Determination of spatially-resolved porosity, tracer distributions and diffusion coefficients in porous media using MRI measurements and numerical simulations

This work is focused on measuring the concentration distribution of a conservative tracer in a homogeneous synthetic porous material and in heterogeneous natural sandstone using MRI techniques, and on the use of spatially resolved porosity data to define spatially variable diffusion coefficients in heterogeneous media. The measurements are made by employing SPRITE, a fast MRI method that yields quantitative, spatially-resolved tracer concentrations in porous media. Diffusion experiments involving the migration of H(2)O into D(2)O-saturated porous media are conducted. One-dimensional spatial distributions of H(2)O-tracer concentrations acquired from experiments with the homogeneous synthetic calcium silicate are fitted with the one-dimensional analytical solution of Fick's second law to confirm that the experimental method provides results that are consistent with expectations for Fickian diffusion in porous media. The MRI-measured concentration profiles match well with the solution for Fick's second law and provide a pore-water diffusion coefficient of 1.75×10(-9)m(2)s(-1). The experimental approach was then extended to evaluate diffusion in a heterogeneous natural sandstone in three dimensions. The relatively high hydraulic conductivity of the sandstone, and the contrast in fluid density between the H(2)O tracer and the D(2)O pore fluid, lead to solute transport by a combination of diffusion and density-driven advection. The MRI measurements of spatially distributed tracer concentration, combined with numerical simulations allow for the identification of the respective influences of advection and diffusion. The experimental data are interpreted with the aid of MIN3P-D - a multicomponent reactive transport code that includes the coupled processes of diffusion and density-driven advection. The model defines local diffusion coefficients as a function of spatially resolved porosity measurements. The D(e) values calculated for the heterogeneous sandstone and used to simulate diffusive and advective transport range from 5.4×10(-12) to 1.0×10(-10)m(2)s(-1). These methods have broad applicability to studies of contaminant migration in geological materials.     

Variable-density flow in heterogeneous porous media — Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations

Konz, M., Ackerer, P., Younes, A., Huggenberger, P., Zechner, E., 2009a. 2D Stable Layered Laboratory-scale Experiments for Testing Density-coupled Flow Models. Water Resources Research, 45. doi:10.1029/2008WR007118., a series of laboratory-scale 2D tank experiments were conducted and accurately simulated for density driven flow problems on homogeneous porous media. In the present work, we extended the numerical and experimental studies to heterogeneous problems. The heterogeneous porous medium was constructed with a low permeability zone in the centre of the tank and had well-defined parameters and boundary conditions. Concentration distributions were measured in high resolution using a photometric method and an image analysis technique. The numerical model used for the simulations was based on efficient advanced approximations for both spatial and temporal discretizations. The Method Of Lines (MOL) was used to allow higher-order temporal discretization. Three different boundary conditions, corresponding to different localizations of the inflow and the outflow openings at the opposite edges of the tank, were applied to investigate different flow scenarios in the heterogeneous porous medium flow tank. Simulation results of all three density coupled experiments revealed a density-dependent behavior of dispersion. Thus, a reduction of dispersivites was required to obtain a good matching of the experimental data. The high quality of the experiments enabled a detailed testing of numerical variable-density flow codes under heterogeneous conditions. Therefore, the experiments were considered to be reliable benchmark tests.     

