Colloid-facilitated transport of pesticides

The objective of the project is to investigate the mechanisms responsible for colloid transport in porous media and the associated colloid-facilitated transport of hydrophobic contaminants, especially pesticides. The project involves laboratory transport experiments in undisturbed, macroporous soil as well as homogeneous sand media. The experimental results are interpreted using numerical models that incorporate the facilitated transport. The soil structure, hydraulic conditions, and the chemical composition of the infiltration fluid are the main factors affecting the release and transport of colloids and associated pesticide.