Colloid Transport in Soil: Mechanisms and Modeling

Summary

This research looks at how bacteria and microplastics move through soil and may reach the groundwater. Through lab experiments, outdoor field studies, and computer simulations, it explores how different conditions, like rainfall, soil type, and particle characteristics, affect their movement. The study shows that some bacteria travel more easily in certain soils, while others are more likely to stick or die off. Microplastics behave differently depending on their material and size, with biodegradable plastics breaking down and moving deeper over time. The computer model helps explain how water flow in soil influences this movement. These findings are important for understanding the risks these pollutants pose and can help improve how we protect soil and clean water in the future.