Measurements of Capillary Pressure-Saturation Relationships for Silica Sands Using Light Transmission Visualization and a Rapid Pseudo Static Methods

EPA Science Inventory

Measurement of water saturation in porous media is essential for many types of studies including subsurface water flow, subsurface colloids transport and contaminant remediation to name a few. Water saturation (S) in porous media is dependent on the capillary pressure (Pc) which,...

Colloid-Mediated Transport of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products through Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Yingna; Chen, Xijuan; Chen, Xin; Zhuang, Jie

2016-10-01

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) enter soils through reclaimed water irrigation and biosolid land applications. Colloids, such as clays, that are present in soil may interact with PPCPs and thus affect their fate and transport in the subsurface environment. This study addresses the influence of soil colloids on the sorption and transport behaviors of PPCPs through laboratory column experiments. Results show that the affinities of PPCPs for colloids vary with their molecular chemistry and solution ionic strength. The presence of colloids promotes the breakthrough of ciprofloxacin (over 90% sorbed on colloids) from ~4% to 30-40%, and the colloid-facilitated effect was larger at lower ionic strength (e.g., 2 mM). In comparison, the net effect of colloids on the transport of tetracycline (~50% sorbed on colloids) could be facilitation or inhibition, depending on solution chemistry. This dual effect of colloids is primarily due to the opposite response of migration of dissolved and colloid-bound tetracycline to the change in solution ionic strength. Colloids could also facilitate the transport of ibuprofen (~10% sorbed on colloids) by ~50% due likely to exclusion of dispersion pathways by colloid straining. This study suggests that colloids are significant carriers or transport promoters of some PPCPs in the subsurface environment and could affect their off-site environmental risks.

Colloid-Mediated Transport of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products through Porous Media

PubMed Central

Xing, Yingna; Chen, Xijuan; Chen, Xin; Zhuang, Jie

2016-01-01

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) enter soils through reclaimed water irrigation and biosolid land applications. Colloids, such as clays, that are present in soil may interact with PPCPs and thus affect their fate and transport in the subsurface environment. This study addresses the influence of soil colloids on the sorption and transport behaviors of PPCPs through laboratory column experiments. Results show that the affinities of PPCPs for colloids vary with their molecular chemistry and solution ionic strength. The presence of colloids promotes the breakthrough of ciprofloxacin (over 90% sorbed on colloids) from ~4% to 30–40%, and the colloid-facilitated effect was larger at lower ionic strength (e.g., 2 mM). In comparison, the net effect of colloids on the transport of tetracycline (~50% sorbed on colloids) could be facilitation or inhibition, depending on solution chemistry. This dual effect of colloids is primarily due to the opposite response of migration of dissolved and colloid-bound tetracycline to the change in solution ionic strength. Colloids could also facilitate the transport of ibuprofen (~10% sorbed on colloids) by ~50% due likely to exclusion of dispersion pathways by colloid straining. This study suggests that colloids are significant carriers or transport promoters of some PPCPs in the subsurface environment and could affect their off-site environmental risks. PMID:27734948

Ion beam analyses of radionuclide migration in heterogeneous rocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alonso, Ursula; Missana, Tiziana; Garcia-Gutierrez, Miguel

2013-07-18

The migration of radionuclides (RN) in the environment is a topic of general interest, for its implications on public health, and it is an issue for the long-term safety studies of deep geological repositories (DGR) for high-level radioactive waste. The role played by colloids on RN migration is also of great concern. Diffusion and sorption are fundamental mechanisms controlling RN migration in rocks and many experimental approaches are applied to determine transport parameters for low sorbing RN in homogeneous rocks. However, it is difficult to obtain relevant data for high sorbing RN or colloids, for which diffusion lengths are extremelymore » short, or within heterogeneous rocks, where transport might be different in different minerals. The ion beam techniques Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and micro-Particle Induced X-Ray Emission ({mu}PIXE), rarely applied in the field, were selected for their micro-analytical potential to study RN diffusion and surface retention within heterogeneous rocks. Main achievements obtained during last 12 years are highlighted.« less

Influence of heteroaggregation processes between intrinsic colloids and carrier colloids on cerium(III) mobility through fractured carbonate rocks.

PubMed

Tran, Emily; Klein Ben-David, Ofra; Teutch, Nadya; Weisbrod, Noam

2016-09-01

Colloid facilitated transport of radionuclides has been implicated as a major transport vector for leaked nuclear waste in the subsurface. Sorption of radionuclides onto mobile carrier colloids such as bentonite and humic acid often accelerates their transport through saturated rock fractures. Here, we employ column studies to investigate the impact of intrinsic, bentonite and humic acid colloids on the transport and recovery of Ce(III) through a fractured chalk core. Ce(III) recovery where either bentonite or humic colloids were added was 7.7-26.9% Ce for all experiments. Greater Ce(III) recovery was observed when both types of carrier colloids were present (25.4-37.4%). When only bentonite colloids were present, Ce(III) appeared to be fractionated between chemical sorption to the bentonite colloid surfaces and heteroaggregation of bentonite colloids with intrinsic carbonate colloids, precipitated naturally in solution. However, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and colloid stability experiments reveal that in suspensions of humic acid colloids, colloid-facilitated Ce(III) migration results only from the latter attachment mechanism rather than from chemical sorption. This observed heteroaggregation of different colloid types may be an important factor to consider when predicting potential mobility of leaked radionuclides from geological repositories for spent fuel located in carbonate rocks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal Motion and Forced Migration of Colloidal Particles Generate Hydrostatic Pressure in Solvent

PubMed Central

Hammel, H. T.; Scholander, P. F.

1973-01-01

A colloidal solution of ferrite particles in an osmometer has been used to demonstrate that the property that propels water across the semipermeable membrane is the decrease in hydrostatic pressure in the water of the solution. A magnetic field gradient directed so as to force the ferrite particles away from the semipermeable membrane of the osmometer and toward the free surface of the solution enhanced the colloidal osmotic pressure. The enhancement of this pressure was always exactly equal to the augmentation of the pressure as measured by the outward force of the particles, against the area of the free surface. Contrariwise, directing the magnetic field gradient so as to force the ferrite particles away from the free surface and toward the semipermeable membrane diminished the colloidal osmotic pressure of the solution. For a sufficiently forceful field gradient, the initial colloidal osmotic pressure could be negative, followed by an equilibrium pressure approaching zero regardless of the force of the particles against the membrane. Thus, the osmotic pressure of a solution is to be attributed to the pressure in the solvent generated in opposition to the pressure of the solute particles caused by their interaction with the free surface (Brownian motion and/or an external field force), or by their viscous shear when they migrate through the solvent, or both. PMID:16592046

Accelerated lattice Boltzmann model for colloidal suspensions rheology and interface morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farhat, Hassan

Colloids are ubiquitous in the food, medical, cosmetic, polymer, water purification and pharmaceutical industries. Colloids thermal, mechanical and storage properties are highly dependent on their interface morphology and their rheological behavior. Numerical methods provide a cheap and reliable virtual laboratory for the study of colloids. However efficiency is a major concern to address when using numerical methods for practical applications. This work introduces the main building-blocks for an improved lattice Boltzmann-based numerical tool designed for the study of colloidal rheology and interface morphology. The efficiency of the proposed model is enhanced by using the recently developed and validated migrating multi-block algorithms for the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The migrating multi-block was used to simulate single component, multi-component, multiphase and single component multiphase flows. Results were validated by experimental, numerical and analytical solutions. The contamination of the fluid-fluid interface influences the colloids morphology. This issue was addressed by the introduction of the hybrid LBM for surfactant-covered droplets. The module was used for the simulation of surfactant-covered droplet deformation under shear and uniaxial extensional flows respectively and under buoyancy. Validation with experimental and theoretical results was provided. Colloids are non-Newtonian fluids which exhibit rich rheological behavior. The suppression of coalescence module is the part of the proposed model which facilitates the study of colloids rheology. The model results for the relative viscosity were in agreement with some theoretical results. Biological suspensions such as blood are macro-colloids by nature. The study of the blood flow in the microvasculature was heuristically approached by assuming the red blood cells as surfactant covered droplets. The effects of interfacial tension on the flow velocity and the droplet exclusion from the walls in parabolic flows were in qualitative agreement with some experimental and numerical results. The Fahraeus and the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effects were reproduced. The proposed LBM model provides a flexible numerical platform consisting of various modules which could be used separately or in combination for the study of a variety of colloids and biological suspensions flow deformation problems.

PCR detection of groundwater bacteria associated with colloidal transport

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cruz-Perez, P.; Stetzenbach, L.D.; Alvarez, A.J.

1996-02-29

Colloidal transport may increase the amount of contaminant material than that which could be transported by water flow alone. The role of colloids in groundwater contaminant transport is complicated and may involve many different processes, including sorption of elements onto colloidal particles, coagulation/dissolution, adsorption onto solid surfaces, filtration, and migration. Bacteria are known to concentrate minerals and influence the transport of compounds in aqueous environments and may also serve as organic colloids, thereby influencing subsurface transport of radionuclides and other contaminants. The initial phase of the project consisted of assembling a list of bacteria capable of sequestering or facilitating mineralmore » transport. The development and optimization of the PCR amplification assay for the detection of the organisms of interest, and the examination of regional groundwaters for those organisms, are presented for subsequent research.« less

The latest results on colloid associated radionuclide migration from the CFM Project, Grimsel Test Site (GTS, Switzerland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, T.; Blechschmidt, I.; Bouby, M.; Buechner, S.; Brendlé, J.; Geckeis, H.; Kupcik, T.; Goetz, R.; Hauser, W.; Heck, S.; Huber, F. M.; Lagos, M.; Martin, A. J.

2013-12-01

The influence of colloidal/nano-scale phases on the radionuclide (RNs) solubility and migration behavior is still one of the uncertainties in repository safety assessment [1]. Within the Colloid Formation and Migration (CFM) project at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS Switzerland) a huge geo-technical effort was taken to isolate hydraulically a shear-zone from the artificially introduced hydraulic gradient due to the tunnel construction. The construction is a combination of polymer resin impregnation of the tunnel surface and a steel torus to seal the tunnel surface. Natural outflow points of the MI shear zone were localized prior to the construction and sealed by surface packers. This design gives the opportunity to adjust the flow velocity in the fracture. After optimization of the experimental setup and injection procedure through a number of conservative tracer tests a license was granted in January 2012 by the Swiss regulator (BAG) to perform the first radionuclide tracer test under these low-flow conditions. The injection cocktail of 2.25L volume consisted of 101.4 × 2.5 mg/L montmorillonite clay colloids, whereas 8.9 × 0.4mg/L were present as synthetic montmorillonite with structural incorporated Ni. For details on the structural characterization of the Ni-montmorillonite phyllosilicate, see [2]. Beside the colloids and the conservative tracer Amino-G (1646 × 8ppb) the radioisotopes Na-22, Ba-133, Cs-137, Th-232, Np-237, Pu-242 and Am-243 were injected. The trivalent and tetravalent actinides were quantitatively associated with the colloids present as well as a part of the Cs, whereas Np(V) and Na are not bentonite colloid bond. For on-site colloid analysis a mobile Laser- Induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) system similar to the one used in the CRR experiments [3] was transferred to Grimsel and installed in-line at the 'Pinkel' outlet to directly monitor the mobile colloid fraction throughout the experiment. The conservative tracer Amino-G was recovered quantitatively and for the weakly sorbing tracers analyzed by γ-spectrometry recoveries for Na-22, Cs-137 and Ba-133 of 64%, 10% and 1%, respectively, were found. The clay colloid recovery determined by LIBD and HR-ICP-MS analyzing Al and Ni as structural components of the clay particles provided 48-52%. For the initial quantitatively colloid associated actinides Am(III) and Pu(IV) a recovery of 21-22% and 30-35%, respectively, could be determined. Np recovery is significantly reduced to ~4 %, which hints to a kinetic controlled Np(V) reduction. The data obtained so far clearly show the mobility of bentonite derived montmorillonite colloids under near-natural flow conditions in the MI shear zone of the Grimsel Test Site [4]. The experimental data will be discussed in detail in the presentation. [1] T. Schäfer, et al. Appl. Geochem., 27 (2012) 390-403. [2] Reinholdt, et al., Nanomaterials, 3 (2013) 48-69. [3] H. Geckeis, et al., Radiochim. Acta, 92 (2004) 765-774. [4] www.grimsel.com

Optimal Design of Passive Power Filters Based on Pseudo-parallel Genetic Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Pei; Li, Hongbo; Gao, Nannan; Niu, Lin; Guo, Liangfeng; Pei, Ying; Zhang, Yanyan; Xu, Minmin; Chen, Kerui

2017-05-01

The economic costs together with filter efficiency are taken as targets to optimize the parameter of passive filter. Furthermore, the method of combining pseudo-parallel genetic algorithm with adaptive genetic algorithm is adopted in this paper. In the early stages pseudo-parallel genetic algorithm is introduced to increase the population diversity, and adaptive genetic algorithm is used in the late stages to reduce the workload. At the same time, the migration rate of pseudo-parallel genetic algorithm is improved to change with population diversity adaptively. Simulation results show that the filter designed by the proposed method has better filtering effect with lower economic cost, and can be used in engineering.

