Light phase

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Under light phases , also English Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids ( LNAPL ), organic liquids are summarized that do not or hardly dissolve in water and have a lower specific density than water. In contact with water, this leads to the formation of an organic phase that floats on the aqueous phase, for example oil on water. Such organic substances, which have a higher specific density than water, are called heavy phase (DNAPL).

The majority of non- halogenated hydrocarbons belong to this group, while chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane , chloroform or trichloroethene belong to the heavy phase.

Light phases can form underground, for example, due to leaky oil or gasoline tanks. These can represent long-term sources of pollution of ground and surface water by organic substances. The remediation of the contaminated sites can be done through natural attenuation .

Individual evidence

  1. USGS : Toxic Substances Hydrology Program - DNAPL
  2. US EPA : Research on NAPL Source Zones

literature