How does natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents differ from natural attenuation of petroleum products such as fuels?
Because chlorinated solvents are synthetic chemicals, they tend to be more resistant to natural biodegradation processes. However, significant evidence now exists that biochemical reactions can also break down chlorinated compounds in the soil and groundwater. These processes are harder to predict and are effective at a smaller percentage of sites compared to petroleum-contaminated sites. Despite these limitations, significant progress has been made in understanding the fate and transport of chlorinated solvents and the role of natural attenuation. Chlorinated solvents also migrate differently than petroleum hydrocarbons. Because chlorinated compounds have a greater density than water, they tend to sink rapidly into the aquifer. When large quantities of solvent are released, they will sink until they encounter an impermeable layer where they form small pools which serve as a long-term source of groundwater contamination. These untreated sources dissolve slowly over time, contaminating
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