Composition inversion in mixtures of binary colloids and polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Isla; Pinchaipat, Rattachai; Wilding, Nigel B.; Faers, Malcolm A.; Bartlett, Paul; Evans, Robert; Royall, C. Patrick

2018-05-01

Understanding the phase behaviour of mixtures continues to pose challenges, even for systems that might be considered "simple." Here, we consider a very simple mixture of two colloidal and one non-adsorbing polymer species, which can be simplified even further to a size-asymmetrical binary mixture, in which the effective colloid-colloid interactions depend on the polymer concentration. We show that this basic system exhibits surprisingly rich phase behaviour. In particular, we enquire whether such a system features only a liquid-vapor phase separation (as in one-component colloid-polymer mixtures) or whether, additionally, liquid-liquid demixing of two colloidal phases can occur. Particle-resolved experiments show demixing-like behaviour, but when combined with bespoke Monte Carlo simulations, this proves illusory, and we reveal that only a single liquid-vapor transition occurs. Progressive migration of the small particles to the liquid phase as the polymer concentration increases gives rise to composition inversion—a maximum in the large particle concentration in the liquid phase. Close to criticality, the density fluctuations are found to be dominated by the larger colloids.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Colloid-facilitated Plutonium Reactive Transport in Fractured Tuffaceous Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Z.; Wolfsberg, A. V.; Zhu, L.; Reimus, P. W.

2017-12-01

Colloids have the potential to enhance mobility of strongly sorbing radionuclide contaminants in fractured rocks at underground nuclear test sites. This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation of colloid-facilitated plutonium reactive transport in fractured porous media for identifying plutonium sorption/filtration processes. The transport parameters for dispersion, diffusion, sorption, and filtration are estimated with inverse modeling for minimizing the least squares objective function of multicomponent concentration data from multiple transport experiments with the Shuffled Complex Evolution Metropolis (SCEM). Capitalizing on an unplanned experimental artifact that led to colloid formation and migration, we adopt a stepwise strategy to first interpret the data from each experiment separately and then to incorporate multiple experiments simultaneously to identify a suite of plutonium-colloid transport processes. Nonequilibrium or kinetic attachment and detachment of plutonium-colloid in fractures was clearly demonstrated and captured in the inverted modeling parameters along with estimates of the source plutonium fraction that formed plutonium-colloids. The results from this study provide valuable insights for understanding the transport mechanisms and environmental impacts of plutonium in fractured formations and groundwater aquifers.

Colloid facilitated transport of lanthanides through discrete fractures in chalk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Emily; Klein Ben-David, Ofra; Teutsch, Nadya; Weisbrod, Noam

2015-04-01

Geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste is the internationally agreed-upon, long term solution for the disposal of long lived radionuclides and spent fuel. Eventually, corrosion of the waste canisters may lead to leakage of their hazardous contents, and the radionuclides can ultimately make their way into groundwater and pose a threat to the biosphere. Engineered bentonite barriers placed around nuclear waste repositories are generally considered sufficient to impede the transport of radionuclides from their storage location to the groundwater. However, colloidal-sized mobile bentonite particles eroding from these barriers have come under investigation as a potential transport vector for radionuclides sorbed to them. In addition, the presence of organic matter in groundwater has been shown to additionally facilitate the uptake of radionuclides by the clay colloids. This study aims to evaluate the transport behaviors of radionuclides in colloid-facilitated transport through a fractured chalk matrix and under geochemical conditions representative of the Negev desert, Israel. Lanthanides are considered an acceptable substitute to actinides for research on radionuclide transportation due to their similar chemical behavior. In this study, the migration of Ce both with and without colloidal particles was explored and compared to the migration of a conservative tracer (bromide). Tracer solutions containing known concentrations of Ce, bentonite colloids, humic acid and bromide were prepared in a matrix solution containing salt concentrations representative of that of the average rain water found in the Negev. These solutions were then injected into a flow system constructed around a naturally fractured chalk core. Samples were analyzed for Ce and Br using ICP-MS, and colloid concentrations were determined using spectrophotographic analysis. Breakthrough curves comparing the rates of transportation of each tracer were obtained, allowing for comparison of transport rates and calculation of overall tracer recovery. Preliminary results suggest that mobility of Ce as a solute is negligible, and in experiments conducted without bentonite colloids, the 2% of the Ce that was recovered during the experiments travelled as "intrinsic" colloids in the form of Ce2(CO3)3-6H2O precipitate. However, the total recovery of the Ce increased to 9% when it was injected into the core in the presence of bentonite colloids and 13% when both bentonite and the carbonate precipitate colloids were injected. In addition, the maximum relative concentration (C/C0) of the Ce in the samples from the experiments conducted without bentonite colloids is about 0.002, whereas that of the experiments conducted in the presence of bentonite colloids reaches almost 0.2. This indicates that colloid presence does indeed markedly increase the mobility of radionuclides through fractured chalk matrices and should therefore be considered in models representing transport of radionuclide waste originating from nuclear repositories.

Experimental evidence for ternary colloid-facilitated transport of Th(IV) with hematite (α-Fe2O3) colloids and Suwannee River fulvic acid.

PubMed

Emerson, Hilary P; Hickok, Katherine A; Powell, Brian A

2016-12-01

Previous field experiments have suggested colloid-facilitated transport via inorganic and organic colloids as the primary mechanism of enhanced actinide transport in the subsurface at former nuclear weapons facilities. In this work, research was guided by the hypothesis that humic substances can enhance tetravalent actinide (An(IV)) migration by coating and mobilizing natural colloids in environmental systems and increasing An(IV) sorption to colloids. This mechanism is expected to occur under relatively acidic conditions where organic matter can sorb and coat colloid surfaces and facilitate formation of ternary colloid-ligand-actinide complexes. The objective of this work was to examine Th transport through packed columns in the presence of hematite colloids and/or Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA). In the presence of SRFA, with or without hematite colloids, significant transport (>60% recovery within the effluent) of thorium occurred through quartz columns. It is notable that the SRFA contributed to increased transport of both Th and hematite colloids, while insignificant transport occurred in the absence of fulvic acid. Further, in the presence of a natural sandy sediment (as opposed to pure quartz), transport is negligible in the presence of SRFA due to interactions with natural, clay-sized sediment coatings. Moreover, this data shows that the transport of Th through quartz columns is enhanced in ternary Th-colloid-SRFA and binary Th-SRFA systems as compared to a system containing only Th. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validation of a low field Rheo-NMR instrument and application to shear-induced migration of suspended non-colloidal particles in Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colbourne, A. A.; Blythe, T. W.; Barua, R.; Lovett, S.; Mitchell, J.; Sederman, A. J.; Gladden, L. F.

2018-01-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance rheology (Rheo-NMR) is a valuable tool for studying the transport of suspended non-colloidal particles, important in many commercial processes. The Rheo-NMR imaging technique directly and quantitatively measures fluid displacement as a function of radial position. However, the high field magnets typically used in these experiments are unsuitable for the industrial environment and significantly hinder the measurement of shear stress. We introduce a low field Rheo-NMR instrument (1 H resonance frequency of 10.7MHz), which is portable and suitable as a process monitoring tool. This system is applied to the measurement of steady-state velocity profiles of a Newtonian carrier fluid suspending neutrally-buoyant non-colloidal particles at a range of concentrations. The large particle size (diameter > 200 μm) in the system studied requires a wide-gap Couette geometry and the local rheology was expected to be controlled by shear-induced particle migration. The low-field results are validated against high field Rheo-NMR measurements of consistent samples at matched shear rates. Additionally, it is demonstrated that existing models for particle migration fail to adequately describe the solid volume fractions measured in these systems, highlighting the need for improvement. The low field implementation of Rheo-NMR is complementary to shear stress rheology, such that the two techniques could be combined in a single instrument.

Actinide geochemistry: from the molecular level to the real system.

PubMed

Geckeis, Horst; Rabung, Thomas

2008-12-12

Geochemical processes leading to either mobilization or retention of radionuclides in an aquifer system are significantly influenced by their interaction with rock, sediment and colloid surfaces. Therefore, a sound safety assessment of nuclear waste disposal requires the elucidation and quantification of those processes. State-of-the-art analytical techniques as e.g. laser- and X-ray spectroscopy are increasingly applied to study solid-liquid interface reactions to obtain molecular level speciation insight. We have studied the sorption of trivalent lanthanides and actinides onto aluminium oxides, hydroxides and purified clay minerals by the time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray-absorption spectroscopy. Chemical constitution and structure of surface bound actinides are proposed based on spectroscopic information. Open questions still remain with regard to the exact nature of mineral surface ligands and the mineral/water interface. Similarities of spectroscopic data obtained for M(III) sorbed onto gamma-alumina, and clay minerals suggest the formation of very comparable inner-sphere surface complexes such as S-O-An(III)(OH)x(2-x)(H2O)5-x at pH > 5. Those speciation data are found consistent with those predicted by surface complexation modelling. The applicability of data obtained for pure mineral phases to actinide sorption onto heterogeneously composed natural clay rock is examined by experiments and by geochemical modelling. Good agreement of experiment and model calculations is found for U(VI) and trivalent actinide/lanthanide sorption to natural clay rock. The agreement of spectroscopy, geochemical modelling and batch experiments with natural rock samples and purified minerals increases the reliability in model predictions. The assessment of colloid borne actinide migration observed in various laboratory and field studies calls for detailed information on actinide-colloid interaction. Kinetic stabilization of colloid bound actinides can be due to inclusion into inorganic colloid matrix or by macromolecular rearrangement in case of organic, humic/fulvic like colloids. Only a combination of spectroscopy, microscopy and classical batch sorption experiments can help to elucidate the actinide-colloid interaction mechanisms and thus contribute to the assessment of colloids for radionuclide migration.

Acceleration of stable TTI P-wave reverse-time migration with GPUs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Youngseo; Cho, Yongchae; Jang, Ugeun; Shin, Changsoo

2013-03-01

When a pseudo-acoustic TTI (tilted transversely isotropic) coupled wave equation is used to implement reverse-time migration (RTM), shear wave energy is significantly included in the migration image. Because anisotropy has intrinsic elastic characteristics, coupling P-wave and S-wave modes in the pseudo-acoustic wave equation is inevitable. In RTM with only primary energy or the P-wave mode in seismic data, the S-wave energy is regarded as noise for the migration image. To solve this problem, we derive a pure P-wave equation for TTI media that excludes the S-wave energy. Additionally, we apply the rapid expansion method (REM) based on a Chebyshev expansion and a pseudo-spectral method (PSM) to calculate spatial derivatives in the wave equation. When REM is incorporated with the PSM for the spatial derivatives, wavefields with high numerical accuracy can be obtained without grid dispersion when performing numerical wave modeling. Another problem in the implementation of TTI RTM is that wavefields in an area with high gradients of dip or azimuth angles can be blown up in the progression of the forward and backward algorithms of the RTM. We stabilize the wavefields by applying a spatial-frequency domain high-cut filter when calculating the spatial derivatives using the PSM. In addition, to increase performance speed, the graphic processing unit (GPU) architecture is used instead of traditional CPU architecture. To confirm the degree of acceleration compared to the CPU version on our RTM, we then analyze the performance measurements according to the number of GPUs employed.

Colloid-associated plutonium aged at room temperature: evaluating its transport velocity in saturated coarse-grained granites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Jinchuan; Lin, Jianfeng; Wang, Yu; Li, Mei; Zhang, Jihong; Zhou, Xiaohua; He, Yifeng

2015-01-01

The fate and transport of colloidal contaminants in natural media are complicated by physicochemical properties of the contaminants and heterogeneous characteristics of the media. Size and charge exclusion are two key microscopic mechanisms dominating macroscopic transport velocities. Faster velocities of colloid-associated actinides than that of 3H2O were consistently indicated in many studies. However, dissociation/dissolution of these sorbed actinides (e.g., Pu and Np), caused by their redox reactions on mineral surfaces, possibly occurred under certain chemical conditions. How this dissolution is related to transport velocities remains unanswered. In this study, aging of the colloid-associated Pu (pseudo-colloid) at room temperature and transport through the saturated coarse-grained granites were performed to study whether Pu could exhibit slower velocity than that of 3H2O (UPu/UT < 1). The results show that oxidative dissolution of Pu(IV) associated with the surfaces of colloidal granite particles took place during the aging period. The relative velocity of UPu/UT declined from 1.06 (unaged) to 0.745 (135 d) over time. Size exclusion limited to the uncharged nano-sized particles could not explain such observed UPu/UT < 1. Therefore, the decline in UPu/UT was ascribed to the presence of electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged wall of granite pore channels and the Pu(V)O2+, as evidenced by increasing Pu(V)O2+ concentrations in the suspensions aged in sealed vessels. As a result of this attraction, Pu(V)O2+ was excluded from the domain closer to the centerline of pore channels. This reveals that charge exclusion played a more important role in dominating UPu than the size exclusion under the specific conditions, where oxidative dissolution of colloid-associated Pu(IV) was observed in the aged suspensions.

Competitive immunochromatographic assay for the detection of the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos

PubMed Central

Kim, Young Ah; Lee, Eun-Hye; Kim, Kwang-Ok; Lee, Yong Tae; Hammock, Bruce D.; Lee, Hye-Sung

2014-01-01

An immunochromatographic assay (ICA) based on competitive antigen-coated format using colloidal gold as the label was developed for the detection of the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos. The ICA test strip consisted of a membrane with a detection zone, a sample pad and an absorbent pad. The membrane was separately coated with chlorpyrifos hapten-OVA conjugate (test line) and anti-mouse IgG (control line). Based on the fact that the competition is between the migrating analyte in the sample and the analyte hapten immobilized on the test strip for the binding sites of the antibody-colloidal gold (Ab-CG) conjugate migrating on the test strip, this study suggests that the relative migration speed between the two migrating substances is a critically important factor for the sensitive detection by competitive ICA. This criterion was utilized for the confirmation of appropriateness of a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane for chlorpyrifos ICA. The detection limit of the ICA for chlorpyrifos standard and chlorpyrifos spiked into agricultural samples were 10 and 50 ng mL−1, respectively. The assay time for the ICA test was less than 10 min, suitable for rapid on-site testing of chlorpyrifos. PMID:21504817

Novel Indocyanine Green-Phytate Colloid Technique for Sentinel Node Detection in Head and Neck: Mouse Study.

