A second order in space accurate implicit scheme for time-dependent advection-dispersion equations and a
discrete fracture propagation model are employed to model solute transport in porous media.We study the impact
of the fractures on mass transport and dispersion. To model flowand transport, pressure and transport equations are
integrated using a finite-element, node-centered finite-volume approach. Fracture geometries are incrementally
developed from a random distributions of material flaws using an adoptive geomechanical finite-element model
that also produces fracture aperture distributions. This quasistatic propagation assumes a linear elastic rock
matrix, and crack propagation is governed by a subcritical crack growth failure criterion. Fracture propagation,
intersection, and closure are handled geometrically. The flow and transport simulations are separately conducted
for a range of fracture densities that are generated by the geomechanical finite-element model. These computations
show that the most influential parameters for solute transport in fractured porous media are as follows: fracture
density and fracture-matrix flux ratio that is influenced by matrix permeability. Using an equivalent fracture
aperture size, computed on the basis of equivalent permeability of the system, we also obtain an acceptable
prediction of the macrodispersion of poorly interconnected fracture networks. The results hold for fractures at
relatively low density