Dense non-aqueous phase liquids, also known as DNAPLs are chemicals denser than water, which do not typically dissolve into water. These toxic chemicals seep through the soil and find ways into groundwater depending on the physical chemistry of the substance(s). When the dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) have entered the groundwater they will continue to flow with it as a result of the hydrological cycle. There is no absolute way of knowing where the source of the DNAPLs is located, or if any bodies of water are contaminated even after they are discovered. As a result of the constant flow of the ground water, it creates further difficulty in locating the exact source of the DNAPLs contamination, even after the source is found. Since the substance is denser than water it will sink and accumulate at the bottom of an aquifer. If the
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Compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls ([PCBs], mercury) are residual in the environment for decades. Other chemicals can become more toxic as they break down (South Georgian Bay lake Simcoe protection region, 2014). These chemicals can lead to serious health issues in humans. Since they are carcinogenic, even at low levels, they will have severe impacts on health. (Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, 2015). There is also the fact groundwater replenishes lakes, which happens to also be from where a large portion of Canada draws its water from. Around 8 million people rely solely on the groundwater for their main source of water (Society, 2016). DNAPLS can exist in smaller lakes and wells where people draw water from, these sources are not often tested. Towns/cities which draw their main source of drinking water from groundwater are more prone to water shortages, this can be even worse if the water is polluted with toxic chemicals. Therefore, cautionary action must be taken to insure that DNAPLs do not get into any
Compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls ([PCBs], mercury) are residual in the environment for decades. Other chemicals can become more toxic as they break down (South Georgian Bay lake Simcoe protection region, 2014). These chemicals can lead to serious health issues in humans. Since they are carcinogenic, even at low levels, they will have severe impacts on health. (Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, 2015). There is also the fact groundwater replenishes lakes, which happens to also be from where a large portion of Canada draws its water from. Around 8 million people rely solely on the groundwater for their main source of water (Society, 2016). DNAPLS can exist in smaller lakes and wells where people draw water from, these sources are not often tested. Towns/cities which draw their main source of drinking water from groundwater are more prone to water shortages, this can be even worse if the water is polluted with toxic chemicals. Therefore, cautionary action must be taken to insure that DNAPLs do not get into any