PubMed

Araki, Koji; Mizokami, Daisuke; Tomifuji, Masayuki; Yamashita, Taku; Ohnuki, Kazunobu; Umeda, Izumi O; Fujii, Hirofumi; Kosuda, Shigeru; Shiotani, Akihiro

2014-08-01

Sentinel node navigation surgery using real-time, near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green is becoming popular by allowing head and neck surgeons to avoid unnecessary neck dissection. The major drawback of this method is its quick migration through the lymphatics, limiting the diagnostic time window and undesirable detection of downstream nodes. We resolved this problem by mixing indocyanine green (ICG) with phytate colloid to retard its migration and demonstrated its feasibility in a nude mouse study. Experimental prospective animal study. Animal laboratory. Indocyanine green at 3 concentrations was tested to determine the optimal concentration for sentinel lymph node detection in a mouse model. Effect of indocyanine green with phytate colloid mixture solutions was also analyzed. Indocyanine green or mixture solution at different mixing ratios were injected into the tongue of nude mice and near-infrared fluorescence images were captured sequentially for up to 48 hours. The brightness of fluorescence in the sentinel lymph node and lymph nodes further downstream were assessed. Indocyanine green concentration >50 μg/mL did not improve sentinel lymph node detection. The addition of phytate colloid to indocyanine green extended the period when sentinel lymph node was detectable. Second echelon lymph nodes were not imaged in mice injected with the mixture, while these were visualized in mice injected with indocyanine green alone. This novel technique of ICG-phytate colloid mixture allows prolonged diagnostic time window, prevention of downstream subsequent nodes detection, and improved accuracy for the detection of true sentinel lymph nodes. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2014.

Controlling placement of nonspherical (boomerang) colloids in nematic cells with photopatterned director

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Chenhui; Turiv, Taras; Zhang, Rui; Guo, Yubing; Shiyanovskii, Sergij V.; Wei, Qi-Huo; de Pablo, Juan; Lavrentovich, Oleg D.

2017-01-01

Placing colloidal particles in predesigned sites represents a major challenge of the current state-of-the-art colloidal science. Nematic liquid crystals with spatially varying director patterns represent a promising approach to achieve a well-controlled placement of colloidal particles thanks to the elastic forces between the particles and the surrounding landscape of molecular orientation. Here we demonstrate how the spatially varying director field can be used to control placement of non-spherical particles of boomerang shape. The boomerang colloids create director distortions of a dipolar symmetry. When a boomerang particle is placed in a periodic splay-bend director pattern, it migrates towards the region of a maximum bend. The behavior is contrasted to that one of spherical particles with normal surface anchoring, which also produce dipolar director distortions, but prefer to compartmentalize into the regions with a maximum splay. The splay-bend periodic landscape thus allows one to spatially separate these two types of particles. By exploring overdamped dynamics of the colloids, we determine elastic driving forces responsible for the preferential placement. Control of colloidal locations through patterned molecular orientation can be explored for future applications in microfluidic, lab on a chip, sensing and sorting devices.

Controlling placement of nonspherical (boomerang) colloids in nematic cells with photopatterned director.

PubMed

Peng, Chenhui; Turiv, Taras; Zhang, Rui; Guo, Yubing; Shiyanovskii, Sergij V; Wei, Qi-Huo; de Pablo, Juan; Lavrentovich, Oleg D

2017-01-11

Placing colloidal particles in predesigned sites represents a major challenge of the current state-of-the-art colloidal science. Nematic liquid crystals with spatially varying director patterns represent a promising approach to achieve a well-controlled placement of colloidal particles thanks to the elastic forces between the particles and the surrounding landscape of molecular orientation. Here we demonstrate how the spatially varying director field can be used to control placement of non-spherical particles of boomerang shape. The boomerang colloids create director distortions of a dipolar symmetry. When a boomerang particle is placed in a periodic splay-bend director pattern, it migrates towards the region of a maximum bend. The behavior is contrasted to that one of spherical particles with normal surface anchoring, which also produce dipolar director distortions, but prefer to compartmentalize into the regions with a maximum splay. The splay-bend periodic landscape thus allows one to spatially separate these two types of particles. By exploring overdamped dynamics of the colloids, we determine elastic driving forces responsible for the preferential placement. Control of colloidal locations through patterned molecular orientation can be explored for future applications in microfluidic, lab on a chip, sensing and sorting devices.

Interaction and Aggregation of Colloidal Biological Particles and Droplets in Electrically-Driven Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Robert H.; Loewenberg, Michael

1997-01-01

The primary objective of this research was to develop a fundamental understanding of aggregation and coalescence processes during electrically-driven migration of cells, particles and droplets. The process by which charged cells, particles, molecules, or drops migrate in a weak electric field is known as electrophoresis. If the migrating species have different charges or surface potentials, they will migrate at different speeds and thus may collide and aggregate or coalesce. Aggregation and coalescence are undesirable, if the goal is to separate the different species on the basis of their different electrophoretic mobilities.

Lensless microscopy technique for static and dynamic colloidal systems.

PubMed

Alvarez-Palacio, D C; Garcia-Sucerquia, J

2010-09-15

We present the application of a lensless microscopy technique known as digital in-line holographic microscopy (DIHM) to image dynamic and static colloidal systems of microspheres. DIHM has been perfected up to the point that submicrometer lateral resolution with several hundreds of micrometers depth of field is achieved with visible light; it is shown that the lateral resolution of DIHM is enough to resolve self-assembled colloidal monolayers built up from polystyrene spheres with submicrometer diameters. The time resolution of DIHM is of the order of 4 frames/s at 2048 x 2048 pixels, which represents an overall improvement of 16 times the time resolution of confocal scanning microscopy. This feature is applied to the visualization of the migration of dewetting fronts in dynamic colloidal systems and the formation of front-like arrangements of particles. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantification of hydrophobic interaction affinity of colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, G.; Nasholm, N.; Wood, B. D.

2009-12-01

Colloids play an important role in a wide variety of disciplines, including water and wastewater treatment, subsurface transport of metals and organic contaminants, migration of fines in oil reservoirs, biocolloid (virus and bacteria) transport in subsurface, and are integral to laboratory transport studies. Although the role of hydrophobicity in adhesion and transport of colloids, particularly bacteria, is well known; there is scarcity of literature regarding hydrophobicity measurement of non-bacterial colloids and other micron-sized particles. Here we detail an experimental approach based on differential partitioning of colloids between two liquid phases (hydrocarbon and buffer) as a measure of the hydrophobic interaction affinity of colloids. This assay, known as Microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons or MATH, is frequently used in microbiology and bacteriology for quantifying the hydrophobicity of microbes. Monodispersed colloids and particles, with sizes ranging from 1 micron to 33 micron, were used for the experiments. A range of hydrophobicity values were observed for different particles. The hydrophobicity results are also verified against water contact angle measurements of these particles. This liquid-liquid partitioning assay is quick, easy-to-perform and requires minimal instrumentation. Estimation of the hydrophobic interaction affinity of colloids would lead to a better understanding of their adhesion to different surfaces and subsequent transport in porous media.

Transport of europium colloids in vadose zone lysimeters at the semiarid Hanford site.

PubMed

Liu, Ziru; Flury, Markus; Zhang, Z Fred; Harsh, James B; Gee, Glendon W; Strickland, Chris E; Clayton, Ray E

2013-03-05

The objective of this study was to quantify transport of Eu colloids in the vadose zone at the semiarid Hanford site. Eu-hydroxy-carbonate colloids, Eu(OH)(CO3), were applied to the surface of field lysimeters, and migration of the colloids through the sediments was monitored using wick samplers. The lysimeters were exposed to natural precipitation (145-231 mm/year) or artificial irrigation (124-348 mm/year). Wick outflow was analyzed for Eu concentrations, supplemented by electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Small amounts of Eu colloids (<1%) were detected in the deepest wick sampler (2.14 m depth) 2.5 months after application and cumulative precipitation of only 20 mm. We observed rapid transport of Eu colloids under both natural precipitation and artificial irrigation; that is, the leading edge of the Eu colloids moved at a velocity of 3 cm/day within the first 2 months after application. Episodic infiltration (e.g., Chinook snowmelt events) caused peaks of Eu in the wick outflow. While a fraction of Eu moved consistent with long-term recharge estimates at the site, the main mass of Eu remained in the top 30 cm of the sediments. This study illustrates that, under field conditions, near-surface colloid mobilization and transport occurred in Hanford sediments.

Capillary Assembly of Colloids: Interactions on Planar and Curved Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Iris B.; Sharifi-Mood, Nima; Stebe, Kathleen J.

2018-03-01

In directed assembly, small building blocks are assembled into an organized structure under the influence of guiding fields. Capillary interactions provide a versatile route for structure formation. Colloids adsorbed on fluid interfaces distort the interface, which creates an associated energy field. When neighboring distortions overlap, colloids interact to minimize interfacial area. Contact line pinning, particle shape, and surface chemistry play important roles in structure formation. Interface curvature acts like an external field; particles migrate and assemble in patterns dictated by curvature gradients. We review basic analysis and recent findings in this rapidly evolving literature. Understanding the roles of assembly is essential for tuning the mechanical, physical, and optical properties of the structure.

Model of Semidiurnal Pseudo Tide in the High-Latitude Upper Mesosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Talaat, E. R.; Mayr, H. G.

2011-01-01

We present numerical results for the m = 1 meridional winds of semi diurnal oscillations in the high-latitude upper mesosphere, which are generated in the Numerical Spectral Model (NSM) without solar excitations of the tides. Identified with heuristic computer runs, the pseudo tides attain amplitudes that are, at times, as large as the non-migrating tides produced with standard solar forcing. Under the influence of parameterized gravity waves, the nonlinear NSM generates internal oscillations like the quasi-biennial oscillation, that are produced with periods favored by the dynamical properties of the system. The Coriolis force would favor at polar latitudes the excitation of the 12-hour periodicity. This oscillation may help explain the large non-migrating semidiurnal tides that are observed in the region with ground-based and satellite measurements.

Colloid transport in porous media: impact of hyper-saline solutions.

PubMed

Magal, Einat; Weisbrod, Noam; Yechieli, Yoseph; Walker, Sharon L; Yakirevich, Alexander

2011-05-01

The transport of colloids suspended in natural saline solutions with a wide range of ionic strengths, up to that of Dead Sea brines (10(0.9) M) was explored. Migration of microspheres through saturated sand columns of different sizes was studied in laboratory experiments and simulated with mathematical models. Colloid transport was found to be related to the solution salinity as expected. The relative concentration of colloids at the columns outlet decreased (after 2-3 pore volumes) as the solution ionic strength increased until a critical value was reached (ionic strength > 10(-1.8) M) and then remained constant above this level of salinity. The colloids were found to be mobile even in the extremely saline brines of the Dead Sea. At such high ionic strength no energetic barrier to colloid attachment was presumed to exist and colloid deposition was expected to be a favorable process. However, even at these salinity levels, colloid attachment was not complete and the transport of ∼ 30% of the colloids through the 30-cm long columns was detected. To further explore the deposition of colloids on sand surfaces in Dead Sea brines, transport was studied using 7-cm long columns through which hundreds of pore volumes were introduced. The resulting breakthrough curves exhibited a bimodal shape whereby the relative concentration (C/C(0)) of colloids at the outlet rose to a value of 0.8, and it remained relatively constant (for the ∼ 18 pore volumes during which the colloid suspension was flushed through the column) and then the relative concentration increased to a value of one. The bimodal nature of the breakthrough suggests different rates of colloid attachment. Colloid transport processes were successfully modeled using the limited entrapment model, which assumes that the colloid attachment rate is dependent on the concentration of the attached colloids. Application of this model provided confirmation of the colloid aggregation and their accelerated attachment during transport through soil in high salinity solution. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The anomalous gel migration of a stable cruciform: temperature and salt dependence, and some comparisons with curved DNA.

PubMed Central

Diekmann, S; Lilley, D M

1987-01-01

We have made an analysis of the gel electrophoretic properties of a pseudo-cruciform fragment, a linear DNA molecule containing a stable cruciform. The migration of this construct was analysed in polyacrylamide gels at a various temperatures in the range 5 degrees to 55 degrees C, and in the presence of NaCl, MgCl2 or ethidium bromide. The magnitude of the anomalous migration (retardation) was almost temperature independent up to 40 degrees C, but decreased strongly beyond this point, extrapolating to normal migration at 70 degrees C. Addition of salts reduced the anomaly. This took the form of a continuous reduction in anomalous migration with the addition of NaCl up to 60 mM, while with MgCl2 there was a sharp reduction in the anomaly to a constant value which is reached by 10 mM. Under these conditions, moreover, the migration of the fragment became almost temperature-independent over the entire range. These results have been interpreted to reflect the influence of ion binding at the four-way junction on the relative disposition of the cruciform arms. The detailed electrophoretic properties of the pseudo-cruciform are in marked contrast to those of sequence-directed curved DNA fragments. In particular, the response to the addition of 1 microgram/ml ethidium bromide offers a convenient method for distinguishing between anomalous retardation arising from curvature (greatly reduced anomaly) or a cruciform junction (enhanced anomaly). Images PMID:3039465

Mechanisms controlling lateral and vertical porewater migration of depleted uranium (DU) at two UK weapons testing sites.

