Geology Contaminant Retardation Factor Calculator
Equilibrium linear sorption R=1+rhoDryKd/nEffective, independently calibrated contaminant/medium Kd, not reactive kinetics. Caller independently establishes matching units, evidence, method edition and applicability; output is not compliance, diagnosis, work-safety approval, geological identity or validated hazard prediction.
Description
A retardation factor compares solute movement with water movement under an equilibrium sorption model.
A retardation factor compares solute movement with water movement under an equilibrium sorption model.1
Bulk density, distribution coefficient and porosity must use compatible units and represent the same material and chemical conditions. Use this tool to calculate contaminant retardation factor from the supplied measurements and assumptions.
When to use Geology Contaminant Retardation Factor Calculator
Use this tool to calculate contaminant retardation factor from the supplied measurements and assumptions. Establish the measurement units, sampled interval, calibration or model edition and geological assumptions before entering data.
How to use Geology Contaminant Retardation Factor Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the measurement units, sampled interval, calibration or model edition and geological assumptions before entering data.
- Enter dryBulkDensityKgM3, linearKdM3Kg, transportPorosity, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read retardationFactor. Interpret the fields using their units, signs and evidence conventions below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying the result, check reference scope, model assumptions and any missing evidence or placeholder values.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| dryBulkDensityKgM3 | Dry bulk density kg m3 | number | Required |
| linearKdM3Kg | Linear kd m3 kg | number | Required |
| transportPorosity | Transport porosity | number | Required |
Require positive dry bulk density, nonnegative linear distribution coefficient and porosity in (0,1]. Combine kg/m³ and m³/kg to form a dimensionless density×Kd product, then divide by porosity and add one. Sorption linearity and equilibrium are external assumptions.
retardation=1+bulkDensityKgM³×KdM³Kg/porosity Use the exact units, boundary rules, ordering and missing-evidence conventions above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| retardationFactor | Retardation Factor; follow the units, sign, ordering and evidence convention stated above | number |
{
"input": {
"dryBulkDensityKgM3": 1000,
"linearKdM3Kg": 0.001,
"transportPorosity": 0.5
},
"output": {
"retardationFactor": 3
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Bulk density, distribution coefficient and porosity must use compatible units and represent the same material and chemical conditions. Interpretation depends on the units, sampling scope and exact model described above.
All listed fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, incorrect types, nonfinite numbers and sparse evidence arrays fail validation; the specific bounds and alignment requirements are stated above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful result reporting false, no matches or missing evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Geology Permeability Kozeny Carman Calculator for this related task: The Kozeny–Carman relation connects grain scale, porosity and an adopted geometric constant to intrinsic permeability.
Use Geology Effective Porosity Calculator when its separate inputs and assumptions fit the question: Effective porosity excludes independently estimated dead-end volume from a supplied connected pore volume.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Geology Permeability Kozeny Carman Calculator
The Kozeny–Carman relation connects grain scale, porosity and an adopted geometric constant to intrinsic permeability.
- Geology Effective Porosity Calculator
Effective porosity excludes independently estimated dead-end volume from a supplied connected pore volume.