Air distribution in the Borden aquifer during in situ air sparging

A field experiment was conducted at Canadian Forces Base Borden (CFB Borden) to assess the air distribution from a single in situ air sparging injection point. This aquifer consists of fine to medium sand deposited in horizontal layers. The permeability at the study location varied from 10(-10) to 10(-14) m2 and distinct low permeability horizons were present at approximately 1.2, 2.0, and 2.9 m below the water table. Prior to air injection, a 15x15-m portion of the vadose zone was excavated to the water table (approximately 1 m below ground surface) in order to visually observe air release distribution at the water table. The water table was actively maintained 5 cm above the excavated surface. The sparging system operated for a period of 7 days with an injection flow rate of 200 m3/days (5 scfm). The resulting subsurface air distribution was assessed using a variety of techniques including neutron logging, borehole and surface ground penetrating radar, piezometric head measurements, surface visualization, and hydraulic testing. Through this combination of tests, it was demonstrated that variations in permeability and, hence, capillary pressure at the site were sufficient to cause the injected air to spread laterally, forming stratigraphically trapped air pockets beneath the low permeability horizons. The formation of these air pockets eventually resulted in a buildup of capillary pressure that exceeded the air entry pressure and allowed some air to migrate up through the lower permeability layers. Each of the assessment techniques employed generated information at different spatial scales that prevented a direct comparison of the results from the various techniques; however, the results from all techniques proved to be critical in the interpretation of the experimental data. As a consequence, the different assessment techniques should not be viewed as alternatives, but rather as complimentary techniques.     

Empirical correlations to estimate agglomerate size and deposition during injection of a polyelectrolyte-modified Fe0 nanoparticle at high particle concentration in saturated sand

Controlled emplacement of polyelectrolyte-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) particles at high particle concentration (1-10 g/L) is needed for effective in situ subsurface remediation using NZVI. Deep bed filtration theory cannot be used to estimate the transport and deposition of concentrated polyelectrolyte-modified NZVI dispersions (>0.03 g/L) because particles agglomerate during transport which violates a fundamental assumption of the theory. Here we develop two empirical correlations for estimating the deposition and transport of concentrated polyelectrolyte-modified NZVI dispersions in saturated porous media when NZVI agglomeration in porous media is assumed to reach steady state quickly. The first correlation determines the apparent stable agglomerate size formed during NZVI transport in porous media for a fixed hydrogeochemical condition. The second correlation estimates the attachment efficiency (sticking coefficient) of the stable agglomerates. Both correlations are described using dimensionless numbers derived from parameters affecting deposition and agglomeration in porous media. The exponents for the dimensionless numbers are determined from statistical analysis of breakthrough data for polyelectrolyte-modified NZVI dispersions collected in laboratory scale column experiments for a range of ionic strength (1, 10, and 50mM Na(+) and 0.25, 1, and 1.25 mM Ca(2+)), approach velocity (0.8 to 55 × 10(-4)m/s), average collector sizes (d(50)=99 μm, 300 μm, and 880 μm), and polyelectrolyte surface modifier properties. Attachment efficiency depended on approach velocity and was inversely related to collector size, which is contrary to that predicted from classic filtration models. High ionic strength, the presence of divalent cations, lower extended adsorbed polyelectrolyte layer thickness, decreased approach velocity, and a larger collector size promoted NZVI agglomeration and deposition and thus limited its mobility in porous media. These effects are captured quantitatively in the two correlations developed. The application and limitations of using the correlations for preliminary design of in situ NZVI emplacement strategies is discussed.     

Characterization of controlled-release KMnO4 (CRP) barrier system for groundwater remediation: a pilot-scale flow-tank study

Release and spreading of permanganate (MnO(4)(-)) in the well-based controlled-release potassium permanganate (KMnO(4)) barrier system (CRP system) was investigated by conducting column release tests, model simulations, soil oxidant demand (SOD) analyses, and pilot-scale flow-tank experiments. A large flow tank (L x W x D=8m x 4m x 3m) was constructed. Pilot-scale CRP pellets (OD x L=0.05 m x1.5m; n=110) were manufactured by mixing approximately 198 kg of KMnO(4) powders with paraffin wax and silica sands in cylindrical moulds. The CRP system (L x W x D=3m x 4m x 1.5m) comprising 110 delivery wells in three discrete barriers was constructed in the flow tank. Natural sands (organic carbon content=0.18%; SOD=3.7-11 g MnO(4)(-)kg(-1)) were used as porous media. Column release tests and model simulations indicated that the CRP system could continuously release MnO(4)(-) over several years, with slowly decreasing release rates of 2.5 kg d(-1) (day one), 109 g d(-1) (day 100), 58 g d(-1) (year one), 22 g d(-1) (year five), and 12 g d(-1) (year 10). Mean MnO(4)(-) concentrations within the CRP system ranged from 0.5 to 6 mg l(-1) during the 42 days of testing period. The continuously releasing MnO(4)(-) was gradually removed by SOD limiting the length of MnO(4)(-) zone in the porous media. These data suggested that the CRP system could create persistent and confined oxidation zone in the subsurface. Through development of advanced tools for describing agent transport and facilitating lateral agent spreading, the CRP system could provide new approach for long-term in situ treatment of contaminant plumes in groundwater.     

