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Inter-Phase Mass Transport: Modelling Of Air-Water Movement Of Organic Chemicals, Darryl Hawker, Benjalak Karnchanasest

Applied Environmental Research

Air-water inter-phase mass transport of organic contaminants is often an important factor in their environmental fate and behaviour. The equilibrium situation is given by the Henry's Law Constant of the compound, but is rarely attained under environmental conditions. Approach to equilibrium is commonly described by the two-film theory involving molecular (Fickian) diffusion through thin stagnant films adjacent to the air-water interface. This theory is formulated in terms of mass transfer coefficients and fugacity transport parameters. Penetration and Surface Renewal Theories of mass transfer are also discussed. The importance of the Henry's Law Constant (H) is shown. Compounds such as phenol …