A Review of recent solute transport models and a case study

Abstract

This chapter reviews the functional and operational characteristics of several classes of models that are capable of simulating solute transport and equilibrium chemical processes in soils. The various physical and chemical components in models are identified for a wide range of current models. Most solute transport models are developed for one- or two- dimensional flow domains. However, increasingly, many researchers in this field indicate that the three dimensional approach is necessary when dealing with contaminant transport and site remediation. There are many models that are site specific and complex in nature. In general, there are only a few models incorporating complex chemical equilibrium processes that are broadly applicable to many sites. Field scale validation of existing geochemical models is therefore essential. To illustrate these concepts, a case study is presented. The case study focuses on modelling fluoride transport in groundwater at the Portland Smelter in Victoria, Australia. Future research should be oriented towards geochemical models involving many geochemical equilibrium reactions, with more emphasis on cation exchange and redox reactions.