The use of micropores for fine bubble creation in the removal of PCE in groundwater

The use of microporous Spargepoint{reg_sign} to create fine bubbles, which easily penetrate sandy formations to allow fluid flow, has unexpected benefits when used with multiple gas systems. Microfine bubbles accelerate the transfer rate of PCE from aqueous to gaseous state. The bubble rise transfers the PCE to the vadose zone. The ten-fold difference in surface-to-volume ratio of Spargepoint{reg_sign} microbubbles compared to bubbles from well screens results in a three-fold improvement in transfer rates. To block the gaseous state from reverting to surface dissolved state in the vadose (unsaturated) zone, a microprocessor system shuttles an oxidizing gas through the vadose zone to chemically degrade the transported PCE. Destruction of the PCE and vacuum extraction of gaseous byproducts eliminates reflux of the contaminant under rainfall conditions in the unsaturated zone. Use of a 50 CFM sparge system at the Crossroads Mall site in Carson City, Nevada resulted in extremely rapid removal of PCE.