Macroscopic and microscopic aspects of microbe and colloid transport and retention in aqueous systems

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Understanding the factors and mechanisms controlling the transport and retention of microorganisms (e.g, bacteria and protozoa) and colloids in aqueous systems is important for in-situ bioremediation, protection of subsurface environments from waterborne contaminants, design of water and wastewater treatment facilities, and development of improved implantable medical devices. Although considerable research efforts have been directed at elucidating the interactions governing the transport and fate of biological and nonbiological colloids in aqueous environments, a number of unresolved issues remain. This research aims to address the influence of biofilms and variations in their properties and composition on microbial and particle transport and retention in natural and engineered aqueous systems. Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms enclosed within a self-developed matrix of excreted polymeric substances and adherent to a living or inert surface. In the natural subsurface environment, biofilm can form on the surface of soil grains, thereby altering their physicochemical properties and hence their filtration efficiency.