Speaker
Description
Urban aquifer recharge using treated wastewater is increasingly practiced to supplement declining groundwater resources. But treated effluent still contains emerging contaminants including engineered nanoparticles and microplastics originating from domestic and industrial sources. The contaminants may migrate through soil and reach groundwater during recharge operations. The vertical transport behavior of these contaminants under urban recharge conditions remains poorly understood. This study presents a continuum-scale modeling framework to evaluate vertical transport, retention, and groundwater contamination potential of engineered nanoparticles during urban aquifer recharge. This was achieved by integrating literature-derived nanoparticle concentration ranges in reclaimed water, site-representative hydrogeological conditions, and colloid transport modelling framework. The model formulations are based on governing transport mechanisms like attachment-detachment and other physicochemical interactions between nanoparticles, pore water, and soil surfaces. The recharge fluxes similar to those used in urban recharge facilities are simulated to analyze nanoparticle breakthrough and vertical depth of migration in subsurface. Predicted environmental concentrations in groundwater are compared with reported ecotoxicological threshold values to provide a preliminary screening of potential groundwater risk. This modeling approach helps in the assessment of risks associated with engineered nanoparticles and to prevent contamination of groundwater.
| References | Babakhani, P., Bridge, J., Doong, R. A., & Phenrat, T. (2017). Continuum-based models and concepts for the transport of nanoparticles in saturated porous media: A state-of-the-science review. Advances in colloid and interface science, 246, 75-104. Bayat, A. E., Junin, R., Derahman, M. N., & Samad, A. A. (2015). TiO2 nanoparticle transport and retention through saturated limestone porous media under various ionic strength conditions. Chemosphere, 134, 7-15. Bradford, S. A., Simunek, J., Bettahar, M., Van Genuchten, M. T., & Yates, S. R. (2003). Modeling colloid attachment, straining, and exclusion in saturated porous media. Environmental science & technology, 37(10), 2242-2250. Cox, H., & Brusseau, M. L. (2025). Transport of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Porous Media: Characterization and Quantification of Retention Informed by Atomic Force Microscopy. Colloids and Interfaces, 9(5), 72. Gentile, G. J., & de Cortalezzi, M. M. F. (2016). Enhanced retention of bacteria by TiO2 nanoparticles in saturated porou |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Student Awards | I would like to submit this presentation into both awards |
| Acceptance of the Terms & Conditions | Click here to agree |
