Micro-scale modelling of iron particles transport in saturated porous media

Zero-valent iron micro- and nano-particles represent a promising technology for groundwater remediation, since their exert their degradation capabilities through inexpensive injections. Macro-scale mathematical models are often used to design and optimize the injection strategy. These models generally take into account micro-scale phenomena, such as particle-particle and particle-grain interactions, that significantly affect particle mobility. However, the most popular approach, based on empirical attachment/detachment kinetics, seems to be unable to properly describe them. The aim of this work, co-funded by the European Union project AQUAREHAB (FP7 - Grant Agreement Nr. 226565), is to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Population Balance Models (PBM) at the micro-scale to derive more accurate (with respect to the empirical kinetics) “constitutive” equations to be implemented in the macro-scale model.