Analytical solutions for in the subsurface environment solute transport in a convergent flow tracer test.

Abstract:

The advection–dispersion equation (ADE) is generally used to describe the movement of the contaminants in the subsurface environment. Dispersivity is a key input parameter in the ADE. Tracer test is an efficient method for determining dispersivity. Forced-gradient tracer tests are preferred over natural gradient experiments because that the flow conditions are well controlled and the duration of the test is reduced. The advantage of the convergent flow tracer tests is the possibility of achieving high tracer mass recovery. Analytical solutions are useful for interpreting the results of the field tracer test. Currently available solutions are mostly limited to semi-analytical solutions. This study develops an explicit analytical solutions for solute transport in a convergent flow tracer test. The solution is achieved by successive applications of integral transform. The robustness and accuracy of the developed solution is proved by excellent agreement between our solution and previous solution.