A modeling approach for electrokinetic transport in double-porosity media

Electrokinetic techniques have attracted considerable attention due to their competitive advantage in enhancing transport phenomena and remediation of low permeability soils. However, many types low-permeability porous media, such as active clays like bentonite, present a double porosity structure that strongly affects mass transfer processes. In this work, we develop modeling approach simulate electrokinetic media. The proposed model is based on the previously released code M4EKR explicitly considers electromigration well effects electrical diffuse layer charged For purpose, two levels been established: one associated with soil macrostructure (bulk water) other microstructure (diffuse layer). At latter level, effect electrostatic interactions imposed by negative charge clay particles modeled Donnan approach. comparison results between synthetic cases single systems shows fundamental role microstructural level. High enrichment cations and, therefore, high cationic fluxes are produced These mechanisms significantly modify extent cation thus, directly influence species determined interactions.