PubMed

Graham, Margaret C; Oliver, Ian W; MacKenzie, Angus B; Ellam, Robert M; Farmer, John G

2011-04-15

Uranium associations with colloidal and truly dissolved soil porewater components from two Ministry of Defence Firing Ranges in the UK were investigated. Porewater samples from 2-cm depth intervals for three soil cores from each of the Dundrennan and Eskmeals ranges were fractionated using centrifugal ultrafiltration (UF) and gel electrophoresis (GE). Soil porewaters from a transect running downslope from the Dundrennan firing area towards a stream (Dunrod Burn) were examined similarly. Uranium concentrations and isotopic composition were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Multi-Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), respectively. The soils at Dundrennan were Fe- and Al-rich clay-loam soils whilst at Eskmeals, they were Fe- and Al-poor sandy soils; both, however, had similar organic matter contents due to the presence of a near-surface peaty layer at Eskmeals. These compositional features influenced the porewater composition and indeed the associations of U (and DU). In general, at Dundrennan, U was split between large (100kDa-0.2μm) and small (3-30kDa) organic colloids whilst at Eskmeals, U was mainly in the small colloidal and truly dissolved fractions. Especially below 10cm depth, association with large Fe/Al/organic colloids was considered to be a precursor to the removal of U from the Dundrennan porewaters to the solid phase. In contrast, the association of U with small organic colloids was largely responsible for inhibiting attenuation in the Eskmeals soils. Lateral migration of U (and DU) through near-surface Dundrennan soils will involve both large and small colloids but, at depth, transport of the smaller amounts of U remaining in the porewaters may involve large colloids only. For one of the Dundrennan cores the importance of redox-related processes for the re-mobilisation of DU was also indicated as Mn(IV) reduction resulted in the release of both Mn(II) and U(VI) into the truly dissolved phase. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Colloidal crystal grain boundary formation and motion

PubMed Central

Edwards, Tara D.; Yang, Yuguang; Beltran-Villegas, Daniel J.; Bevan, Michael A.

2014-01-01

The ability to assemble nano- and micro- sized colloidal components into highly ordered configurations is often cited as the basis for developing advanced materials. However, the dynamics of stochastic grain boundary formation and motion have not been quantified, which limits the ability to control and anneal polycrystallinity in colloidal based materials. Here we use optical microscopy, Brownian Dynamic simulations, and a new dynamic analysis to study grain boundary motion in quasi-2D colloidal bicrystals formed within inhomogeneous AC electric fields. We introduce “low-dimensional” models using reaction coordinates for condensation and global order that capture first passage times between critical configurations at each applied voltage. The resulting models reveal that equal sized domains at a maximum misorientation angle show relaxation dominated by friction limited grain boundary diffusion; and in contrast, asymmetrically sized domains with less misorientation display much faster grain boundary migration due to significant thermodynamic driving forces. By quantifying such dynamics vs. compression (voltage), kinetic bottlenecks associated with slow grain boundary relaxation are understood, which can be used to guide the temporal assembly of defect-free single domain colloidal crystals. PMID:25139760

Origin of blue photoluminescence from colloidal silicon nanocrystals fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation in solution.

PubMed

Hao, H L; Wu, W S; Zhang, Y; Wu, L K; Shen, W Z

2016-08-12

We present a detailed investigation into the origin of blue emission from colloidal silicon (Si) nanocrystals (NCs) fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation of Si powder in 1-hexene. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy observations confirm that Si NCs with average size 2.7 nm are produced and well dispersed in 1-hexene. Fourier transform infrared spectrum and x-ray photoelectron spectra have been employed to reveal the passivation of Si NCs surfaces with organic molecules. On the basis of the structural characterization, UV-visible absorption, temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, and PL excitation spectra investigations, we deduce that room-temperature blue luminescence from colloidal Si NCs originates from the following two processes: (i) under illumination, excitons first form within colloidal Si NCs by direct transition at the X or Γ (Γ25 → Γ'2) point; (ii) and then some trapped excitons migrate to the surfaces of colloidal Si NCs and further recombine via the surface states associated with the Si-C or Si-C-H2 bonds.

Colloid-Facilitated Radionuclide Transport: Current State of Knowledge from a Nuclear Waste Repository Risk Assessment Perspective

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reimus, Paul William; Zavarin, Mavrik; Wang, Yifeng

2017-01-25

This report provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport from a nuclear waste repository risk assessment perspective. It draws on work that has been conducted over the past 3 decades, although there is considerable emphasis given to work that has been performed over the past 3-5 years as part of the DOE Used Fuel Disposition Campaign. The timing of this report coincides with the completion of a 3-year DOE membership in the Colloids Formation and Migration (CFM) partnership, an international collaboration of scientists studying colloid-facilitated transport of radionuclides at both the laboratory and field-scalesmore » in a fractured crystalline granodiorite at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland. This Underground Research Laboratory has hosted the most extensive and carefully-controlled set of colloid-facilitated solute transport experiments that have ever been conducted in an in-situ setting, and a summary of the results to date from these efforts, as they relate to transport over long time and distance scales, is provided in Chapter 3 of this report.« less

Slipping processes in residual badlands reliefs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Hernández, Jose Luis; Yepes, Jorge

2010-05-01

We define slips as structures developed by more or less saturated colloidal suspension that slide down the walls of residual reliefs found in badlands. These suspensions seem to originate in the soils crowning gully reliefs and also from rainwater dripping onto the walls of poorly cemented sediments such as siltstone. We call this process slipping and the resulting morphologies represent a group of minor badlands forms, often linked to piping and fluting. Slipping occurs according to the following sequence of forms: 1. Mud droplets. These are irregular linear structures caused by mud droplets sliding down sub-vertical walls. The droplet is usually found at the end of a small channel. These morphologies represent the course of the sliding droplets that become fossilized and not the impact of the droplets on the sediment. 2. Slips sensu stricto. These are uninterrupted surface structures covering sub-vertical walls to a greater or lesser extent. The thickness of this type of covering varies from a few millimetres to 5cm. The inner structure of the slips consists of small laminas (» 100mm) and on the exterior they often present drip channels. A special case of these forms is butterfly structures, which appear in isolation, with repetitive patterns and the appearance of a winged insect stuck to the wall. 3. Pseudo-stalactites. These are free-standing conical regrowths with some similarity to stalactites in a karst cave. They occur when slips grow to over 5cm thick. The growth of these forms is similar to that of slips, with external superposition of fine, concentric layers with no central pore. A variety of these pseudo-stalactites are nodulous stalactites whose genesis is unknown. In this context, we should mention the existence of occasional stalagmites. In other cases, curtains of pseudo-stalactites can be found where these patterns are repeated finely. A more evolved stage of this form is the coalescence of pseudo-stalactites, representing a massive advance of this process. Pseudo-stalactites are normally found as vertical, but occasionally they lean, indicating movement of unstable blocks. The process can present recycling when some of the forms described become detached and fall. This is more likely on poorly sheltered surfaces, exposed to wind and the direct impact of rain and frost. All forms of slips suggests that these morphologies depend on the varying characteristics of the colloidal suspensions causing them, and constitute intermediate stages in the retention of sediments from erosion, which are very different to the alluvial sediments stored in the drainage network.

Pulse radiolytic investigations of aqueous solutions of methoxybenzene cation radicals: the effect of colloidal RuO/sub 2/

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brandys, M.; Sassoon, R.E.; Rabani, J.

1987-02-12

The formation and decay of the radical cations of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (DMB) and 1,2,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene (TMB) were investigated by the pulse radiolysis technique in the absence and the presence of colloidal RuO/sub 2/ particles. DMB/sup +/ was obtained only by Tl/sup 2 +/ oxidation of DMB while TMB/sup +/ was produced by oxidation of TMB using both Tl/sup 2 +/ and Br/sub 2//sup -/. In the absence of RuO/sub 2/ both DMB/sup +/ and TMB/sup +/ decay predominantly via a second-order process, although there is a contribution of a pseudo-first-order reaction. The rate constants for these reactions are reported. RuO/sub 2/ colloidalmore » particles catalyze the decay of both TMB/sup +/ and DMB/sup +/. The reactions of TMB/sup +/ with RuO/sub 2/ were found to depend on pH, pulse intensity, and colloid concentration. At pH 3-4, adsorption of TMB/sup +/ to the colloid is observed, followed by the decay of the remaining TMB/sup +/ in the bulk. At higher pHs, loading of the RuO/sub 2/ colloid by positive holes takes place until equilibrium is achieved between loaded holes and TMB/sup +/ and again the remaining TMB/sup +/ decays at a later stage. The fraction of TMB/sup +/ that loads the colloidal particles increases with both pH and (RuO/sub 2/). It is also suggested that DMB/sup +/ loads the RuO/sub 2/ at the pH where experiments were performed. (TMB)/sub 2/ and (DMB)/sub 2/ dimers (or higher oligomers) are suggested to be the final products both in the absence and presence of RuO/sub 2/. No O/sub 2/ is formed with the RuO/sub 2/ colloid despite a favorable redox potential for water oxidation.« less

Plasmon-Enhanced Photocleaving Dynamics in Colloidal MicroRNA-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles Monitored with Second Harmonic Generation.

PubMed

Kumal, Raju R; Abu-Laban, Mohammad; Landry, Corey R; Kruger, Blake; Zhang, Zhenyu; Hayes, Daniel J; Haber, Louis H

2016-10-11

The photocleaving dynamics of colloidal microRNA-functionalized nanoparticles are studied using time-dependent second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements. Model drug-delivery systems composed of oligonucleotides attached to either silver nanoparticles or polystyrene nanoparticles using a nitrobenzyl photocleavable linker are prepared and characterized. The photoactivated controlled release is observed to be most efficient on resonance at 365 nm irradiation, with pseudo-first-order rate constants that are linearly proportional to irradiation powers. Additionally, silver nanoparticles show a 6-fold plasmon enhancement in photocleaving efficiency over corresponding polystyrene nanoparticle rates, while our previous measurements on gold nanoparticles show a 2-fold plasmon enhancement compared to polystyrene nanoparticles. Characterizations including extinction spectroscopy, electrophoretic mobility, and fluorimetry measurements confirm the analysis from the SHG results. The real-time SHG measurements are shown to be a highly sensitive method for investigating plasmon-enhanced photocleaving dynamics in model drug delivery systems.

The role of silica colloids on facilitated cesium transport through glass bead columns and modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noell, Alan L.; Thompson, Joseph L.; Corapcioglu, M. Yavuz; Triay, Inés R.

1998-05-01

Groundwater colloids can act as a vector which enhances the migration of contaminants. While sorbed to mobile colloids, contaminants can be held in the aqueous phase which prevents them from interacting with immobile aquifer surfaces. In this study, an idealized laboratory set-up was used to examine the influence of amorphous silica colloids on the transport of cesium. Synthetic groundwater and saturated glass bead columns were used to minimize the presence of natural colloidal material. The columns were assembled in replicate, some packed with 150-210 μm glass bead and others packed with 355-420 μm glass beads. The colloids used in these experiments were 100 nm amorphous silica colloids from Nissan Chemical Company. In the absence of these colloids, the retardation factor for cesium was 8.0 in the 150-210 μm glass bead columns and 3.6 in the 355-420 μm glass bead columns. The influence of anthropogenic colloids was tested by injecting 0.09 pore volume slugs of an equilibrated suspension of cesium and colloids into the colloid-free columns. Although there was little noticeable facilitation in the smaller glass bead columns, there was a slight reduction in the retardation of cesium in the larger glass bead columns. This was attributed to cesium having less of a retention time in the larger glass bead columns. When cesium was injected into columns with a constant flux of colloids, the retardation of cesium was reduced by 14-32% in the 150-210 μm glass bead columns and by 38-51% in the 355-420 μm glass bead columns. A model based on Corapcioglu and Jiang (1993) [Corapcioglu, M.Y., Jiang, S., 1993. Colloid-facilitated groundwater contaminant transport, Water Resour. Res., 29 (7) 2215-2226] was compared with the experimental elution data. When equilibrium sorption expressions were used and the flux of colloids through the glass bead columns was constant, the colloid facilitated transport of cesium was able to be described using an effective retardation coefficient. Fully kinetic simulations, however, more accurately described the colloid facilitated transport of cesium.

A Pseudo-Vertical Equilibrium Model for Slow Gravity Drainage Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Beatrix; Guo, Bo; Bandilla, Karl; Celia, Michael A.; Flemisch, Bernd; Helmig, Rainer

2017-12-01

Vertical equilibrium (VE) models are computationally efficient and have been widely used for modeling fluid migration in the subsurface. However, they rely on the assumption of instant gravity segregation of the two fluid phases which may not be valid especially for systems that have very slow drainage at low wetting phase saturations. In these cases, the time scale for the wetting phase to reach vertical equilibrium can be several orders of magnitude larger than the time scale of interest, rendering conventional VE models unsuitable. Here we present a pseudo-VE model that relaxes the assumption of instant segregation of the two fluid phases by applying a pseudo-residual saturation inside the plume of the injected fluid that declines over time due to slow vertical drainage. This pseudo-VE model is cast in a multiscale framework for vertically integrated models with the vertical drainage solved as a fine-scale problem. Two types of fine-scale models are developed for the vertical drainage, which lead to two pseudo-VE models. Comparisons with a conventional VE model and a full multidimensional model show that the pseudo-VE models have much wider applicability than the conventional VE model while maintaining the computational benefit of the conventional VE model.

