Author(s)

L. Araguas and K. Rozanski

Abstract

The paper is focussed on comparison of two different approaches used to derive parameters of water and solute transport through the unsaturated zone, using tracer experiments in the field. Two case studies in Brazil and Costa Rica are briefly discussed. Tritium, deuterium and nitrate were used in these studies to determine the local water balance and the rate of transfer of pollutants to the aquifer. The results were modeled using two approaches: a multi-box approach, based on a series of interconnected cells; analytical solution of the dispersion equation formulated for a double-porosity medium. Advantages and disadvantages of both approaches with regard to field studies with the limited data available

Keywords