Simulation of Contaminant Transport through the Vadose Zone: A Continuum Mechanical Approach within the Framework of the Extended Theory of Porous Media (eTPM)

Abstract

The simulation of contaminant transport through the vadose zone enjoys high significance for decision makers and contaminated site planners since the vadose zone can serve as a filter, but many contaminants can be transported from this region to aquifers. The intention of this paper is to utilize the extended Theory of Porous Media (eTPM) to develop a ternary model for the simulation of contaminant transport in the vadose zone whose application is subsequently shown via a numerical example. The simulation was conducted for 140 days, during which the contamination source was removed after 25 days. The results indicate that the contaminant reached the water table after 76 days. The concentration of the contaminant reaching the groundwater was 17% less than that of the contaminant source.