Mechanisms of thorium migration in a semiarid soil.

PubMed

Bednar, A J; Gent, D B; Gilmore, J R; Sturgis, T C; Larson, S L

2004-01-01

Thorium concentrations at Kirtland Air Force Base training sites in Albuquerque, NM, have been previously described; however, the mechanisms of thorium migration were not fully understood. This work describes the processes affecting thorium mobility in this semiarid soil, which has implications for future remedial action. Aqueous extraction and filtration experiments have demonstrated the colloidal nature of thorium in the soil, due in part to the low solubility of thorium oxide. Colloidal material was defined as that removed by a 0.22-microm or smaller filter after being filtered to nominally dissolved size (0.45 microm). Additionally, association of thorium with natural organic matter is suggested by micro- and ultrafiltration methods, and electrokinetic data, which indicate thorium migration as a negatively charged particle or anionic complex with organic matter. Soil fractionation and digestion experiments show a bimodal distribution of thorium in the largest and smallest size fractions, most likely associated with detrital plant material and inorganic oxide particles, respectively. Plant uptake studies suggest this could also be a mode of thorium migration as plants grown in thorium-containing soil had a higher thorium concentration than those in control soils. Soil erosion laboratory experiments with wind and surface water overflow were performed to determine bulk soil material movement as a possible mechanism of mobility. Information from these experiments is being used to determine viable soil stabilization techniques at the site to maintain a usable training facility with minimal environmental impact.

Uranium and Cesium sorption to bentonite colloids in high salinity and carbonate-rich environments: Implications for radionuclide transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, E. L.; Teutsch, N.; Klein-BenDavid, O.; Weisbrod, N.

2017-12-01

When radionuclides are leaked into the subsurface due to engineered waste disposal container failure, the ultimate barrier to migration of radionuclides into local aquifers is sorption to the surrounding rock matrix and sediments, which often includes a bentonite backfill. The extent of this sorption is dependent on pH, ionic strength, surface area availability, radionuclide concentration, surface mineral composition, and solution chemistry. Colloidal-sized bentonite particles eroded from the backfill have been shown to facilitate the transport of radionuclides sorbed to them away from their source. Thus, sorption of radionuclides such as uranium and cesium to bentonite surfaces can be both a mobilization or retardation factor. Though numerous studies have been conducted to-date on sorption of radionuclides under low ionic strength and carbonate-poor conditions, there has been little research conducted on the behavior of radionuclides in high salinities and carbonate rich conditions typical of aquifers in the vicinity of some potential nuclear repositories. This study attempts to characterize the sorption properties of U(VI) and Cs to bentonite colloids under these conditions using controlled batch experiments. Results indicated that U(VI) undergoes little to no sorption to bentonite colloids in a high-salinity (TDS= 9000 mg/L) artificial groundwater. This lack of sorption was attributed to the formation of CaUO2(CO3)22- and Ca2UO2(CO3)3 aqueous ions which stabilize the UO22+ ions in solution. In contrast, Cs exhibited greater sorption, the extent to which was influenced greatly by the matrix water's ionic strength and the colloid concentration used. Surprisingly, when both U and Cs were together, the presence of U(VI) in solution decreased Cs sorption, possibly due to the formation of stabilizing CaUO2(CO3)22- anions. The implications of this research are that rather than undergoing colloid-facilitated transport, U(VI) is expected to migrate similarly to a conservative dissolved species under these conditions, and little retardation through sorption onto the surrounding rock matrix is predicted. Cs is expected to undergo more sorption, though U(VI) presence may have a mobilizing effect.

Extended pseudo-screen migration with multiple reference velocities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Lian-Jie; Fehler, M.C.

1997-11-01

The pseudo-screen propagator is a kind of one way wave propagation based on the local Born approximation. The problem of the propagator is that it is difficult to calculate the scattered fields when the velocity perturbation is large; not to mention the accuracy of the propagator. We develop an extended pseudo-screen propagator by introducing different reference velocities in different regions of a medium to ensure the condition of small perturbation. The exploding reflector data for a 2D slice of the SEG/EAEG 3D salt model is generated by a finite difference scheme to test the feasibility of the method. The migrationmore » result demonstrates that the method can handle severe lateral velocity variations and provides high quality images for complex structures.« less

Basic Characteristics and Spatial Patterns of Pseudo-Settlements--Taking Dalian as An Example.

PubMed

Gao, Jiaji; Zhang, Yingjia; Li, Xueming

2016-01-20

A person's living behavior patterns are closely related to three types of settlements: real-life settlements, imagined settlements, and pseudo-settlements. The term "pseudo-settlement" (PS) refers to the places that are selectively recorded and represented after the mass media chose and restructure the residence information. As the mass media rapidly develops and people's way of obtaining information gradually change, PS has already become one of the main ways for people to recognize and understand real-life settlements, as well as describe their impressions of imagined settlements. PS also has a profound impact on tourism, employment, investment, migration, real estate development, etc. Thus, the study of PSs has important theoretical and practical significance. This paper proposes to put forward residential quarters where the mass media is displayed as the object of study and establishes the pseudo-settlement index system of Dalian in and elaborate analysis of the concept of PSs. From three aspects, including pseudo-buildings, pseudo-districts and pseudo-culture, this paper uses the ArcGIS 10.0 kernel density (spacial analyst) to analyze and interpret the basic characteristics and spatial patterns of 14 elements of the PS in Dalian. Through systemic clustering analysis, it identifies eight major types of PSs in Dalian. Then it systematically elaborates current situations and characteristics of the spatial pattern of PSs in Dalian, namely: regionally concentrated, widely scattered and blank spaces without pseudo-settlements. Finally, this paper discusses the mechanism of formation of PSs in Dalian.

Basic Characteristics and Spatial Patterns of Pseudo-Settlements—Taking Dalian as An Example

PubMed Central

Gao, Jiaji; Zhang, Yingjia; Li, Xueming

2016-01-01

A person’s living behavior patterns are closely related to three types of settlements: real-life settlements, imagined settlements, and pseudo-settlements. The term “pseudo-settlement” (PS) refers to the places that are selectively recorded and represented after the mass media chose and restructure the residence information. As the mass media rapidly develops and people’s way of obtaining information gradually change, PS has already become one of the main ways for people to recognize and understand real-life settlements, as well as describe their impressions of imagined settlements. PS also has a profound impact on tourism, employment, investment, migration, real estate development, etc. Thus, the study of PSs has important theoretical and practical significance. This paper proposes to put forward residential quarters where the mass media is displayed as the object of study and establishes the pseudo-settlement index system of Dalian in and elaborate analysis of the concept of PSs. From three aspects, including pseudo-buildings, pseudo-districts and pseudo-culture, this paper uses the ArcGIS 10.0 kernel density (spacial analyst) to analyze and interpret the basic characteristics and spatial patterns of 14 elements of the PS in Dalian. Through systemic clustering analysis, it identifies eight major types of PSs in Dalian. Then it systematically elaborates current situations and characteristics of the spatial pattern of PSs in Dalian, namely: regionally concentrated, widely scattered and blank spaces without pseudo-settlements. Finally, this paper discusses the mechanism of formation of PSs in Dalian. PMID:26805859

Migration of conservative and sorbing radionuclides in heterogeneous fractured rock aquifers at the Nevada Test Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boryta, J. R.; Wolfsberg, A. V.

2003-12-01

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) is the United States continental nuclear weapons testing site. The larger underground tests, including BENHAM and TYBO, were conducted at Pahute Mesa. The BENHAM test, conducted in 1968, was detonated 1.4 km below the surface and the TYBO test, conducted in 1975, was detonated at a depth of 765 m. Between 1996 and 1998, several radionuclides were discovered in trace concentrations in a monitoring well complex 273 m from TYBO and 1300 m from BENHAM. Previous studies associated with these measurements have focused primarily on a) plutonium discovered in the observation wells, which was identified through isotopic finger printing as originating at BENHAM, b) colloid-facilitated plutonium transport processes, and c) vertical convection in subsurface nuclear test collapse chimneys. In addition to plutonium, several other non-, weakly-, and strongly-sorbing radionuclides were discovered in trace concentrations in the observation wells, including tritium, carbon-14, chlorine-36, iodine-129, technetium-99, neptunium-237, strontium-90, cesium-137, americium-241, and europium-152,154,155. The range in retardation processes affecting these different radionuclides provides additional information for assessing groundwater solute transport model formulations. For all radionuclides, simulation results are most sensitive to the fracture porosity and fracture aperture. Additionally, for weakly sorbing Np, simulation results are highly sensitive to the matrix sorption coefficient. For strongly sorbing species, migration in the absence of colloids can only be simulated if fracture apertures are set very large, reducing the amount of diffusion that can occur. For these species, colloid-facilitated transport appears to be a more likely explanation for the measurements. This is corroborated with colloid-transport model simulations.

Transition zone structure beneath Ethiopia from 3-D fast marching pseudo-migration stacking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benoit, M. H.; Lopez, A.; Levin, V.

2008-12-01

Several models for the origin of the Afar hotspot have been put forth over the last decade, but much ambiguity remains as to whether the hotspot tectonism found there is due to a shallow or deeply seated feature. Additionally, there has been much debate as to whether the hotspot owes its existence to a 'classic' mantle plume feature or if it is part of the African Superplume complex. To further understand the origin of the hotspot, we employ a new receiver function stacking method that incorporates a fast-marching three- dimensional ray tracing algorithm to improve upon existing studies of the mantle transition zone structure. Using teleseismic data from the Ethiopia Broadband Seismic Experiment and the EAGLE (Ethiopia Afar Grand Lithospheric Experiment) experiment, we stack receiver functions using a three-dimensional pseudo- migration technique to examine topography on the 410 and 660 km discontinuities. Previous methods of receiver function pseudo-migration incorporated ray tracing methods that were not able to ray trace through highly complicated 3-D structure, or the ray tracing techniques only produced 3-D time perturbations associated 1-D rays in a 3-D velocity medium. These previous techniques yielded confusing and incomplete results for when applied to the exceedingly complicated mantle structure beneath Ethiopia. Indeed, comparisons of the 1-D versus 3-D ray tracing techniques show that the 1-D technique mislocated structure laterally in the mantle by over 100 km. Preliminary results using our new technique show a shallower then average 410 km discontinuity and a deeper than average 660 km discontinuity over much of the region, suggested that the hotspot has a deep seated origin.

Mechanics and stability of vesicles and droplets in confined spaces

PubMed Central

Benet, Eduard; Vernerey, Franck J.

2017-01-01

The permeation and trapping of soft colloidal particles in the confined space of porous media are of critical importance in cell migration studies, design of drug delivery vehicles, and colloid separation devices. Our current understanding of these processes is however limited by the lack of quantitative models that can relate how the elasticity, size, and adhesion properties of the vesicle-pore complex affect colloid transport. We address this shortcoming by introducing a semianalytical model that predicts the equilibrium shapes of a soft vesicle driven by pressure in a narrow pore. Using this approach, the problem is recast in terms of pressure and energy diagrams that characterize the vesicle stability and permeation pressures in different conditions. We particularly show that the critical permeation pressure for a vesicle arises from a compromise between the critical entry pressure and exit pressure, both of which are sensitive to geometrical features, mechanics, and adhesion. We further find that these results can be leveraged to rationally design microfluidic devices and diodes that can help characterize, select, and separate colloids based on physical properties. PMID:28085314

Electrophoretic coating of amphiphilic chitosan colloids on regulating cellular behaviour

PubMed Central

Wang, Yen-Jen; Lo, Teng-Yuan; Wu, Chieh-Hsi; Liu, Dean-Mo

2013-01-01

In this communication, we report a facile nanotopographical control over a stainless steel surface via an electrophoretic deposition of colloidal amphiphilic chitosan for preferential growth, proliferation or migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Atomic force microscopy revealed that the colloidal surface exhibited a deposition time-dependent nanotopographical evolution, wherein two different nanotopographic textures indexed by ‘kurtosis’ (Rkur) value were easily designed, which were termed as ‘sharp’ (i.e. high peak-to-valley texture) surface and ‘flat’ (i.e. low peak-to-valley texture) surface. Cellular behaviour of VSMCs and HUVECs on both surfaces demonstrated topographically dependent morphogenesis, adherent responses and biochemical properties in comparison with bare stainless steel. The formation of a biofunctionalized surface upon a facile colloidal chitosan deposition envisions the potential application towards numerous biomedical devices, and this is especially promising for cardiovascular stents wherein a new surface with optimized texture can be designed and is expected to create an advantageous environment to stimulate HUVEC growth for improved healing performance. PMID:23804439

A field study of colloid transport in surface and subsurface flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei; Tang, Xiang-Yu; Xian, Qing-Song; Weisbrod, Noam; Yang, Jae E.; Wang, Hong-Lan

2016-11-01

Colloids have been recognized to enhance the migration of strongly-sorbing contaminants. However, few field investigations have examined combined colloid transport via surface runoff and subsurface flows. In a headwater catchment of the upper Yangtze River, a 6 m (L) by 4 m (W) sloping (6°) farmland plot was built by cement walls to form no-flow side boundaries. The plot was monitored in the summer of 2014 for the release and transport of natural colloids via surface runoff and subsurface flows (i.e., the interflow from the soil-mudrock interface and fracture flow from the mudrock-sandstone interface) in response to rain events. The water sources of the subsurface flows were apportioned to individual rain events using a two end-member model (i.e., mobile pre-event soil water extracted by a suction-cup sampler vs. rainwater (event water)) based on δ18O measurements. For rain events with high preceding soil moisture, mobile pre-event soil water was the main contributor (generally >60%) to the fracture flow. The colloid concentration in the surface runoff was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that in the subsurface flows. The lowest colloid concentration was found in the subsurface interflow, which was probably the result of pore-scale colloid straining mechanisms. The rainfall intensity and its temporal variation govern the dynamics of the colloid concentrations in both surface runoff and subsurface flows. The duration of the antecedent dry period affected not only the relative contributions of the rainwater and the mobile pre-event soil water to the subsurface flows but also the peak colloid concentration, particularly in the fracture flow. The <10 μm fine colloid size fraction accounted for more than 80% of the total suspended particles in the surface runoff, while the colloid size distributions of both the interflow and the fracture flow shifted towards larger diameters. These results highlight the need to avoid the application of strongly-sorbing agrochemicals (e.g., pesticides, phosphorus fertilizers) immediately before rainfall following a long no-rain period because their transport in association with colloids may occur rapidly over long distances via both surface runoff and subsurface flows with rainfall.

