Sorption and transport of individual PCB congeners in the subsurface: modeling and experimental studies

A key issue in evaluating the subsurface fate and transport mechanisms with respect to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is their aqueous leachability and mobility. In aquifers, the transport of PCB compounds is strongly influenced by extremely low solubilities and corresponding tendencies to sorb onto soils. This study, comprising mathematical modeling and laboratory experiments, investigated factors influencing the migration of individual PCB compounds in the subsurface. Potential effects of colloids on PCB transport were also investigated.