Abstract
This paper develops a new two-dimensional model to estimate the radon exhalation rate of fractured porous media. The fractal discrete fracture network is used to characterize the fracture structure in the model. The finite element method solves the governing equations of radon migrations in fractures and porous matrix. Well-equipped laboratory tests validate the model with reasonable accuracy. The comparison of the model with the traditional radon migration model indicates that the model can simulate radon migration in fractured porous media more effectively than the traditional model. The effects of fracture intensity (P21), seepage velocity, and fracture connectivity on radon migration in fractured porous media are analyzed using the model. The radon exhalation rate increases with the fracture intensity and seepage velocity. There is an exponential relationship between fracture connectivity and radon concentration. The model provides a reliable method to analyze radon migration in fractured porous media and is helpful for radon pollution prevention and control.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 11705083 and 12005099), Foundation Project in the Field of Equipment Advance Research (grant number 80927015101), and Science and Technology Innovation Plan Project of Hengyang (grant number 202105006).
Funding
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number 11705083), Foundation Project in the Field of Equipment Advance Research (grant number 80927015101), and Science and Technology Innovation Plan Project of Hengyang (grant number 202105006).
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Writing and formal analysis: Yurong Wu. Conceptualization, supervision, and funding acquisition: Shengyang Feng and Yong Liu. Formal analysis and investigation: Ming Lan and Qian Kang. Investigation: Xiaojie Chen. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Wu, Y., Chen, X., Kang, Q. et al. A two-dimensional model for the analysis of radon migration in fractured porous media. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 45966–45976 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25491-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25491-x