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Using PHREEQC to simulate solute transport in fractured bedrock
David S Lipson1, John E McCray, Geoffrey D Thyne
1Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA. David.Lipson@arcadis-us.com
Ground Water
|June 30, 2007
Summary
The PHREEQC geochemical model accurately simulates solute transport in fractured bedrock aquifers using a dual-porosity approach. This study details parameterization and numerical dispersion minimization for reliable groundwater flow modeling.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Modeling
Background:
- Fractured bedrock aquifers are complex groundwater systems.
- Simulating solute transport in these systems requires advanced modeling techniques.
- Dual-porosity models are effective for representing fractured media with distinct mobile and immobile zones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate parameterization of fractured bedrock aquifer characteristics for the PHREEQC geochemical model.
- To present a method for minimizing numerical dispersion in PHREEQC simulations.
- To validate PHREEQC's dual-porosity transport model against an analytical solution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the PHREEQC geochemical computer model.
- Employed a dual-porosity conceptual model for fractured bedrock aquifers.
- Implemented a finite-difference approach for one-dimensional advective-dispersive and diffusive transport simulations.
- Compared simulation results with a validated analytical solution.
Main Results:
- Successfully parameterized physical characteristics for dual-porosity flow systems in PHREEQC.
- Developed and applied a method to minimize numerical dispersion in simulations.
- PHREEQC dual-porosity transport model simulations showed excellent agreement with the analytical solution.
Conclusions:
- The PHREEQC model, with appropriate parameterization and numerical dispersion control, accurately simulates solute transport in fractured bedrock aquifers.
- The dual-porosity approach within PHREEQC is a reliable tool for understanding groundwater flow and contaminant transport in these complex systems.
