Advanced discretization techniques for groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling : Precision analysis and numerical methodologies

Abstract

This comprehensive study delves into the complex interactions of groundwater flow and contaminant transport, meticulously addressing nonlinearities stemming from porosity variations and concentration-dependent reactions. Leveraging state-of-the-art discretization techniques alongside the Newton-Raphson method, our research provides a highly accurate numerical solution, adept at capturing the intricate interplay between flow dynamics and contaminant migration in realistic environmental scenarios. The comparative analysis spans a spectrum of critical aspects, including convergence rates, the efficacy of discretization techniques, sensitivity analysis, benchmark validation, and a distinctive comparison with Linearized models. Our findings yield valuable insights into hydraulic head distribution patterns, the evolution of contaminant concentrations over time, the nuanced impact on flow velocities, and the temporal evolution of contaminant plumes. Furthermore, we conduct a meticulous analysis of nonlinear source/sink contributions, shedding light on their significance in the coupled groundwater system. The outcomes of this study contribute significantly to the precision and advancement of groundwater modeling methodologies. By unraveling the intricacies of coupled flow and transport with nonlinearities, we aim to provide the scientific community with robust tools for addressing real-world groundwater challenges. This research not only enhances our understanding of complex hydro geological systems but also paves the way for more accurate and reliable predictions in groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling.