Air and Ozone Sparging
Definition
Air sparging is an in-situ remediation technology, most commonly found in combination with soil vapor extraction (SVE), which is used to remove contaminants from soil and groundwater. It involves the injecting air through an injection well and into the subsurface saturated zone, causing contaminants (such as volatile organic compounds) to transfer from a dissolved state to a vapor state. These volatilized contaminants are then removed using soil vapor extraction, and treated before being released into the atmosphere.
An added remedial benefit of air sparging is that the increased oxygen flow in soil and groundwater provides oxygen for biodegradation of the plume.
Practical Applications
In-situ chemical oxidation using an ozone gas and air mixture (ozone sparging) is now widely used in conjunction with or as a replacement for traditional air sparging programs. The advantage of ozone sparging is that contaminants are chemically destroyed in-situ rather than transferred from the dissolved state to the vapor state. At some sites, soil vapor extraction is not required while ozone sparging because contaminants are fully destroyed in place and therefore no further cleanup is necessary.
RRM Experience
RRM has performed SVE feasibility testing, and has designed, installed and operated numerous air sparging/SVE systems for a wide array of clients. RRM has also applied ozone sparging using ozone gas at several sites and additional sites are planned. Application of air sparging technology has been an important tool in RRM’s remediation toolbox for over 10 years, and our highly experienced staff of engineers, geologists, and scientists can tackle any size project.
Selected Clients
- ChevronTexaco
- City of Burlingame
- Safeway
- Bankers Trust
- U.S. Air Force
- Battelle Corporation
- U.S. Navy
- Jordan Residence
- Brothers Market
- Devco Oil
- Kelleher & Associates
- Auto Pride Car Wash
- A.C. Ball Company
- Consolacion Trust
- Shafer Property Trust