The effect of entrapped nonaqueous phase liquids on tracer transport in heterogeneous porous media: laboratory experiments at the intermediate scale

This work considers the applicability of conservative tracers for detecting high-saturation nonaqueous-phase liquid (NAPL) entrapment in heterogeneous systems. For this purpose, a series of experiments and simulations was performed using a two-dimensional heterogeneous system (10x1.2 m), which represents an intermediate scale between laboratory and field scales. Tracer tests performed prior to injecting the NAPL provide the baseline response of the heterogeneous porous medium. Two NAPL spill experiments were performed and the entrapped-NAPL saturation distribution measured in detail using a gamma-ray attenuation system. Tracer tests following each of the NAPL spills produced breakthrough curves (BTCs) reflecting the impact of entrapped NAPL on conservative transport. To evaluate significance, the impact of NAPL entrapment on the conservative-tracer breakthrough curves was compared to simulated breakthrough curve variability for different realizations of the heterogeneous distribution. Analysis of the results reveals that the NAPL entrapment has a significant impact on the temporal moments of conservative-tracer breakthrough curves.     

In situ diffusion experiment in granite: phase I

A program of in situ experiments, supported by laboratory studies, was initiated to study diffusion in sparsely fractured rock (SFR), with a goal of developing an understanding of diffusion processes within intact crystalline rock. Phase I of the in situ diffusion experiment was started in 1996, with the purpose of developing a methodology for estimating diffusion parameter values. Four in situ diffusion experiments, using a conservative iodide tracer, were performed in highly stressed SFR at a depth of 450 m in the Underground Research Laboratory (URL). The experiments, performed over a 2 year period, yielded rock permeability estimates of 2 x 10(-21) m(2) and effective diffusion coefficients varying from 2.1 x 10(-14) to 1.9 x 10(-13) m(2)/s, which were estimated using the MOTIF code. The in situ diffusion profiles reveal a characteristic "dog leg" pattern, with iodide concentrations decreasing rapidly within a centimeter of the open borehole wall. It is hypothesized that this is an artifact of local stress redistribution and creation of a zone of increased constrictivity close to the borehole wall. A comparison of estimated in situ and laboratory diffusivities and permeabilities provides evidence that the physical properties of rock samples removed from high-stress regimes change. As a result of the lessons learnt during Phase I, a Phase II in situ program has been initiated to improve our general understanding of diffusion in SFR.     

Predictive modelling of NAPL injection tests in variable aperture spatially correlated fractures.

