ABSTRACT
The original Yeung & Mitchell (1993) coupled flow equations, that describe solute pollutant migration through mineral barriers, have here been reviewed and modified formulas have been proposed. Advective, diffusive and osmotic flows under isothermal conditions have in particular been considered in this paper. The introduced modifications lead to a clarification of the significance of osmotic efficiency (ω) and restriction capacity of solute movement (θ). The need and usefulness of further experimental investigations on the relationships between these two parameters have also been pointed out. The paper also includes a series of examples and dimensionless plots to highlight the influence of osmosis on pollutant migration through mineral barriers under steady state and transient conditions and for different types of boundary conditions.
