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Prediction of stream volatilization coefficients

January 1, 1990

Equations are developed for predicting the liquid-film and gas-film reference-substance parameters for quantifying volatilization of organic solutes from streams. Molecular weight and molecular-diffusion coefficients of the solute are used as correlating parameters. Equations for predicting molecular-diffusion coefficients of organic solutes in water and air are developed, with molecular weight and molal volume as parameters. Mean absolute errors of prediction for diffusion coefficients in water are 9.97% for the molecular-weight equation, 6.45% for the molal-volume equation. The mean absolute error for the diffusion coefficient in air is 5.79% for the molal-volume equation. Molecular weight is not a satisfactory correlating parameter for diffusion in air because two equations are necessary to describe the values in the data set. The best predictive equation for the liquid-film reference-substance parameter has a mean absolute error of 5.74%, with molal volume as the correlating parameter. The best equation for the gas-film parameter has a mean absolute error of 7.80%, with molecular weight as the correlating parameter.

Publication Year 1990
Title Prediction of stream volatilization coefficients
DOI 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1990)116:3(615)
Authors Ronald E. Rathbun
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Environmental Engineering
Index ID 70016199
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Toxic Substances Hydrology Program