The construction and typical simplification in geochemical modelling : a case study of the Phreeqc program

In order to obtain the most realistic outcome in geochemical modeling, a few basic assumptions described in the article should be made. The simplified representation (description) of actual hydrogeological system (as a set of working hypotheses and assumptions which could be verified on the basis of existing data) must be a starting point in geochemical modeling. After positive verification of the conceptual model, the following stage of work as a creation of numerical algorithm (geochemical model) can be done. The current degree of recognition of the system allows its reliable representation as a series ofdata and assumptions entered into a computer program. The operating principles of the program itself should also be known to avoid treating the calculations as a typical "black box” where on the one hand the data are put in and on the other we obtain the result. An adoption of such approach generates typical errors shown in the article and causes obtaining false results