CLOG: A Code to Address the Clogging of Artificial Recharge Systems

Clogging of groundwater Artificial Recharge systems is a very ubiquitous problem that affects numerous recharge facilities and can have dramatic technological and economic impacts. A quantitative approach to clogging is presented in this paper by describing a new comprehensive numerical model.The current version of this code, termed CLOG, has been obtained by using two existing codes, one for multiphase flow and the other for reactive transport, and by adding specific clogging subroutines. As a result the model is capable of treating the basic clogging processes: transport of particles, bacterial growth (attached to the medium), chemical reactions (homogeneous and heterogeneous kinetics, with biocatalysed paths), gas flow, and compaction. Therefore, the code is integrating the elementary processes, as determined by numerous experiences.This paper summarises the numerical structure of CLOG, focusing on the implementation of the clogging-related issues. A real example is enclosed with the aim of remarking its capabilities and, also, discussing which are the main limitations. Finally, a rapid discussion of future trends and modifications is done.