Transfer of particles in fractured chalk: Experimental study on the Effect of flow velocity

Abstract

The transport of suspended particles through fractured rocks contributes, for example, to the contamination and therefore to the vulnerability of karst groundwater. Thus, the effect of flow velocity on the transport of suspended particles in an artificial fractured chalk was undertaken. Preliminary results showed that the flow velocity greatly affects the particles’transfer in the fracture. With the increase in flow velocity, the particles recovery rate increases and the residence time decreases. The transport behavior cannot be totally explained with the flow velocity only. Hence, additional investigations should include, for example, the effect fracture aperture, and the physicochemical conditions.