Modeling mass-transfer of VOCs in open channels

Mass-transfer processes at air-water interface greatly affect water quality. They can be quantitatively characterized using predictive models. The paper proposes the application to volatilization of a model that was previously formulated for reaeration in streams and rivers. The model is applied to field data collected for 5 VOCs in a laboratory sewer reach. The model provides for cyclohexane a better agreement with field data than other literature models available. Moreover, the influence of diffusive boundary layers at air-water interface for the remaining 4 compounds is assessed. Finally, literature conceptual approaches are also evaluated using cyclohexane data.