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Visualization of transport and fate of nano and micro-scale particles in porous media: modeling coupled effects of ionic strength and size
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Visualization of transport and fate of nano and micro-scale particles in porous media: modeling coupled effects of ionic strength and size

Chen Chen, Travis Waller and Sharon L. Walker
Environmental science. Nano, v 4(5), pp 1025-1036
01 May 2017

Abstract

Chemistry Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences & Ecology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Physical Sciences Science & Technology Science & Technology - Other Topics
In this investigation, the single collector removal efficiency (eta) of three latex nanoparticles differing in size (20, 200, 2000 nm) is presented for a 2-D micromodel system. The eta for each collector grain as a whole and by quadrant was evaluated across a range of ionic strengths (1-100 mM KCl). Fluorescence microscopy allowed for the direct visualization of latex nanoparticle transport and deposition under the aforementioned ionic strengths and particle sizes. A rigorous numerical model was developed that incorporates DLVO forces (electrostatic and van der Waals interactions), as well as hydrodynamic forces utilizing COMSOL over the range of experimental conditions tested to calculate eta. This expression, based on a modification of filtration theory, accounts for the observed variation in deposition with respect to the location (or quadrant) on the collector, ionic strength, and particle size. Visual and theoretical findings in this investigation confirm that the greatest deposition along the collector surface occurs at the rear stagnation region of an individual collector. In addition, the single collector removal efficiency increases with ionic strength as well as particle size. This research demonstrates the critical nature of the cumulative effects the hydrodynamic forces, size, and ionic strength have with respect to the interactions between particles and collectors.

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#6 Clean Water and Sanitation

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Web of Science research areas
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Environmental Sciences
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
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