Solute transport with multiprocess nonequilibrium: a semi-analytical solution approach

A semi-analytical solution for the simulation of one-dimensional subsurface solute transport incorporating multiple nonequilibrium processes is presented. The solution is based on the theory developed by Brusseau et al. (1992) [Brusseau, M.L., Jessup, R.E., Rao, P.S.C., 1992. Modeling solute transport influenced by multiprocess nonequilibrium and transformation reactions. Water Resources Research 28 (1), 175-182.] which is a generalized combination of two-site and two-region model. In addition to developing a semi-analytical complement to their numerical solution, we extend the range of boundary and initial conditions considered. The semi-analytical solution can represent domains of both finite and semi-infinite extent and accommodates nonzero initial concentrations. The solution is derived in Laplace space and final results are obtained using an accurate and robust numerical inversion algorithm. The solution is particularly well suited for interpreting experimental results obtained under controlled laboratory conditions. Identification of the input parameters for the solution is examined by simulating a column experiment by van Genuchten (1974) [van Genuchten, M., 1974. Mass Transfer Studies in Sorbing Porous Media. PhD thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.].