In preparation for a field experiment where a NAPL will be injected into a fractured sandstone aquifer, a 2D invasion percolation model of DNAPL migration in a single horizontal fracture with varying aperture has been developed. This simulation investigated the effect of spatially correlated fracture aperture fields on pressure-saturation relationships as a function of variable aperture mean, standard deviation, and spatial correlation statistics under hydrostatic conditions. Results from spatially correlated variable aperture fields can be significantly different from random fields. Longer ranges decreased entry pressures and higher standard deviations decreased nonwetting phase saturations. Mean aperture is the major control on displacement pressure, entry pressure and the form of the pressure-saturation curve. Simulation results using statistical parameters for a variable aperture natural sandstone fracture as described by Yeo et al. [International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 35 (1998) 1051] closely resemble a Brooks-Corey pressure-saturation function, and exhibit a distinct entry pressure followed by a rapid increase in nonwetting phase saturation. Graphical estimates of entry pressure provide a good approximation of the critical aperture controlling the formation of a continuous nonwetting phase pathway in a variable aperture fracture. Consequently, we show that multiphase flow concepts developed for porous media can successfully be applied to variable aperture fractures. Entry pressure correlates well to the mean aperture in these simulations when using a Gaussian distribution of fracture aperture. Interpreted aperture distributions from NAPL injection experiments do not fit the true distribution well at low nonwetting phase saturations, but do at higher saturations above the entry pressure. Consequently, true, mechanical aperture variation within a fracture plane cannot be determined from NAPL injection experiments either in the field or laboratory.     

Multidimensional validation of a numerical model for simulating a DNAPL release in heterogeneous porous media

A fixed-volume release of 1,2-DCE, tracked in space and time with a light transmission/image analysis system, provided a data set for the infiltration, redistribution, and immobilisation of a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) in a heterogeneous porous medium. The two-dimensional bench scale flow cell was packed with a spatially correlated, random heterogeneous distribution of six sand types. In order to provide the necessary modelling parameters, detailed constitutive relationships were measured at the local scale for the six sands. These experiments revealed that nonwetting phase (NWP) relative permeability-saturation (k(rN)-S(W)) relationships are strongly correlated to sand type. Trends in the best-fit k(rN)-S(W) parameters reflected a positive correlation between mean grain diameter and the maximum NWP relative permeability, k(rN)(max). Multiphase flow simulations of the bench scale experiment best reproduced the experimental observations, producing excellent matches in both time and space, when the measured, correlated local scale k(rN)-S(W) relationships were employed.     

Estimation of mechanical dispersion and dispersivity in a soil-gas system by column experiments and the dusty gas model

In a previous study, column experiments were carried out with Toyoura sand (permeability 2.05×10(-11)m(2)) and Toyoura sand mixed with bentonite (permeability 9.96×10(-13)m(2)) to obtain the molecular diffusion coefficient, the Knudsen diffusion coefficient, the tortuosity for the molecular diffusion coefficient, and the mechanical dispersion coefficient of soil-gas systems. In this study, we conducted column experiments with field soil (permeability 2.0×10(-13)m(2)) and showed that the above parameters can be obtained for both less-permeable and more-permeable soils by using the proposed method for obtaining the parameters and performing column experiments. We then estimated dispersivity from the mechanical dispersion coefficients obtained by the column experiments. We found that the dispersivity depended on the mole fraction of the tracer gas and could be represented by a quadratic equation.     

Modeling the Reduction of Vapor Phase Emissions from Surface Soils Due to Soil Matrix Effects: Porosity/Tortuosity Concepts

ABSTRACT

A major route for transport of volatile organic compounds within porous media is vapor phase diffusion. The diffusion rate through a porous medium is less than that through free-air due to the decreased cross-sectional area available for gas movement and the increased path length due to pore tortuosity. Numerous empirical expressions have been published that relate the diffusion coefficient in porous media to the diffusion coefficient in free-air (unobstructed gas phase). Published measurements of relative diffusivity and air-filled porosity were combined into a database. Empirical expressions available in the literature, including the popular Millington-Quirk equation, were evaluated along with a fourth-degree polynomial expression developed by the authors to determine the best type of equation to predict relative diffusivity as a function of air-filled porosity over the domain of values for porosity ranging from 0.071 to 1 for different types of materials. Mean square deviations were used as the statistical test to compare equations. The polynomial expression developed in this project produced a significantly different effective diffusion coefficient (1.3 x 10^-6 m²/sec) compared to values of 9.2 x 10^-6 m²/sec and 3.1 x 10^-6 m²/ sec predicted by forms of the Millington-Quirk equation for a specific case.     

