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Introduction to Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL)

Dennis G. Shin, PE


Course Outline

This three hour online course discusses the transport, fate, characterization, and remediation of LNAPLs in the environment.  LNAPLs are hydrocarbons that exist as a separate, immiscible phase when in contact with water, that affect groundwater quality at numerous sites across the country.  In general, LNAPLs represent potential long term sources for continued groundwater contamination.  LNAPLs have the ability to transport through porous media depending on parameters such as density, viscosity, interfacial tension, capillary pressure, saturation and residual saturation, and relative permeability.  Challenges include the prediction of LNAPL transport, distribution, and migration; the fate of LNAPL in the subsurface; LNAPL site characterization; and LNAPL recovery and/or remediation.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will understand:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for environmental and civil engineers.

Benefit to Attendees

This course will provide usable knowledge to engineers involved with with the design, construction, operation, and monitoring phases of site remediation where LNAPLs are present.

Course Introduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is committed to the identification and resolution of groundwater issues affecting the remediation of contaminated sites.  The USEPA has identified the transport, fate, characterization, and remediation of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) in the environment as an issue of concern.

Course Content

This course is entirely based on USEPA Publication "Ground Water Issue - Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquids", EPA 540-S-95-500:

Introduction to Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL)

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Course Summary

Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are hydrocarbons that exist as a separate, immiscible phase when in contact with water, that affect groundwater quality at numerous sites across the country.  In general, LNAPLs represent potential long term sources for continued groundwater contamination.  LNAPLs have the ability to transport through porous media depending on parameters such as density, viscosity, interfacial tension, capillary pressure, saturation and residual saturation, and relative permeability.  Challenges include the prediction of LNAPL transport, distribution, and migration; the fate of LNAPL in the subsurface; LNAPL site characterization; and LNAPL recovery and/or remediation.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

Contaminated Site Clean-Up Information - www.clu-in.com/
USEPA National Service Center for Environmental Publications - www.epa.gov/nscep/index.html
American Petroleum Institute - www.api.com/ehs/groundwater/lnapl/

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.