Diffusion and adsorption of benzene in Regina clay

The diffusion and adsorption coefficients for benzene were measured for a g laciolacustrine clay using the single- and double-reservoir methods, batch tests, and organic carbon content correlations. Single- and double-reservoi r diffusion test cells and experimental procedures were specifically develo ped for volatile organic chemicals. Analytical methods based on solvent ext raction with gas chromatography - flame ionization detection and purge and trap gas chromatography - mass spectrometry were used for the analysis of a queous benzene solutions in the 0.5 mu g/L to 500 mg/L range. The measured effective diffusion coefficient was 0.01 m(2)/a (3.2 10(-6) cm(2)/s), and a dsorption coefficients ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 mL/g. The diffusion cell test s indicate relatively low levels of retardation for benzene as it moves in clay soils with low organic carbon content.