of hydrogeological investigations. At this time, only tracers for aqueous phase liquids are known. The object of this investigation is to assess the viability of a suite of hydrocarbons as tracers m underground spills of non-aqueous phase liquids.
Laboratory experiments were performed to determine if the potential tracers were soluble in common petroleum hydrocarbons, non-volatile, differentiable and quantifiable by GC/MS, and conservative.
The first compound tested, perfluorokerosene, was detected but could not effectively be determined quantitatively with the GC/MS. Its use should be restricted to investigations in which only its presence, and not its concentration, needs to be determined. FLUTEC PP6, PP9, PPl0, and PP11 were tested in soil columns, and found to be soluble in kerosene, conservative, and differentiable and quantifiable by GC/MS. The success of these compounds in a laboratory setting suggests that they may be effective in field studies as well.
Recommended Citation
Bergin, Jennifer K., "An Evaluation of Five Perfluorinated Hydrocarbons as Tracers in Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids" (1994). Masters Theses. 3959.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3959