HR: 0830h
AN: H21D-0852    [PDF]
TI: Characterization of Reactive Solute Transport in Laboratory Column Experiments Using Temporal Moments
AU: * Williams, R
EM: rachaew@clemson.edu
AF: Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, SC 29625 United States
AU: Fjeld, R A
EM: fjeld@clemson.edu
AF: Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, SC 29625 United States
AB: A method is presented for the analysis of contaminant breakthrough curves from laboratory column experiments using temporal moments. The temporal moments are used (1) to determine if an experimental breakthrough curve can be predicted by one of three advection/dispersion/sorption models (linear equilibrium, linear one-site, and linear two-site) and (2) to estimate the corresponding transport and sorption parameters. The technique was developed for both known and unknown Peclet number. It was first tested for ideal breakthrough curves (error-free data with small time increments), and was generally successful in identifying the correct model and providing accurate estimates of transport parameters. The exception was the two-site model for unknown Peclet number, where problems were encountered in solving the system of three non-linear equations required to estimate the transport and sorption parameters. To test the robustness of the technique, it was then applied to breakthrough curves more representative of those that might be obtained experimentally. These curves were produced by introducing random error into the concentration data and increasing the time increment between data points. Although the technique ultimately failed with increasing error and time increment, the envelop of values for which it was successful includes a range that can reasonably be achieved experimentally. For example, it was successfully applied to equilibrium data (retardation factor = 1.5 and Peclet number = 100) with a time increment of 0.3 displaced pore volumes and relative experimental error of 10%.
DE: 1800 HYDROLOGY
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting