Multi-domain model for pore-size dependent transport of solutes in soils

Abstract

A multi-domain model for the transport of chemicals in soils is developed. The solute flux is related to the microscopic water flux, which is modelled using concepts to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of porous media. The pore space of the soil is divided into an arbitrarily large number of domains each representing an equivalent pore radius. The domains are arranged on a structural coordinate, perpendicular to the direction of mean water flow. Transport in the flow direction takes place in each domain by convection and diffusion with pore-size specific velocities. Solute mixing between the domains is simulated as convective-dispersive transport along the structural coordinate. The model is solved numerically for one-dimensional steady-state water flux under unit-gradient conditions. Required input parameters are the unsaturated conductivity function of a soil and a pore interaction coefficient which characterizes the solute exchange between the pore domains. Simulations show a gradual change from convection dominated transport (isolated tube model) to convective-dispersive transport. The length scale where this change takes place depends on the lateral mixing intensity, pore-size distribution of the medium, and saturation degree.