Light non-aqueous phase liquid

Under light phases, also English Light Non- Aqueous Phase Liquids ( LNAPL ) are organic liquids together that do not or hardly dissolve in the water and have a lower specific gravity than water. In contact with water, this leads to the formation of an organic phase, which floats on the aqueous phase, for example oil in water. Such organic substances which have a higher specific density than water are referred to as a heavy phase.

The majority of non-halogenated hydrocarbons belonging to this group, while chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform or trichloroethene heavy phase are attributable.

Easy phases may form, for example by lick oil or gasoline tanks underground. This may represent long-term sources of pollution of groundwater and surface water by organic substances. The rehabilitation of contaminated sites can be done by Natural Attenuation.