Hydrothermal transformations in an aluminophosphate glass matrix containing simulators of high-level radioactive wastes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudintsev, S. V.; Mal'kovsky, V. I.; Mokhov, A. V.

2016-05-01

The interaction of aluminophosphate glass with water at 95°C for 35 days results in glass heterogenization and in the appearance of a gel layer and various phases. The leaching rate of elements is low owing to the formation of a protective layer on the glass surface. It is shown that over 80% of uranium leached from the glass matrix occurs as colloids below 450 nm in size characterized by high migration ability in the geological environment. To determine the composition of these colloids is a primary task for further studies. Water vapor is a crystallization factor for glasses. The conditions as such may appear even at early stages of glass storage because of the failure of seals on containers of high-level radioactive wastes. The examination of water resistance of crystallized matrices and determination of the fraction of radionuclide in colloids are also subjects for further studies.

Plutonium Oxidation State Distribution under Aerobic and Anaerobic Subsurface Conditions for Metal-Reducing Bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, D. T.; Swanson, J.; Khaing, H.; Deo, R.; Rittmann, B.

2009-12-01

The fate and potential mobility of plutonium in the subsurface is receiving increased attention as the DOE looks to cleanup the many legacy nuclear waste sites and associated subsurface contamination. Plutonium is the near-surface contaminant of concern at several DOE sites and continues to be the contaminant of concern for the permanent disposal of nuclear waste. The mobility of plutonium is highly dependent on its redox distribution at its contamination source and along its potential migration pathways. This redox distribution is often controlled, especially in the near-surface where organic/inorganic contaminants often coexist, by the direct and indirect effects of microbial activity. The redox distribution of plutonium in the presence of facultative metal reducing bacteria (specifically Shewanella and Geobacter species) was established in a concurrent experimental and modeling study under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Pu(VI), although relatively soluble under oxidizing conditions at near-neutral pH, does not persist under a wide range of the oxic and anoxic conditions investigated in microbiologically active systems. Pu(V) complexes, which exhibit high chemical toxicity towards microorganisms, are relatively stable under oxic conditions but are reduced by metal reducing bacteria under anaerobic conditions. These facultative metal-reducing bacteria led to the rapid reduction of higher valent plutonium to form Pu(III/IV) species depending on nature of the starting plutonium species and chelating agents present in solution. Redox cycling of these lower oxidation states is likely a critical step in the formation of pseudo colloids that may lead to long-range subsurface transport. The CCBATCH biogeochemical model is used to explain the redox mechanisms and final speciation of the plutonium oxidation state distributions observed. These results for microbiologically active systems are interpreted in the context of their importance in defining the overall migration of plutonium in the subsurface.

Implications of the effective one-component analysis of pair correlations in colloidal fluids with polydispersity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pond, Mark J.; Errington, Jeffrey R.; Truskett, Thomas M.

2011-09-01

Partial pair-correlation functions of colloidal suspensions with continuous polydispersity can be challenging to characterize from optical microscopy or computer simulation data due to inadequate sampling. As a result, it is common to adopt an effective one-component description of the structure that ignores the differences between particle types. Unfortunately, whether this kind of simplified description preserves or averages out information important for understanding the behavior of the fluid depends on the degree of polydispersity and can be difficult to assess, especially when the corresponding multicomponent description of the pair correlations is unavailable for comparison. Here, we present a computer simulation study that examines the implications of adopting an effective one-component structural description of a polydisperse fluid. The square-well model that we investigate mimics key aspects of the experimental behavior of suspended colloids with short-range, polymer-mediated attractions. To characterize the partial pair-correlation functions and thermodynamic excess entropy of this system, we introduce a Monte Carlo sampling strategy appropriate for fluids with a large number of pseudo-components. The data from our simulations at high particle concentrations, as well as exact theoretical results for dilute systems, show how qualitatively different trends between structural order and particle attractions emerge from the multicomponent and effective one-component treatments, even with systems characterized by moderate polydispersity. We examine consequences of these differences for excess-entropy based scalings of shear viscosity, and we discuss how use of the multicomponent treatment reveals similarities between the corresponding dynamic scaling behaviors of attractive colloids and liquid water that the effective one-component analysis does not capture.

Colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport: a regulatory perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dam, W. L.; Pickett, D. A.; Codell, R. B.; Nicholson, T. J.

2001-12-01

What hydrogeologic-geochemical-microbial conditions and processes affect migration of radionuclides sorbed onto microparticles or native colloid-sized radionuclide particles? The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for protecting public health, safety, and the environment at numerous nuclear facilities including a potential high-level nuclear waste disposal site. To fulfill these obligations, NRC needs to understand the mechanisms controlling radionuclide release and transport and their importance to performance. The current focus of NRC staff reviews and technical interactions dealing with colloid-facilitated transport relates to the potential nuclear-waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. NRC staff performed bounding calculations to quantify radionuclide releases available for ground-water transport to potential receptors from a Yucca Mountain repository. Preliminary analyses suggest insignificant doses of plutonium and americium colloids could be derived from spent nuclear fuel. Using surface complexation models, NRC staff found that colloids can potentially lower actinide retardation factors by up to several orders of magnitude. Performance assessment calculations, in which colloidal transport of plutonium and americium was simulated by assuming no sorption or matrix diffusion, indicated no effect of colloids on human dose within the 10,000 year compliance period due largely to long waste-package lifetimes. NRC staff have identified information gaps and developed technical agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure sufficient information will be presented in any potential future Yucca Mountain license application. DOE has agreed to identify which radionuclides could be transported via colloids, incorporate uncertainties in colloid formation, release and transport parameters, and conceptual models, and address the applicability of field data using synthetic microspheres as colloid analogs. NRC is currently investigating approaches to colloid modeling in order to help evaluate DOE's approach. One alternative approach uses DOE laboratory data to invoke kinetic controls on reversible radionuclide attachment to colloids. A kinetic approach in which desorption from colloids is slow may help assess whether DOE's instantaneous equilibrium approach for reversible attachment, as well as their application of irreversible attachment to only a small portion of the radionuclide inventory, are reasonable and conservative. An approach to examine microbial processes would also contribute to considerations of leaching of radionuclides and colloid formation. Reducing uncertainties in colloid transport processes should help in better understanding their importance to repository performance. This work is an independent product and does not necessarily reflect the views or regulatory position of the NRC. CNWRA participation was funded under contract No. NRC-02-97-009.

Factors causing PAC cake fouling in PAC-MF (powdered activated carbon-microfiltration) water treatment systems.

PubMed

Zhao, P; Takizawa, S; Katayama, H; Ohgaki, S

2005-01-01

Two pilot-scale powdered activated carbon-microfiltration (PAC-MF) reactors were operated using river water pretreated by a biofilter. A high permeate flux (4 m/d) was maintained in two reactors with different particle sizes of PAC. High concentration (20 g/L) in the PAC adsorption zone demonstrated 60-80% of organic removal rates. Analysis on the PAC cake fouling demonstrated that attached metal ions play more important role than organic matter attached on PAC to the increase of PAC cake resistance. Effects of factors which may cause PAC cake fouling in PAC-MF process were investigated and evaluated by batch experiments, further revealing that small particulates and metal ions in raw water impose prominent influence on the PAC cake layer formation. Fe (II) precipitates after being oxidized to Fe (III) during PAC adsorption and thus Fe(ll) colloids display more significant effect than other metal ions. At a high flux, PAC cake layer demonstrated a higher resistance with larger PAC due to association among colloids, metals and PAC particles, and easy migration of small particles in raw water into the void space in the PAC cake layer. Larger PAC possesses much more non-uniform particle size distribution and larger void space, making it easier for small colloids to migrate into the voids and for metal ions to associate with PAC particles by bridge effect, hence speeding up and intensifying the of PAC cake fouling on membrane surface.

Beryllium-7 and lead-210 chronometry of modern soil processes: The Linked Radionuclide aCcumulation model, LRC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landis, Joshua D.; Renshaw, Carl E.; Kaste, James M.

2016-05-01

Soil systems are known to be repositories for atmospheric carbon and metal contaminants, but the complex processes that regulate the introduction, migration and fate of atmospheric elements in soils are poorly understood. This gap in knowledge is attributable, in part, to the lack of an established chronometer that is required for quantifying rates of relevant processes. Here we develop and test a framework for adapting atmospheric lead-210 chronometry (210Pb; half-life 22 years) to soil systems. We propose a new empirical model, the Linked Radionuclide aCcumulation model (LRC, aka "lark"), that incorporates measurements of beryllium-7 (7Be; half-life 54 days) to account for 210Pb penetration of the soil surface during initial deposition, a process which is endemic to soils but omitted from conventional 210Pb models (e.g., the Constant Rate of Supply, CRS model) and their application to sedimentary systems. We validate the LRC model using the 1963-1964 peak in bomb-fallout americium-241 (241Am; half-life of 432 years) as an independent, corroborating time marker. In three different soils we locate a sharp 241Am weapons horizon at disparate depths ranging from 2.5 to 6 cm, but with concordant ages averaging 1967 ± 4 via the LRC model. Similarly, at one site contaminated with mercury (HgT) we find that the LRC model is consistent with the recorded history of Hg emission. The close agreement of Pb, Am and Hg behavior demonstrated here suggests that organo-metallic colloid formation and migration incorporates many trace metals in universal soil processes and that these processes may be described quantitatively using atmospheric 210Pb chronometry. The 210Pb models evaluated here show that migration rates of soil colloids on the order of 1 mm yr-1 are typical, but also that these rates vary systematically with depth and are attributable to horizon-specific processes of leaf-litter decay, eluviation and illuviation. We thus interpret 210Pb models to quantify (i) exposure of the soil system to atmospheric aerosol deposition in the context of (ii) organic carbon assimilation, colloid production, and advection through the soil profile. The behavior of some other elements, such as Cs, diverges from the conservative colloid behavior exemplified by Pb and Am, and in these cases the value of empirical 210Pb chronometry models like LRC and CRS is as a comparator rather than as an absolute chronometer. We conclude that 210Pb chronometry is valuable for tracing colloidally-mediated transport of Pb and similarly-refractory metals, as well as the mobile pool of carbon in soils.

Shear-induced migration and orientation of rigid fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, Jason; Strednak, Scott; Shaikh, Saif; Guazzelli, Elisabeth

2017-11-01

The spatial and orientation distributions are measured for a suspension of fibers during pressure-driven flow. The fibers are rigid and non-colloidal, and two aspect ratios (length to diameter ratios) of 12 and 24 were tested; the suspending fluid is viscous, Newtonian, and density matched to the particles. As with the migration of spheres in parabolic flows, the fibers migrate toward the centerline of the channel if the concentration is sufficiently high. Migration is not observed for concentrations below a volume fraction of 0.035 for aspect ratio 24 and 0.07 for aspect ratio 12. The orientation distribution of the fibers is spatially dependent. Fibers near the center of the channel align closely with the flow direction, but fibers near the wall are observed to preferentially align in the vorticity (perpendicular to the flow and gradient) direction. National Science Foundation (Grants #1511787 and #1362060).

Transport and attenuation of carboxylate-modified latex microspheres in fractured rock laboratory and field tracer tests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Becker, M.W.; Reimus, P.W.; Vilks, P.

