Mathematical Modeling of Effect of Pumping Rate on Contaminant Transport in Riverbank Filtration System

Abstract

Riverbank filtration (RBF) is a natural technology that is used for river water treatment. This research seeks to investigate the effect of pumping rate on the transport of colloids in RBF. However, this work considered Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) as a nutrient for bacteria. The mathematical model consists of groundwater flow equation and colloids concentration equations. The equations were solved analytically using parameter expanding method and Eigen function expansion techniques. The results obtained are presented graphically and discussed. It was observed that increase in pumping rate value enhance both the hydraulic head and concentration of colloids which slightly reduces the quality of pumped water from RBF.

Keywords: Riverbank filtration, analytical model, colloids, hydraulic head and pumping rat