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Related Experiment Videos

Matrix diffusion-derived plume attenuation in fractured bedrock.

David S Lipson1, Bernard H Kueper, Michael J Gefell

  • 1Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA. dl@bbl-inc.com

Ground Water
|February 25, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Matrix diffusion significantly slows contaminant plume migration in fractured bedrock. The plume attenuation factor, beta, predicts this slowing, which increases with matrix porosity and decreases with fracture aperture. This impacts groundwater cleanup strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Hydrogeology
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • Matrix diffusion attenuates solute plume migration in fractured bedrock.
  • Plume migration rate is influenced by groundwater flow and solute properties.
  • Understanding attenuation is crucial for predicting contaminant transport and remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of matrix diffusion in solute transport within fractured bedrock.
  • To develop and apply a plume attenuation factor (beta) to predict contaminant migration.
  • To evaluate the suitability of different solute transport models for fractured media.

Main Methods:

  • Analytical modeling of solute transport in fractured porous media.
  • Development of a plume attenuation factor (beta) based on dual-porosity concepts.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Field characterization of transport parameters in a fractured sandstone site.
  • Numerical simulations using discrete fracture and dual-continuum models.

    • Main Results:

    • Plume attenuation increases with time and travel distance, reaching an asymptotic level.
    • The plume attenuation factor (beta) is estimated as R'(phi(m)/phi(f)) and increases with matrix porosity and organic carbon, and decreases with fracture aperture.
    • Asymptotic beta values for conservative (chloride) and non-conservative (TCE) solutes were predicted as ~800 and ~12,210, respectively.
    • Single-porosity models are inappropriate for simulating contaminant transport with matrix diffusion.

    Conclusions:

    • Matrix diffusion is a key process controlling contaminant transport in fractured bedrock.
    • Dual-porosity or discrete fracture models are necessary for accurate simulations.
    • Back diffusion from the matrix can be the limiting factor for groundwater cleanup in fractured environments.