Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2015

Abstract

A three‐dimensional mathematical model that describes transport of contaminant in a horizontal aquifer with simultaneous diffusion into a fractured clay formation is proposed. A group of semianalytical solutions is derived based on specific initial and boundary conditions as well as various source functions. The analytical model solutions are evaluated by numerical Laplace inverse transformation and analytical Fourier inverse transformation. The model solutions can be used to study the fate and transport in a three‐dimensional spatial domain in which a nonaqueous phase liquid exists as a pool atop a fractured low‐permeability clay layer. The nonaqueous phase liquid gradually dissolves into the groundwater flowing past the pool, while simultaneously diffusing into the fractured clay formation below the aquifer. Mass transfer of the contaminant into the clay formation is demonstrated to be significantly enhanced by the existence of the fractures, even though the volume of fractures is relatively small compared to the volume of the clay matrix. The model solution is a useful tool in assessing contaminant attenuation processes in a confined aquifer underlain by a fractured clay formation.
Abstract © AGU

Comments

© Copyright 2015 by the American Geophysical Union. All rights reserved.

Permission to Deposit an Article in an Institutional Repository. https://publications.agu.org/author-resource-center/usage-permissions/ Adopted by [AGU] Council 13 December 2009. "AGU allows authors to deposit their journal articles if the version is the final published citable version of record, the AGU copyright statement is clearly visible on the posting, and the posting is made 6 months after official publication by the AGU"

Sourced from the published version of record cited below. DOI Link

DOI

10.1002/2014WR016073

Source Publication

Water Resources Research

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