Remediation efficiency may be enhanced by increased surface area for reaction, similarity of well profile and contaminant plume geometry, borehole access to areas beneath existing facilities, and drilling along facility boundaries to control plume migration. However, each site must be assessed for the utility of horizontal wells. Successful ISAS requires good contact between injected air and contaminated soils and ground water. An optimal geologic setting would have moderate to high saturated soil permeability, a homogenous saturated zone, and sufficient saturated thickness. Vadose zone characteristics would be high permeability and homogeneity.
Air stripping is more effective in coarse- grained soil.
For ISAS to be effective, the contaminants of concern must be strippable, that is mobile in and between all phases. Most light hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents satisfy these conditions. Horizontal wells may provide for better contact with linearly shaped plumes. ISAS may be more effective with relatively thin plumes of contaminants.