A Multi-Phase Flow Model for Predicting Contaminant Transport in Underground Aquifers

Abstract

The threat of groundwater contamination is great to our most precious resources on this planet. Urban development and industrial activities are encompassing the entire globe and need for accurate model to predict and mitigate the transportation of pollutants in underground aquifers is becoming important day by day. In this article progress is made for the development and use of multi phase flow models for predicting transport of contaminants in subsurface environment is explored, by highlighting major advances and scope for further research. Extensive research of the complex interactions between contaminants and aquifer systems has arisen from the growing concern over the quality of groundwater. Powerful tools for simulating movement of different fluid phases such as water, air, and organic pollutant through the porous media include the multi-phase flow models. Such models can be used to gain valuable information about how contaminants may be fated and transported and provide an impetus for development of more effective remediation strategies and better decision making in environmental management. In this extensive exploration of multi phase flow models, we present an introduction of fundamental principles governing multi phase flow models, assess their development over the past few decades and discuss their use in predicting contaminant transport. This paper synthesizes previous studies that address specific workings of multi-phase flow modeling in the field of groundwater contamination and it aims to facilitate understanding of the present state of the task by identifying research areas in the future.