InterPore2026

Multiphase Flow of NAPL in Homogeneous Aquifer Materials Systems at Oil Spill Sites

22 May 2026, 10:20

1h 30m

Poster Presentation (MS05) Physics of multiphase flow in diverse porous media Poster

Speaker

RABINDRA MAITY (Central university of Gujarat and IIT Delhi)

Description

Abstract

Multiphase Flow of NAPL in Homogeneous Aquifer Materials Systems at Oil Spill Sites
Rabindra Maity1,2, Dr. Bhawana Pathak1, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta2,3
1School of Environment and Sustainable Development, Central University of Gujarat, 382030, India.
2Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
3Wetland Hydrology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada.
*Email: rabindramaity721447@gmail.com, bhawana.pathak@cug.ac.in, pk3gupta@uwaterloo.ca

Hydrocarbon contamination of soil and groundwater systems poses a significant environmental challenge in India and global, particularly in wetland and coastal regions prone to oil spills. The study aims to investigate the multiphase flow behavior of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLS), in heterogeneous soil- groundwater systems using advanced hydro-geophysical techniques and numerical modelling. The research focuses on the influence of water table fluctuations and infiltration intensity on the remobilization and redistribution of residual NAPL at the field scale. Moreover, the performance of in- situ bioremediation systems for dissolved-phase hydrocarbon removal. The methodology involves laboratory column experiments, the development of numerical modelling using HYDROUS- 1D and MRST software. Further, the dissolved phase hydrocarbon mobility was simulated using the BIOPLUME- HYDRUS model. The study sites, characterized by heterogeneous surface materials such as core sand, silt and clay are in Panipat refineries area, in India. The research methodology involves the development of a high-accuracy multiphase flow model, capable of predicting contaminant behavior with an error margin of less than 1%, estimation of NAPL flow in surface systems, determination of dynamic mobilization mechanisms, and quantitative assessment of bioremediation feasibility. The study aims to bridge the research gaps identified in previous works, such as the lack of media-specific multiphase flow parameters, high parameter uncertainty, and the need for large-scale field validation. The findings will have direct applications for managing contamination in vulnerable ecosystems such as coastal regions, flood-impacted areas, and wetlands. Ultimately, this research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical hydrogeology and practical field remediation, offering ecosystem-based solutions for oil spill management in India.