Characterization of nanoparticle transport through quartz and dolomite gravels by magnetic resonance imaging

Lakshmanan, S., Holmes, W.M. , Sloan, W.T. and Phoenix, V.R. (2015) Characterization of nanoparticle transport through quartz and dolomite gravels by magnetic resonance imaging. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 12(10), pp. 3373-3384. (doi: 10.1007/s13762-015-0767-4)

[img]
Preview
Text
102479coversheet.pdf - Cover Image

50kB
[img]
Preview
Text
102479.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

1MB

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has tremendous potential for revealing transport processes in engineered and geologic systems. Here, we utilize MRI to image nanoparticle (NP) transport through a saturated coarse-grained system. Commercially available paramagnetically tagged NPs are used; the paramagnetic tag making the NP visible to MRI. NP transport was imaged as NPs migrated through packed columns of quartz and dolomite gravel. Changes in T2-weighted image intensity were calibrated to provide fully quantitative maps of NP concentration at regular time intervals (T 2 being the spin–spin relaxation time of 1H nuclei). Transport of nanoparticles was significantly retarded in dolomite compared to quartz due to electrostatic attraction between nanoparticle and dolomite surfaces. NP concentration profiles were evaluated with the CXTFIT computer package to estimate nanoparticle transport parameters at multiple points along the length of the column. This provided temporally resolved parameters that standard breakthrough curve analysis cannot provide. Particle–surface interaction energy profiles were described through Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. While dispersion coefficients and fast deposition rate constant (k fast) were found to increase with distance, deposition rate constant (k) and collision efficiency (α) were found to decrease with distance. These length-dependant variations have significant scaling-up implications for transport models used to predict NP transport in natural and engineered coarse-grained systems, such as sustainable urban drainage systems and river beds.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sloan, Professor William and Holmes, Dr William and Phoenix, Dr Vernon and Lakshmanan, Mrs Susithra
Authors: Lakshmanan, S., Holmes, W.M., Sloan, W.T., and Phoenix, V.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1735-1472
ISSN (Online):1735-2630
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 12(10):3373-3384
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
491431Magnetic resonance imaging of biofilm mass transport processes with gadolinium tracersVernon PhoenixEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/G028443/1SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL & EARTH SCIENCES
500721Opening the black box: imaging nanoparticle transport with magnetic resonance imagingVernon PhoenixNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)NE/G010269/1SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHICAL & EARTH SCIENCES