Double forced gradient tracer test: Performance and interpretation of a field test using a new solute transport model

A double forced gradient tracer test was performed in heterogeneous quaternary deposits of the Scheldt river in Belgium. The objectives of the test were to derive reliable hydraulic and solute transport parameters, to study the heterogeneity of the groundwater reservoir and to illustrate the practical utility of forced gradient tracer tests. Salt water was used as a conservative tracer. The tracer was injected with two injection wells and both plumes were pumped towards one intermediately placed pumping well. Before the forced gradient tracer test a short lasting pumping test was performed. Drawdown and concentration measurements were made in different observation wells during the pumping and forced gradient tracer test. The movement of the salt water was followed by measuring the electrical conductivity of the sediments around observation wells using a focussed electromagnetic induction method. The drawdown and concentration observations were then interpreted together. By combining these two sets of data, hydraulic and solute transport parameters were derived simultaneously and more accurately than in the case only one type of data is used. For this, a new 3D solute transport model TRACER3D, specifically designed to simulate accurately flow and solute transport towards a well, was developed. The behaviour of the two tracer plumes was totally different due to varying hydraulic and dispersive properties in the aquifer. Horizontal and vertical conductivity, specific elastic storage, effective porosity and longitudinal dispersivity were derived and brought into relation with the site's heterogeneity, visualised by natural gamma logs in the different wells.