Can PCE Penetrate Concrete?
In order to understand the fate of contaminants in the environment,Trillium, Inc., occasionally funds and conducts its own in-house research. The Research Corner is designed to report on the findings of these research programs as well as significant research in the open literature. The subject of a current study is the ability of perchloroethylene (PCE), a commonly used degreasing solvent, to penetrate concrete. We have found that PCE, as a liquid or as a vapor, will penetrate four inches of cured concrete in about four (4) hours. This chlorinated solvent can permeate concrete in close proximity to a source of PCE, such as a vapor degreaser, to contaminate the soil below and can remain inside the concrete for years. Consequently, concrete may become a source of PCE long after the original source has been removed. If contaminated concrete is remediated and transported to a construction debris landfill, a significant source of contamination may be introduced at the landfill. Presentation
