Tim Jarosch, Principal Investigator, WSRC
Video 5.0 (:34)

Retrieval has traditionally meant the bulk removal of the contami-
nated media for treatment or controlled disposal. This subpro-
gram element focuses on the de-
velopment of methodologies that can be used to enhance the expul-

sion of contaminants (Video 5.0) or the destruction of contaminants in place from both the vadose zone and groundwater. Where fine-
grained sediments strongly adsorb contaminants, expulsion can be enhanced by the application of heating methods.

Both radio frequency (RF) and electrical resistance (alternating current [AC]) heating are more effective in expelling VOCs from low permeability, clay-rich zones as compared to alternative forms of subsurface heating (e.g., hot air or steam injection). The electrical properties of the contaminated clay zones have been shown to preferentially capture the RF or AC energy, focusing the applied power precisely in the target zones. By selectively heating the