Degradation kinetics of aromatic organic solutes introduced into a heterogeneous aquifer

Degradation rates of benzene, p-xylene, naphthalene, and o-dichlorobenzene have been determined in the Columbus, MS aquifer. The objective of this research was to measure the degradation of organic compounds in an aquifer, using pulse injection. Degradation rates of these compounds were calculated, and the rates were related to aquifer structure and hydrologic properties. the injection was made into the saturated zone of the unconfined aquifer. This technique is suggested for future field experiments because it distinguishes solute degradation from solute losses by sorption and evaporation and allows mass balance to be demonstrated throughout the course of the reaction in the aquifer. 18 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.