Simulating contaminant transport in unsaturated and saturated groundwater zones

Abstract

The demand for clean and adequate water is rising rapidly with increasing population. This growing demand for water necessitates the measurement of the quantity and quality of water. Simulation modeling has become increasingly popular in the last two decades largely because of their predictive ability. This paper reviews the approaches for simulation modeling in groundwater resources management, focusing on models that have been used to simulate contaminant transport through the aquifer system. Recent research papers that have integrated the models for unsaturated and saturated zones have also been studied and described. Integrated models require assessment of the complex interactions between the groundwater zones and the movement of water and solute through them. Due to this, integrated models provide a more accurate modeling approach than models that have been independently developed for saturated and unsaturated zones. Application of such models is encouraged at the regional level to arrive at the best groundwater management decisions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: In the past few decades, modeling of contaminant transport in groundwater systems has seen tremendous applications. A number of models exist that independently simulate flow and solute transport in unsaturated and saturated zones. Recently, focus has been given on developing advanced coupled modeling approaches that require less inputs and run times.

Keywords: contaminant transport modeling; coupled models; groundwater modeling; saturated zone; unsaturated zone.