Subproject Colloid

Phase II: Mobilisation mechanisms of colloids in urban soils and their relevance for the leaching of pollutants

Dr. Friederike Lang, Prof. Dr. Martin Kaupenjohann

Recent studies emphasize the relevance of colloid-bound transport of pollutants in soils. Elevated Na concentrations of the soil solution and extreme drying and re-wetting cycles might increase the dispersibility and stability of colloids in urban soils. The water regime of urban soils, being characterized by a high proportion of preferential flow, increases the risk of the break-through of colloids into the groundwater. Studies on colloid-facilitated transport in urban soils do not exist until now. The aim of our subproject is to investigate the effect of drying and re-wetting on the mobilisation of colloids paying special attention to the hydrophobicity of colloids. Besides, we will elucidate the relevance of biofilms for colloid (im)mobilisation.

Further aims are

  1. the risk assessment of the mobilisation of colloid-bound pollutants at the interurban study sites
  2. the measurement of the mobility of colloids in urban soils and
  3. the determination of the quality and quantity of mobile colloids in urban soils.

Results will be considered for modelling pollutant transport in urban soils.

Staff:

Dr. Friederike Lang
Sondra Klitzke
Claudia Kuntz
Cem Söllü
Celik Ertugrul-Kaan

 

Search  Contact  Legal notice