Mathematical modeling of solute transport in the subsurface

Abstract

The quantification of solute transport in the subsurface has become widespread in recent years. Superfund legislation, along with rapid advancement of mini‐ and microcomputer technology, have combined to promote the development of solute transport models. Software has progressed to where practicing scientists and engineers routinely use transport codes, whereas a few years ago, these codes were used predominantly as research tools. Today in the research community, solute transport codes have advanced beyond advection‐dispersion considerations. Thermo‐hydro‐mechanical‐coupled processes can be treated in numerical codes. Statistical approaches are now employed to deal with uncertainty associated with parameters. Techniques are evolving to model transport through low permeability media, taking discrete fractures into account. This review examines current practical applications, parameter uncertainty, and research trends in solute transport quantification in the subsurface.