3.1. Equilibrium Assumption and Mass Concentration Distribution

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define partitioning coefficient.

   Hint

   Think about the relationship between the solid and liquid phases.

2. 2.

   What does equilibrium mean in environmental terms?

   Hint

   Consider what happens when a system stabilizes.

3. 3.

   What does K_oc represent?

   • A liquid phase concentration
   • A partition coefficient
   • A moisture content measure

   Hint

   Consider what this coefficient refers to.

4. 4.

   True or False: At equilibrium, the concentrations of all phases remain constant.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Refer back to the definition of equilibrium.

5. 5.

   Given a closed system with 1,000 kg of water and 2,000 kg of soil, how would you set up a mass balance equation for 200 kg of a contaminant added?

   Hint

   Sketching the balance can help visualize the distribution.

6. 6.

   Discuss the effects of a higher K_oc value versus lower K_oc value on remediation strategies.

   Hint

   Consider how easy it is to extract versus how tightly it's held.