AbstractAn accurate finite‐volume Eulerian Lagrangian localized adjoint method (ELLAM) is presented for solving the one‐dimensional variable coefficients advection dispersion equation that governs transport of solute in porous medium. The method uses a moving grid to define the solution and test functions. Consequently, the need for spatial interpolation, or equivalently numerical integration, which is a major issue in conventional ELLAM formulations, is avoided.After reviewing the one‐dimensional method of ELLAM, we present our strategy and detailed calculations for both saturated and unsaturated porous medium. Numerical results for a constant‐coefficient problem and a variable‐coefficient problem are very close to analytical and fine‐grid solutions, respectively. The strength of the developed method is shown for a large range of CFL and grid Peclet numbers. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.