Temporal evolution of DNAPL source and contaminant flux distribution: impacts of source mass depletion

We investigated, using model simulations, the changes occurring in the distribution of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) mass (Sn) within the source zone during depletion through dissolution, and the resulting changes in the contaminant flux distribution (J) at the source control plane (CP). Two numerical codes (ISCO3D and T2VOC) were used to simulate selected scenarios of DNAPL dissolution and transport in three-dimensional, heterogeneous, spatially correlated, random permeability fields with emplaced sources. Data from the model simulations were interpreted based on population statistics (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation) and spatial statistics (centroid, second moments, variograms). The mean and standard deviation of the Sn and J distributions decreased with source mass depletion by dissolution. The decrease in mean and standard deviation was proportional for the J distribution resulting in a constant coefficient of variation (CV), while for the Sn distribution, the mean decreased faster than the standard deviation. The spatial distributions exhibited similar behavior as the population distribution, i.e., the CP flux distribution was more stable (defined by temporally constant second moments and range of variograms) than the Sn distribution. These observations appeared to be independent of the heterogeneity of the permeability (k) field (variance of the log permeability field=1 and 2.45), correlation structure (positive vs. negative correlation between the k and Sn domains) and the DNAPL dissolution model (equilibrium vs. rate-limited), for the cases studied. Analysis of data from a flux monitoring field study (Hill Air Force Base, Utah) at a DNAPL source CP before and after source remediation also revealed temporal invariance of the contaminant flux distribution. These modeling and field observations suggest that the temporal evolution of the contaminant flux distribution can be estimated if the initial distribution is known. However, the findings are preliminary and broader implications to sampling strategies for remediation performance assessment need to be evaluated in additional modeling and experimental studies.     

Scaling of spontaneous imbibition data with wettability included

Wettability is a dominant parameter governing spontaneous imbibition. However less attention has been paid to the effect of wettability on the scaling of spontaneous imbibition data. Actually few models can include wettability in scaling of spontaneous imbibition data. To this end, a scaling model has been developed for NAPL (oil)-saturated porous media with different wettability based on the fluid flow mechanisms in porous media. Relative permeability, capillary pressure, initial water saturation, and wettability are considered in the scaling model. Theoretically this scaling model is suitable for both cocurrent and countercurrent spontaneous imbibition. The experimental data of countercurrent spontaneous water imbibition at different wettability cannot be scaled using the frequently used scaling model but can be scaled satisfactorily using the scaling model developed in this study. An analytical solution to the relationship between recovery and imbibition time for linear spontaneous imbibition has also been derived in the case in which gravity is ignored. The analytical solution predicts a linear correlation between the recovery by spontaneous water imbibition and the square root of imbibition time, which has been verified against experimental data.     

Infiltration and redistribution of LNAPL into unsaturated layered porous media

Enhanced understanding of light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) infiltration into heterogeneous porous media is important for the effective design of remediation strategies. We used a 2-D experimental facility that allows for visual observation of LNAPL contours in order to study LNAPL redistribution in a layered porous medium. The layers are situated in the unsaturated zone near the watertable and they are inclined to be able to observe the effect of discontinuities in capillary forces and relative permeabilities. Two experiments were performed. The first experiment consisted of LNAPL infiltration into a fine sand matrix with a coarse sand layer, and the second experiment consisted of a coarse sand matrix and a fine sand layer. The numerical multi-phase flow model STOMP was validated with regard to the experimental results. This model is able to adequately reproduce the experimental LNAPL contours. Numerical sensitivity analysis was also performed. The capillarity contrast between sands was found to be the main controlling factor determining the final LNAPL distribution.     

