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One-dimensional mathematical models for vapor-phase volatile organic compound (VOC) diffusion through composite cover barriers are presented. An analytical solution to the model was obtained by the method of separation of variables. The results obtained by the proposed solution agree well with those obtained by a numerical analysis. Based on the proposed analytical model, the VOC breakthrough curves of five different composite covers are compared. The effects of degree of saturation of geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) or compacted clay liner (CCL) on VOC migration in the composite covers are then presented. Results show that the composite cover barriers provide much better diffusion barriers for VOC than the single CCL. The top surface steady-state flux for a composite barrier, consisting of a 1.5 mm geomembrane (GM) and a 20 cm CCL, can be 8.3 times lower than that for a 30 cm CCL. The surface steady-state flux for the case with (1.5 mm GM + 6 mm GCL) was found to be 2.3 times lower than that for the case with (1.5 mm GM + 20 cm CCL). The degree of saturation Sr of the CCL has a great influence on VOC migration in composite covers when Sr is larger than 0.5. The steady-state flux at the surface of GM for the case with Sr = 0.7 can be 1.8 times lower than that for the case with Sr = 0.2. The proposed analytical model is relatively simple and can be used for verification of complicated numerical models, analysis of experimental data and performance assessment of composite cover barriers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) transport through a composite liner consisting of a geomembrane (GM), a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), and a soil liner (SL) was developed for the assessment of the performance of this triple liner system. Both advection through the defects of GM and diffusion in the intact GM were considered in the model, and dimensionless analytical solution was obtained. The soil concentration profiles obtained by the proposed analytical solution have a good agreement with those obtained by the finite-layer-based software POLLUTE v7. The effects of leachate head, length of the connected wrinkles, and the interface transmissivity of GM/GCL on the breakthrough curves of the liner system were then investigated. Results show that the 30-year base flux of the liner system for the case with leachate head = 10 m and length of the connected wrinkles = 1,000 m can be over 60 times greater than that of the pure diffusion case. The length of the connected wrinkles of the GM has greater influence on the base flux of the liner system than on the base concentration. The interface transmissivity has negligible effect on the solute breakthrough curves of the liner system for relatively low values of the length of the connected wrinkles (e.g., <100 m). The groundwater protection level achieved by GM/CCL is more effective than that by GM/GCL/SL in the earlier times. However, the steady state base flux for GM/GCL/SL can be seven to eight times lower than that for GM/CCL. The analytical solution can also be used for experimental data fitting, verification of complicated numerical models, and preliminary design of composite liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model for vapour-phase volatile organic compound (VOC) diffusion through four-layered landfill cover system consisting of a soil protective layer, a drainage layer, a geomembrane, and a compacted clay liner (CCL) or geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) is presented. VOCs transport in the cover system is sensitive to the changes of S r in the protective layer and CCL rather than that of the drainage layer. When S r 1  =  S r 2  =  S r 4  = 0.5, in order to meet the EPA standard on benzene concentration, the thickness of CCL should be greater than 200 cm or it should be modified with 2% biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]