[1] The term DNAPL is used primarily by environmental engineers and hydrogeologists to describe contaminants in groundwater, surface water and sediments.
[2] Since that time, a considerable effort has been extended to improve our ability to locate [3][4] and remediate [5] DNAPL present as chlorinated solvents.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has focused considerable attention on the remediation of DNAPL which can be costly.
[6][7] The USEPA has a program to address sites where DNAPL removal is not practicable for remediation projects under CERCLA under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act[8] Dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), have low solubility and are with viscosity markedly lower and density higher than water-asphalt, heavy oils, lubricants and also chlorinated solvents-penetrate the full depth of the aquifer and accumulate on its bottom.
[9] "DNAPL movement follows the slope of the impermeable strata underlying the aquifer and can move in the opposite direction to the groundwater gradient.