Parameter identification of virus transport in porous media using equilibrium and non-equilibrium models

In this study, virus transport parameters in porous media were estimated using a hybrid finite volume model coupled with a non-linear least square optimization algorithm. For the study, both non-equilibrium and equilibrium transport model were considered. For the case of estimating two or three unknown parameters with non-equilibrium transport model, presence of distribution coefficient, inactivation coefficients of liquid and sorbed phase results in a non-unique estimate. Similarly, in case of parameter estimation with non-linear equilibrium transport model, a priori estimate of one of the Freundlich isotherm parameter (i.e. n or kf) along with inactivation coefficients for liquid or sorbed phases is necessary. Finally, the model is applied to estimate the parameters from a column experiment involving virus transport and it was found that non-equilibrium models fit the observed data much better as compared to equilibrium model.