1999-01-01

Understanding colloid transport in ground water is essential to assessing the migration of colloid-size contaminants, the facilitation of dissolved contaminant transport by colloids, in situ bioremediation, and the health risks of pathogen contamination in drinking water wells. Much has been learned through laboratory and field-scale colloid tracer tests, but progress has been hampered by a lack of consistent tracer testing methodology at different scales and fluid velocities. This paper presents laboratory and field tracer tests in fractured rock that use the same type of colloid tracer over an almost three orders-of-magnitude range in scale and fluid velocity. Fluorescently-dyed carboxylate-modified latex (CML) microspheres (0.19 to 0.98 ??m diameter) were used as tracers in (1) a naturally fractured tuff sample, (2) a large block of naturally fractured granite, (3) a fractured granite field site, and (4) another fractured granite/schist field site. In all cases, the mean transport time of the microspheres was shorter than the solutes, regardless of detection limit. In all but the smallest scale test, only a fraction of the injected microsphere mass was recovered, with the smaller microspheres being recovered to a greater extent than the larger microspheres. Using existing theory, we hypothesize that the observed microsphere early arrival was due to volume exclusion and attenuation was due to aggregation and/or settling during transport. In most tests, microspheres were detected using flow cytometry, which proved to be an excellent method of analysis. CML microspheres appear to be useful tracers for fractured rock in forced gradient and short-term natural gradient tests, but longer residence times may result in small microsphere recoveries.Understanding colloid transport in ground water is essential to assessing the migration of colloid-size contaminants, the facilitation of dissolved contaminant transport by colloids, in situ bioremediation, and the health risks of pathogen contamination in drinking water wells. Much has been learned through laboratory and field-scale colloid tracer tests, but progress has been hampered by a lack of consistent tracer testing methodology at different scales and fluid velocities. This paper presents laboratory and field tracer tests in fractured rock that use the same type of colloid tracer over an almost three orders-of-magnitude range in scale and fluid velocity. Fluorescently-dyed carboxylate-modified latex (CML) microspheres (0.19 to 0.98 ??m diameter) were used as tracers in (1) a naturally fractured tuff sample, (2) a large block of naturally fractured granite, (3) a fractured granite field site, and (4) another fractured granite/schist field site. In all cases, the mean transport time of the microspheres was shorter than the solutes, regardless of detection limit. In all but the smallest scale test, only a fraction of the injected microsphere mass was recovered, with the smaller microspheres being recovered to a greater extent than the larger microspheres. Using existing theory, we hypothesize that the observed microsphere early arrival was due to volume exclusion and attenuation was due to aggregation and/or settling during transport. In most tests, microspheres were detected using flow cytometry, which proved to be an excellent method of analysis. CML microspheres appear to be useful tracers for fractured rock in forced gradient and short-term natural gradient tests, but longer residence times may result in small microsphere recoveries.

Passive non-linear microrheology for determining extensional viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, Kai-Wen; Dinic, Jelena; Ren, Yi; Sharma, Vivek; Schroeder, Charles M.

2017-12-01

Extensional viscosity is a key property of complex fluids that greatly influences the non-equilibrium behavior and processing of polymer solutions, melts, and colloidal suspensions. In this work, we use microfluidics to determine steady extensional viscosity for polymer solutions by directly observing particle migration in planar extensional flow. Tracer particles are suspended in semi-dilute solutions of DNA and polyethylene oxide, and a Stokes trap is used to confine single particles in extensional flows of polymer solutions in a cross-slot device. Particles are observed to migrate in the direction transverse to flow due to normal stresses, and particle migration is tracked and quantified using a piezo-nanopositioning stage during the microfluidic flow experiment. Particle migration trajectories are then analyzed using a second-order fluid model that accurately predicts that migration arises due to normal stress differences. Using this analytical framework, extensional viscosities can be determined from particle migration experiments, and the results are in reasonable agreement with bulk rheological measurements of extensional viscosity based on a dripping-onto-substrate method. Overall, this work demonstrates that non-equilibrium properties of complex fluids can be determined by passive yet non-linear microrheology.

Comparative investigations on ferrite nanocomposites for magnetic hyperthermia applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Dek, S. I.; Ali, Maha A.; El-Zanaty, Sara M.; Ahmed, Shehab E.

2018-07-01

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared using different approaches: co-precipitation and sonochemical methods. This article is a comparative study on how different synthesis techniques greatly affect the magnetic properties and heating efficiency of such nanomaterial. Another important issue addressed here is the correlation between microstructure, colloidal stability, magnetization and specific absorption rate (SAR) of the nanoparticles. The results reveal that the sonochemical method for polyethylene glycol (PEGylated) Fe3O4 with size 5 nm leads to pseudo single domain with smallest loop area. Additionally, large SAR values are obtained within 10-15 min using low magnetic field.

Colloidal transport phenomena of milk components during convective droplet drying.

PubMed

Fu, Nan; Woo, Meng Wai; Chen, Xiao Dong

2011-10-15

Material segregation has been reported for industrial spray-dried milk powders, which indicates potential material migration during drying process. The relevant colloidal transport phenomenon and the underlying mechanism are still under debate. This study extended the glass-filament single droplet drying technique to observe not only the drying behaviour but also the dissolution behaviour of the correspondingly dried single particle. At progressively longer drying stage, a solvent droplet (water or ethanol) was attached to the semi-dried milk particle and the interaction between the solvent and the particle was video-recorded. Based on the different dissolution and wetting behaviours observed, material migration during milk drying was studied. Fresh skim milk and fresh whole milk were investigated using water and ethanol as solvents. Fat started to accumulate on the surface as soon as drying was started. At the initial stage of drying, the fat layer remained thin and the solubility of the semi-dried milk particle was much affected by lactose and protein present underneath the fat layer. Fat kept accumulating at the surface as drying progressed and the accumulation was completed by the middle stage of drying. The results from drying of model milk materials (pure sodium caseinate solution and lactose/sodium caseinate mixed solution) supported the colloidal transport phenomena observed for the milk drying. When mixed with lactose, sodium caseinate did not form an apparent solvent-resistant protein shell during drying. The extended technique of glass-filament single droplet approach provides a powerful tool in examining the solubility of individual particle after drying. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study on kinetics of adsorption of humic acid modified by ferric chloride on U(VI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. Y.; Lv, J. W.; Song, Y.; Dong, X. J.; Fang, Q.

2017-11-01

In order to reveal the adsorption mechanism of the ferric chloride modified humic acid on uranium, the influence of pH value and contact time of adsorption on uranium was studied through a series of batch experiments. Meanwhile, the adsorption kinetics was analyzed with pseudo-first order kinetic model and pseudo-second order kinetic model. The results show that adsorption is affected by the pH value of the solution and by contract time, and the best condition for adsorption on uranium is at pH=5 and the adsorption equilibrium time is about 80 min. Kinetics of HA-Fe adsorption on uranium accords with pseudo-second order kinetic model. The adsorption is mainly chemical adsorption, and complexes were produced by the reaction between uranium ions and the functional groups on the surface of HA-Fe, which can provide reference for further study of humic acid effecting on the migration of U(VI) in soil.

Shape control and compartmentalization in active colloidal cells

PubMed Central

Spellings, Matthew; Engel, Michael; Klotsa, Daphne; Sabrina, Syeda; Drews, Aaron M.; Nguyen, Nguyen H. P.; Bishop, Kyle J. M.; Glotzer, Sharon C.

2015-01-01

Small autonomous machines like biological cells or soft robots can convert energy input into control of function and form. It is desired that this behavior emerges spontaneously and can be easily switched over time. For this purpose we introduce an active matter system that is loosely inspired by biology and which we term an active colloidal cell. The active colloidal cell consists of a boundary and a fluid interior, both of which are built from identical rotating spinners whose activity creates convective flows. Similarly to biological cell motility, which is driven by cytoskeletal components spread throughout the entire volume of the cell, active colloidal cells are characterized by highly distributed energy conversion. We demonstrate that we can control the shape of the active colloidal cell and drive compartmentalization by varying the details of the boundary (hard vs. flexible) and the character of the spinners (passive vs. active). We report buckling of the boundary controlled by the pattern of boundary activity, as well as formation of core–shell and inverted Janus phase-separated configurations within the active cell interior. As the cell size is increased, the inverted Janus configuration spontaneously breaks its mirror symmetry. The result is a bubble–crescent configuration, which alternates between two degenerate states over time and exhibits collective migration of the fluid along the boundary. Our results are obtained using microscopic, non–momentum-conserving Langevin dynamics simulations and verified via a phase-field continuum model coupled to a Navier–Stokes equation. PMID:26253763

Shape control and compartmentalization in active colloidal cells.

PubMed

Spellings, Matthew; Engel, Michael; Klotsa, Daphne; Sabrina, Syeda; Drews, Aaron M; Nguyen, Nguyen H P; Bishop, Kyle J M; Glotzer, Sharon C

2015-08-25

Small autonomous machines like biological cells or soft robots can convert energy input into control of function and form. It is desired that this behavior emerges spontaneously and can be easily switched over time. For this purpose we introduce an active matter system that is loosely inspired by biology and which we term an active colloidal cell. The active colloidal cell consists of a boundary and a fluid interior, both of which are built from identical rotating spinners whose activity creates convective flows. Similarly to biological cell motility, which is driven by cytoskeletal components spread throughout the entire volume of the cell, active colloidal cells are characterized by highly distributed energy conversion. We demonstrate that we can control the shape of the active colloidal cell and drive compartmentalization by varying the details of the boundary (hard vs. flexible) and the character of the spinners (passive vs. active). We report buckling of the boundary controlled by the pattern of boundary activity, as well as formation of core-shell and inverted Janus phase-separated configurations within the active cell interior. As the cell size is increased, the inverted Janus configuration spontaneously breaks its mirror symmetry. The result is a bubble-crescent configuration, which alternates between two degenerate states over time and exhibits collective migration of the fluid along the boundary. Our results are obtained using microscopic, non-momentum-conserving Langevin dynamics simulations and verified via a phase-field continuum model coupled to a Navier-Stokes equation.

Shape control and compartmentalization in active colloidal cells

DOE PAGES

Spellings, Matthew; Engel, Michael; Klotsa, Daphne; ...

2015-08-07

Small autonomous machines like biological cells or soft robots can convert energy input into control of function and form. It is desired that this behavior emerges spontaneously and can be easily switched over time. For this purpose, in this paper we introduce an active matter system that is loosely inspired by biology and which we term an active colloidal cell. The active colloidal cell consists of a boundary and a fluid interior, both of which are built from identical rotating spinners whose activity creates convective flows. Similarly to biological cell motility, which is driven by cytoskeletal components spread throughout themore » entire volume of the cell, active colloidal cells are characterized by highly distributed energy conversion. We demonstrate that we can control the shape of the active colloidal cell and drive compartmentalization by varying the details of the boundary (hard vs. flexible) and the character of the spinners (passive vs. active). We report buckling of the boundary controlled by the pattern of boundary activity, as well as formation of core–shell and inverted Janus phase-separated configurations within the active cell interior. As the cell size is increased, the inverted Janus configuration spontaneously breaks its mirror symmetry. The result is a bubble–crescent configuration, which alternates between two degenerate states over time and exhibits collective migration of the fluid along the boundary. Finally, our results are obtained using microscopic, non–momentum-conserving Langevin dynamics simulations and verified via a phase-field continuum model coupled to a Navier–Stokes equation.« less

Particle transport in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corapcioglu, M. Yavuz; Hunt, James R.

The migration and capture of particles (such as colloidal materials and microorganisms) through porous media occur in fields as diversified as water and wastewater treatment, well drilling, and various liquid-solid separation processes. In liquid waste disposal projects, suspended solids can cause the injection well to become clogged, and groundwater quality can be endangered by suspended clay and silt particles because of migration to the formation adjacent to the well bore. In addition to reducing the permeability of the soil, mobile particles can carry groundwater contaminants adsorbed onto their surfaces. Furthermore, as in the case of contamination from septic tanks, the particles themselves may be pathogens, i.e., bacteria and viruses.

Two-dimensional nature of the active Brownian motion of catalytic microswimmers at solid and liquid interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietrich, Kilian; Renggli, Damian; Zanini, Michele; Volpe, Giovanni; Buttinoni, Ivo; Isa, Lucio

2017-06-01

Colloidal particles equipped with platinum patches can establish chemical gradients in H2O2-enriched solutions and undergo self-propulsion due to local diffusiophoretic migration. In bulk (3D), this class of active particles swim in the direction of the surface heterogeneities introduced by the patches and consequently reorient with the characteristic rotational diffusion time of the colloids. In this article, we present experimental and numerical evidence that planar 2D confinements defy this simple picture. Instead, the motion of active particles both on solid substrates and at flat liquid-liquid interfaces is captured by a 2D active Brownian motion model, in which rotational and translational motion are constrained in the xy-plane. This leads to an active motion that does not follow the direction of the surface heterogeneities and to timescales of reorientation that do not match the free rotational diffusion times. Furthermore, 2D-confinement at fluid-fluid interfaces gives rise to a unique distribution of swimming velocities: the patchy colloids uptake two main orientations leading to two particle populations with velocities that differ up to one order of magnitude. Our results shed new light on the behavior of active colloids in 2D, which is of interest for modeling and applications where confinements are present.

Omega-3 fatty acids incorporated colloidal systems for the delivery of Angelica gigas Nakai extract.

PubMed

Lee, Jeong-Jun; Park, Ju-Hwan; Lee, Jae-Young; Jeong, Jae Young; Lee, Song Yi; Yoon, In-Soo; Kang, Wie-Soo; Kim, Dae-Duk; Cho, Hyun-Jong

2016-04-01

Omega-3 (ω-3) fish oil-enriched colloidal systems were developed for the oral delivery of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) extract (ext). By constructing a pseudo-ternary phase diagram, the composition of oil-in-water (o/w) microemulsion (ME) systems based on ω-3 (oil), Labrasol (surfactant), and water was determined. AGN ext was dissolved into the ME system and d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) was added to the ME formulation in order to enhance the mucosal absorption of the pharmacologically active ingredients in the AGN ext. The droplet size of AGN-loaded MEs was 205-277 nm and their morphology was spherical. The release of major components of AGN, decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA), from ME formulations in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers was significantly greater (P<0.05) than that from the AGN suspension group. The pharmacokinetic properties of AGN-loaded MEs in rats were evaluated by measuring decursinol (DOH) concentrations in plasma after oral administration. TPGS-included ME (F2) resulted in significantly greater (P<0.05) systemic exposure of DOH than that with ME without TPGS (F1), AGN ext+TPGS, and AGN in suspension. Severe toxicity of F1 and F2 on the intestinal epithelium was not observed by histological staining. The colloidal carriers described herein are promising delivery systems for oral administration of AGN ext. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Nano-scale Aluminum Oxide Transport through Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norwood, S.; Reynolds, M.; Miao, Z.; Brusseau, M. L.; Johnson, G. R.