Droplet evaporation from porous surfaces; model validation from field and wind tunnel experiments for sand and concrete

The evaporation model of Roberts and Griffiths (1995 Atmospheric Environment 29, 1307–1317) has been subjected to an extensive validation exercise based on a major campaign of field experiments on evaporation from surfaces composed of sand and of concrete. This complements the previous validation which was limited to wind tunnel experiments on sand surfaces. Additionally, the validation using wind tunnel data has been extended to include concrete surfaces. The model describes the constant-rate and falling-rate periods that characterise evaporation from porous media. During the constant-rate period, the evaporation is solely determined by the vapour transport rate into the air. During the falling-rate period, the process in the porous medium is modelled as a receding evaporation front, the overall evaporation rate being determined by the combined effects of vapour transport through the pore network and subsequently into the air. The field trials programme was conducted at sites in the USA and the UK, and examined the evaporation of diethyl malonate droplets from sand and concrete surfaces. Vapour concentrations at several heights in the plume were measured at the centre of a 1 m radius annular source (of width 10 cm) contaminated by uniformly sized droplets (2.4 or 4.1 mm in diameter), key meteorological data being measured at the same time. The evaporation was quantified by coupling concentration and wind speed data. In all, 22 trials were performed on sand and concrete; a further 8 were performed on non-porous surfaces (aluminium foil and slate) as references. The model performance was evaluated against the experimental data in terms of two quantities, the initial evaporation rate of the embedded droplets, and the mass-fraction remaining in the substrate at intervals over the evaporation episode. Overall, the model performance was best in the case of the field experiments for concrete, and the wind tunnel experiments for sand; the performance for wind tunnel experiments for concrete was reasonably good; in the case of the field experiments for sand there was significant underprediction of evaporation rates, though the trends with the determining variables were well predicted.     

The role of pressure drop and flow redistribution on modeling mercury control using sorbent injection in baghouse filters

A mathematical model based on simple cake filtration theory was coupled to a previously developed two-stage mathematical model for mercury (Hg) removal using powdered activated carbon injection upstream of a baghouse filter. Values of the average permeability of the filter cake and the filter resistance extracted from the model were 4.4 x 10(-13) m2 and 2.5 x 10(-4) m(-1), respectively. The flow is redistributed during partial cleaning of the filter, with flows higher across the newly cleaned filter section. The calculated average Hg removal efficiency from the baghouse is lower because of the high mass flux of Hg exiting the filter in the newly cleaned section. The model shows that calculated average Hg removal is affected by permeability, filter resistance, fraction of the baghouse cleaned, and cleaning interval.     

Experiments on vertical transverse mixing in a large-scale heterogeneous model aquifer

Vertical transverse mixing is known to be a controlling factor in natural attenuation of extended biodegradable plumes originating from continuously emitting sources. We perform conservative and reactive tracer tests in a quasi two-dimensional 14 m long sand box in order to quantify vertical mixing in heterogeneous media. The filling mimics natural sediments including a distribution of different hydro-facies, made of different sand mixtures, and micro-structures within the sand lenses. We quantify the concentration distribution of the conservative tracer by the analysis of digital images taken at steady state during the tracer-dye experiment. Heterogeneity causes plume meandering, leading to distorted concentration profiles. Without knowledge about the velocity distribution, it is not possible to determine meaningful vertical dispersion coefficients from the concentration profiles. Using the stream-line pattern resulting from an inverse model of previous experiments in the sand box, we can correct for the plume meandering. The resulting vertical dispersion coefficient is approximately approximately 4 x 10(-)(9) m(2)/s. We observe no distinct increase in the vertical dispersion coefficient with increasing travel distance, indicating that heterogeneity has hardly any impact on vertical transverse mixing. In the reactive tracer test, we continuously inject an alkaline solution over a certain height into the domain that is occupied otherwise by an acidic solution. The outline of the alkaline plume is visualized by adding a pH indicator into both solutions. From the height and length of the reactive plume, we estimate a transverse dispersion coefficient of approximately 3 x 10(-)(9) m(2)/s. Overall, the vertical transverse dispersion coefficients are less than an order of magnitude larger than pore diffusion coefficients and hardly increase due to heterogeneity. Thus, we conclude for the assessment of natural attenuation that reactive plumes might become very large if they are controlled by vertical dispersive mixing.     

