Abstract
Internal pore domains exist within rocks, lithic fragments, subsurface sediments, and soil aggregates. These domains, termed internal domains in porous media (IDPM), represent a subset of a material's porosity, contain a significant fraction of their porosity as nanopores, dominate the reactive surface area of diverse media types, and are important locations for chemical reactivity and fluid storage. IDPM are key features controlling hydrocarbon release from shales in hydraulic fracture systems, organic matter decomposition in soil, weathering and soil formation, and contaminant behavior in the vadose zone and groundwater. Traditionally difficult to interrogate, advances in instrumentation and imaging methods are providing new insights on the physical structures and chemical attributes of IDPM, and their contributions to system behaviors. Here we discuss analytical methods to characterize IDPM, evaluate information on their size distributions, connectivity, and extended structures; determine whether they exhibit unique chemical reactivity; and assess the potential for their inclusion in reactive transport models. Ongoing developments in measurement technologies and sensitivity, and computer-assisted interpretation will improve understanding of these critical features in the future. Impactful research opportunities exist to advance understanding of IDPM, and to incorporate their effects in reactive transport models for improved environmental simulation and prediction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2811-2829 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Environmental Science and Technology |
| Volume | 50 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 15 2016 |
Funding
This manuscript resulted from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Basic Energy Science (BES) Geosciences Council Workshop on "Internal Domains in Porous Media" held in December 2012. The following sources/contracts provided funding to the authors: J.Z., DOE BER/SBR (54737) and DOE BES Geosciences (56674); S.B., DOE BES (DE-FG02-OSER15675); J.C., DOE BER/SBR (DE-SC0006781); R.E., DOE BER/SBR (54737); S.K., DOE BES Geosciences (56674); C.L., DOE BER/SBR (54737); E.P., Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program, ORNL; GR; and A.S., DOE BES Geosciences (ERKCC72). BER/SBR is Biological and Environmental Research, Subsurface Biogeochemical Research Program. David Cole, Ohio State University, provided an initial concept for the abstract graphic. The helpful comments of three anonymous reviewers are acknowledged.