Abstract
The diffusion and adsorption of benzene in soil are key factors determining the fate and transport of benzene. Therefore, any mathematical model for benzene transport in soil requires appropriate consideration of the diffusion and adsorption processes. In this study, benzene transport models were developed for Andosol and sand, considering diffusion through gas and liquid phases and liquid-solid adsorption, based on experiments using a headspace flux chamber. The liquid-solid adsorption experiments were performed to determine the benzene adsorption coefficients. The results show that the model can predict benzene transport in Andosol and sand in wet conditions. The adequacy of current gas-solid adsorption methods under dry conditions was also studied using sand with a low water content (0.4%). The results indicate that gas-solid adsorption is appropriate for the benzene transport model in sand at low water contents.