Release of colloidal particles in natural porous media by monovalent and divalent cations

We study mobilization of colloidal particles from natural porous media, such as soils and groundwater aquifers. Extensive laboratory scale column experiments of particle release from four different subsurface materials are presented. The important characteristics of the release process are (i) its non-exponential kinetics, (ii) the finite supply of colloidal particles and (iii) the strong dependence of the release kinetic on the nature of the adsorbed cations. Particle release depends most sensitively on the relative saturation of the medium with divalent cations. We propose a mathematic model, which captures all these aspects quantitatively, and can be used to describe the coupling between transport of major cations and the release of colloidal particles. The present experimental investigations as well as the developed modeling framework represent an important step towards the understanding of colloid-facilitated transport phenomena in natural porous media.     

The impact of methanogenesis on flow and transport in coarse sand

The effects of biofilm growth and methane gas generation on water flow in porous media were investigated in an anaerobic two-dimensional sand-filled cell. Inoculation of the lower portion of the cell with a methanogenic culture and addition of methanol to the bottom of the cell led to biomass growth and formation of a gas phase. Biomass distributions in the water and on the sand in the cell were measured by protein analysis. The biofilm distribution on sand was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The formation, migration, distribution and saturation of gases in the cell were visualized by the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The effects of biofilm and gas generation on water flow were separated by performing one tracer test in the presence of both biofilm and a gas phase and a second tracer test after removal of the gas phase through water flushing. The results of tracer tests demonstrated that flow and transport in the two-dimensional cell were significantly affected by both gas generation and biofilm growth. Gas generated at the bottom of the cell in the biologically active zone moved upwards in discrete fingers, so that gas phase saturations (gas-filled fraction of void space) in the biologically active zone at the bottom of the cell did not exceed 40-50%, while gas accumulation at the top of the cell produced gas phase saturations as high as 80%. The greatest reductions in water phase permeability, based on measurements of reductions in water phase saturations, occurred near the top of the box as a result of the gas accumulation. In contrast the greatest reductions in permeability due to biofilm growth, based on measurements of biofilm thickness, occurred in the most biologically active zone at the bottom of the cell, where gas phase saturations were approximately 40-50%, but permeability reductions due to biofilm growth were estimated to be 80-95%.     

Colloid transport in a geochemically heterogeneous porous medium: aquifer tank experiment and modeling

To examine colloid transport in geochemically heterogeneous porous media at a scale comparable to field experiments, we monitored the migration of silica-coated zirconia colloids in a two-dimensional layered porous media containing sand coated to three different extents by ferric oxyhydroxides. Transport of the colloids was measured over 1.65 m and 95 days. Colloid transport was modeled by an advection-dispersion-deposition equation incorporating geochemical heterogeneity and colloid deposition dynamics (blocking). Geochemical heterogeneity was represented as favorable (ferric oxyhydroxide-coated) and unfavorable (uncoated sand) deposition surface areas. Blocking was modeled as random sequential adsorption (RSA). Release of deposited colloids was negligible. The time to colloid breakthrough after the onset of blocking increased with increasing ferric oxyhydroxide-coated surface area. As the ferric oxyhydroxide surface area increased, the concentration of colloids in the breakthrough decreased. Model-fits to the experimental data were made by inverse solutions to determine the fraction of surface area favorable for deposition and the deposition rate coefficients for the favorable (ferric oxyhydroxide-coated) and unfavorable sites. The favorable deposition rate coefficient was also calculated by colloid filtration theory. The model described the time to colloid breakthrough and the blocking effect reasonably well and estimated the favorable surface area fraction very well for the two layers with more than 1% ferric oxyhydroxide coating. If mica edges in the uncoated sand were considered as favorable surface area in addition to the ferric oxyhydroxide coatings, the model predicted the favorable surface area fraction accurately for the layer with less than 1% ferric oxyhydroxide coating.