The aggregation processes of contaminants in natural waters are experimentally simulated in laboratory using a quiescent, continuous flow, fluid column with optical measuring capabilities for particle size and velocity. Particle settling rates and aggregation are measured over extended time intervals for various particle size distributions and water chemical characteristics. The experiments will be carried out with silica spheres and titania coated silica spheres of 0.3 to 4 microns, at various concentrations, under the effect of various ligants and electrolites and at different pH values. Numerical solution of the Smoluchowski's equation and the calculation of the collision efficiency using classical theory (DLVO) and the triple layer model for surface complexation.
The proposed studies have relevance to transport and fate of contaminants in polluted sites, as well as to development of remediation methods and water treatment processes.
