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Visualization Studies of Dense Leachate Plumes in Porous Media

by J. S. Hayworth, Auburn Univ, United States,
M. Oostrom, Auburn Univ, United States,
O. G?ven, Auburn Univ, United States,
J. H. Dane, Auburn Univ, United States,
J. G. Melville, Auburn Univ, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Symposium on Ground Water

Abstract:

In this paper, a series of flow visualization experiments investigating the behavior of dense leachate plumes are described. These experiments were performed in various flow containers which simulated phreatic aquifers. Relevant experimental parameters (saturated hydraulic conductivity K_sat, horizontal Darcy velocity q_x, leachate density ?_c, leachate loading rate Q_L) were varied in a systematic way, and the leachate plume behavior was observed and photographed. Experimental results show that an increase in the contrast between the leachate plume density and the ambient groundwater density results in an increase in the overall plume penetration depth. Additionally, under certain combinations of the experimental parameters, three-dimensional, time-variant instabilities may develop within the plumes. This phenomenon enhances the mixing of the plume with the ambient groundwater.

Subject Headings: Plumes | Groundwater pollution | Flow visualization | Leachates | Water pollution | Water resources | Porous media flow

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