Simulation of Solute and Particle Transport in Fractured Media

This study comprehensively analyzes the influence of fracture properties, flow regimes, and particle characteristics in fractured media, illuminating key aspects of solute transport, particle dispersion, and attachment mechanisms. These insights are crucial for developing effective environmental remediation systems.The introduction of this study examines the dynamics of particle and solute transport within fractured media, highlighting the critical role of comprehending the interplay between flow regimes, properties of particles, and the unique features of fractures, including roughness and mismatch length. This foundation is vital for simulating solute/particle transport dynamics accurately. Next, the impact of fracture properties on solute advection and dispersion were investigated. The results revealed a complex interplay between the Peclet number (Pe), mismatch length over length (ML/L), and both longitudinal and transverse dispersion, with increasing nonlinearity at higher Pe and ML/L ratios, and a greater influence of ML/L on transverse dispersion compared to roughness. The investigation then turns to particle dispersion and attachment, focusing on the influence of particle characteristics and fracture roughness. A novel probabilistic approach for assessing particle attachment is introduced. The study highlights the necessity of including gravitational forces in particle tracking models, especially for particles denser than water, to provide an accurate representation of their movement in fractures. Another significant part of the study examines how fracture properties and flow regimes affect particle transport under varying electrolyte concentrations (favorable and unfavorable conditions). Systematic analyses reveal that increased roughness enhances the particle attachment ratio and time-to-attachment with a pronounced tendency for attachment in the peak of fractures. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of particle transport under different conditions. Collectively, these chapters contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions governing solute transport and particle behavior in fractured media. The findings have implications for diverse applications, from environmental remediation to understanding the transport of specific particles like SARS-CoV-2 in fractured systems. Finally, the conclusions drawn from the comprehensive investigations provide a roadmap for future research aimed at understanding and optimizing particle/solute transport in fractured media. This guidance is essential for advancing the field and developing more effective strategies for managing environmental challenges and risks.