Modeling Multi-process Transport of Pathogens in Porous Media

The transport behavior of microorganisms in porous media is of interest with regard to the fate of pathogens associated with wastewater recharge, riverbank filtration, and land application of biosolids. This interest has fomented research on the transport of pathogens in the subsurface environment. The factors influencing pathogen transport within the subsurface environment include advection, dispersion, filtration, and inactivation. The filtration process, which mediates the magnitude and rate of pathogen retention, comprises several mechanisms such as attachment to porous-medium surfaces, straining, and sedimentation. We present a mathematical model wherein individual filtration mechanisms are explicitly incorporated along with advection, dispersion, and inactivation. The performance of the model is evaluated by applying it to several data sets obtained from miscible-displacement experiments conducted using various pathogens. Input parameters are obtained to the extent possible from independent means.