Articles | Volume 29, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-5283-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-5283-2025
Research article
 | 
20 Oct 2025
Research article |  | 20 Oct 2025

Quantifying matrix diffusion effect on solute transport in subsurface fractured media

Hui Wu, Yuanyuan Wei, and Kun Zhang

Cited articles

Andersson, P., Byegård, J., Tullborg, E. L., Doe, T., Hermanson, J., and Winberg, A.: In situ tracer tests to determine retention properties of a block scale fracture network in granitic rock at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden, J. Contam. Hydrol., 70, 271–297, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2003.09.009, 2004. 
Bear, J., Tsang, C. F., and De Marsily, G.: Flow and contaminant transport in fractured rock, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Academic Press, ISBN 9780120839803, 2012. 
Becker, M. W. and Shapiro, A. M.: Tracer transport in fractured crystalline rock: Evidence of nondiffusive breakthrough tailing, Water Resour. Res., 36, 1677–1686, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000WR900080, 2000. 
Berkowitz, B.: Characterizing flow and transport in fractured geological media: A review, Adv. Water Resour., 25, 861–884, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1708(02)00042-8, 2002. 
Berkowitz, B., Bear, J., and Braester, C.: Continuum models for contaminant transport in fractured porous formations, Water Resour. Res., 24, 1225–1236, https://doi.org/10.1029/WR024i008p01225, 1988. 
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Short summary
This study improves how we model the transport of substances like contaminants in subsurface fractured environments. It introduces a new unified parameter to better quantify matrix diffusion. With field and lab data, the research shows the effectiveness of the unified parameter. An efficient method is proposed to simplify complex 3D models to 2D models to save computational cost. These findings can help improve predictions and decisions in environmental cleanup and waste management projects.
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