2011-12-01

Colloidal material (including that in the nanoparticle size range) is naturally present in most subsurface environments. Mobilization of these colloidal materials via particle disaggregation may occur through abrupt changes in flow rate and/or via chemical perturbations, such as rapid changes in ionic strength or solution pH. While concentrations of natural colloidal materials in the subsurface are typically small, those concentrations may be greatly increased at contaminated sites such as following the application of metal oxides for groundwater remediation efforts. Additionally, while land application of biosolids has become common practice in the United States as an alternative to industrial fertilizers, biosolids have been shown to contain a significant fraction of organic and inorganic nano-scale colloidal materials such as oxides of iron, titanium, and aluminum. Given their reactivity and small size, there are many questions concerning the potential migration of nano-scale colloidal materials through the soil column and their potential participation in the facilitated transport of contaminants, such as heavy metals and emerging pollutants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the transport behavior of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles through porous media. The impacts of pH, ionic strength, pore-water velocity (i.e., residence time), and aqueous-phase concentration on transport was investigated. All experiments were conducted with large injection pulses to fully characterize the impact of long-term retention and transport behavior relevant for natural systems wherein multiple retention processes may be operative. The results indicate that the observed nonideal transport behavior of the nano-scale colloids is influenced by multiple retention mechanisms/processes. Given the ubiquitous nature of these nano-scale colloids in the environment, a clear understanding of their transport and fate is necessary in further resolving the potential for facilitated transport of toxins through the subsurface and into our surface and groundwater bodies.

Twin tubular pinch effect in curving confined flows

PubMed Central

Clime, Liviu; Morton, Keith J.; Hoa, Xuyen D.; Veres, Teodor

2015-01-01

Colloidal suspensions of buoyancy neutral particles flowing in circular pipes focus into narrow distributions near the wall due to lateral migration effects associated with fluid inertia. In curving flows, these distributions are altered by Dean currents and the interplay between Reynolds and Dean numbers is used to predict equilibrium positions. Here, we propose a new description of inertial lateral migration in curving flows that expands current understanding of both focusing dynamics and equilibrium distributions. We find that at low Reynolds numbers, the ratio δ between lateral inertial migration and Dean forces scales simply with the particle radius, coil curvature and pipe radius as . A critical value δc = 0.148 of this parameter is identified along with two related inertial focusing mechanisms. In the regime below δc, coined subcritical, Dean forces generate permanently circulating, twinned annuli, each with intricate equilibrium particle distributions including eyes and trailing arms. At δ > δc (supercritical regime) inertial lateral migration forces are dominant and particles focus to a single stable equilibrium position. PMID:25927878

The Effects of Subsurface Bioremediation on Soil Structure, Colloid Formation, and Contaminant Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Liang, X.; Zhuang, J.; Radosevich, M.

2016-12-01

Anaerobic bioremediation is widely applied to create anaerobic subsurface conditions designed to stimulate microorganisms that degrade organic contaminants and immobilize toxic metals in situ. Anaerobic conditions that accompany such techniques also promotes microbially mediated Fe(III)-oxide mineral reduction. The reduction of Fe(III) could potentially cause soil structure breakdown, formation of clay colloids, and alternation of soil surface chemical properties. These processes could then affect bioremediation and the migration of contaminants. Column experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of anaerobic bioreduction on soil structure, hydraulic properties, colloid formation, and transport of three tracers (bromide, DFBA, and silica shelled silver nanoparticles). Columns packed with inoculated water stable soil aggregates were placed in anaerobic glovebox, and artificial groundwater media was pumped into the columns to simulate anaerobic bioreduction process for four weeks. Decent amount of soluble Fe(II) accompanied by colloids were detected in the effluent from bioreduction columns a week after initiation of bioreduction treatment, which demonstrated bioreduction of Fe(III) and formation of colloids. Transport experiments were performed in the columns before and after bioreduction process to assess the changes of hydraulic and surface chemical properties through bioreduction treatment. Earlier breakthrough of bromide and DFBA after treatment indicated alterations in flow paths (formation of preferential flow paths). Less dispersion of bromide and DFBA, and less tailing of DFBA after treatment implied breakdown of soil aggregates. Dramatically enhanced transport and early breakthrough of silica shelled silver nanoparticles after treatment supported the above conclusion of alterations in flow paths, and indicated changes of soil surface chemical properties.

Improving the corrosion resistance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell carbon supports by pentafluorophenyl surface functionalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forouzandeh, Farisa; Li, Xiaoan; Banham, Dustin W.; Feng, Fangxia; Joseph Kakanat, Abraham; Ye, Siyu; Birss, Viola

2018-02-01

In this study, the effect of surface functionalization on the electrochemical corrosion resistance of a high surface area, mesoporous colloid imprinted carbon powder (CIC), as well as microporous Vulcan carbon (VC, serving as the benchmark), was demonstrated, primarily for PEM fuel cell applications. CIC-22, which is highly hydrophilic and was synthesized with 22 nm silica colloid templates, and as-received, mildly hydrophobic, VC powders, were functionalized with 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl (-PhF5) surface groups using a straightforward diazonium reduction reaction. These carbons were then subjected to corrosion testing, involving a potential cycling-step sequence in room temperature 0.5 M H2SO4. Using cyclic voltammetry and charge/time analysis, the double layer and pseudo-capacitive gravimetric charges of the carbons, prior to and after the application of these potential steps, were tracked in order to obtain information about surface area changes and the extent of carbon oxidation, respectively. It is shown that the corrosion resistance was improved by ca. 50-80% by surface functionalization, likely due to a combination of surface passivation (loss of carbon active sites) and increased surface hydrophobicity.

Design of amphoteric chitosan flocculants for phosphate and turbidity removal in wastewater.

PubMed

Agbovi, Henry K; Wilson, Lee D

2018-06-01

An amphoteric flocculant (CMC-CTA) was synthesized by grafting 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride onto carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The turbidity and orthophosphate (P i ) removal properties of chitosan (CHI), CMC, and CMC-CTA were compared in the presence (and absence) of FeCl 3 coagulant. At a fixed FeCl 3 dosage, the effects of flocculant dosage, pH and settling time were evaluated. Turbidity removal (%) and optimal dosage (FeCl 3 ; mg/L) was determined: CMC-CTA (95.8%;5), CHI (88.8%;7.0) and CMC (68.8%;9.0). The corresponding P i removal (%) and dosage (mg/L) are listed: (93.4%;10), (90.6%;10), and (67.4%;5). Optimal turbidity and P i removal occurred at pH 4, where CMC-CTA had greater efficiency over CMC and CHI. The turbidity removal kinetics was described by the pseudo-second-order model, while P i removal followed the pseudo-first-order model. The removal process involves cooperative Coulombic interactions between the biopolymer/Fe(III)/P i and/or kaolinite colloids, along with polymer bridging effects. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polarizability of Six-Helix Bundle and Triangle DNA Origami and Their Escape Characteristics from a Dielectrophoretic Trap.

PubMed

Gan, Lin; Camacho-Alanis, Fernanda; Ros, Alexandra

2015-12-15

DNA nanoassemblies, such as DNA origamis, hold promise in biosensing, drug delivery, nanoelectronic circuits, and biological computing, which require suitable methods for migration and precision positioning. Insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) has been demonstrated as a powerful migration and trapping tool for μm- and nm-sized colloids as well as DNA origamis. However, little is known about the polarizability of origami species, which is responsible for their dielectrophoretic migration. Here, we report the experimentally determined polarizabilities of the six-helix bundle origami (6HxB) and triangle origami by measuring the migration times through a potential landscape exhibiting dielectrophoretic barriers. The resulting migration times correlate to the depth of the dielectrophoretic potential barrier and the escape characteristics of the origami according to an adapted Kramer's rate model, allowing their polarizabilities to be determined. We found that the 6HxB polarizability is larger than that of the triangle origami, which correlates with the variations in charge density of both origamis. Further, we discuss the orientation of both origami species in the dielectrophoretic trap and discuss the influence of diffusion during the escape process. Our study provides detailed insight into the factors contributing to the migration through dielectrophoretic potential landscapes, which can be exploited for applications with DNA and other nanoassemblies based on dielectrophoresis.

Dielectrophoretic levitation in the presence of shear flow: implications for colloidal fouling of filtration membranes.

PubMed

Molla, Shahnawaz; Bhattacharjee, Subir

2007-10-09

The ability of dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces created using a microelectrode array to levitate particles in a colloidal suspension is studied experimentally and theoretically. The experimental system employs microfabricated electrode arrays on a glass substrate to apply repulsive DEP forces on polystyrene latex particles suspended in an aqueous medium. A numerical model based on the convection-diffusion-migration equation is presented to calculate the concentration distribution of colloidal particles in shear flow under the influence of a repulsive DEP force field. The results obtained from the numerical simulations are compared against trajectory analysis results and experimental data. The results indicate that by incorporating ac electric field-induced DEP forces in a shear flow, particle accumulation and deposition on the flow channel surfaces can be significantly reduced or even completely averted. The mathematical model is then used to indicate how the deposition behavior is modified in the presence of a permeable substrate, representative of tangential flow membrane filtration operations. The results indicate that the repulsive dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces imparted to the particles suspended in the feed can be employed to mitigate membrane fouling in a cross-flow filtration process.

Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Triterpenes from Pluchea quitoc DC. Aerial Parts

PubMed Central

Nobre da Silva, Francisco Alcione; de Farias Freire, Sônia Maria; da Rocha Borges, Marilene Oliveira; Vidal Barros, Francisco Erivaldo; da de Sousa, Maria; de Sousa Ribeiro, Maria Nilce; Pinheiro Guilhon, Giselle Maria Skelding; Müller, Adolfo Henrique; Romão Borges, Antonio Carlos

2017-01-01

Background: Pluchea quitoc DC. (Asteraceae), a medicinal plant known as “quitoco,” “caculucage,” “tabacarana” and “madre-cravo,” is indicated for inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, arthritis, and inflammation in the uterus and digestive system. Objective: This study evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the triterpenes compounds obtained from P. quitoc aerial parts. Materials and Methods: The triterpenes compounds β-amyrin, taraxasterol and pseudo-taraxasterol in a mixture (T); β-amyrin, taraxasterol and pseudo-taraxasterol acetates in a mixture (Ta); β-amyrin, taraxasterol, pseudo-taraxasterol acetates in a mixture with β-amyrin, taraxasterol and pseudo-taraxasterol myristates (Tafe) were analyzed in the models of nociception and inflammation. The evaluation of antinociceptive activity was carried out by the acetic acid-induced writhing and tail-flick tests while leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity was used for anti-inflammatory profile. Results: The oral administration of T or Tafe (40 mg/kg and 70 mg/kg) and Ta (70 mg/kg) to mice reduced acetic acid-induced writhing. The tail-flick response of mice was not affected by T or Tafe (40 mg/kg). T or Tafe (40 mg/kg) and Ta (70 mg/kg) also inhibited peritoneal leukocyte infiltration following the injection of carrageenan. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity of the triterpenes β-amyrin, taraxasterol, and pseudo-taraxasterol that were decreased when these were acetylated; while the acetylated triterpenes in mixture with myristyloxy triterpenes improved this activity. These compounds seem, at least in part, to be related to the plant’s reported activity. SUMMARY The mixtures of hydroxylated, acetylated, and myristate triterpenes isolated from hexanic extracts of Pluchea quitoc DC. were analyzed in the models of nociception and inflammation in mice. The results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity of the triterpenes β-amyrin, taraxasterol, and pseudo-taraxasterol. This study showed too that the activity of triterpenes may be decreased by their being acetylated, while the acetylated triterpenes in mixture with myristate triterpenes improved this activity. Abbreviations Used: T: Triterpenes compounds β-amyrin, taraxasterol, and pseudo-taraxasterol in a mixture, Ta: Triterpenes compounds β-amyrin, taraxasterol and pseudo-taraxasterol acetates in a mixture, Tafe: Triterpenes compounds β-amyrin, taraxasterol, pseudo-taraxasterol acetates in a mixture with β-amyrin, taraxasterol and pseudo-taraxasterol myristates, Ctrl: Control, Indo: Indomethacin, Dexa: Dexamethasone, EtOAc: Ethyl acetate, MeOH: Methanol. PMID:29333034

Diffusiophoresis of charged colloidal particles in the limit of very high salinity.

PubMed

Prieve, Dennis C; Malone, Stephanie M; Khair, Aditya S; Stout, Robert F; Kanj, Mazen Y

2018-06-13

Diffusiophoresis is the migration of a colloidal particle through a viscous fluid, caused by a gradient in concentration of some molecular solute; a long-range physical interaction between the particle and solute molecules is required. In the case of a charged particle and an ionic solute (e.g., table salt, NaCl), previous studies have predicted and experimentally verified the speed for very low salt concentrations at which the salt solution behaves ideally. The current study presents a study of diffusiophoresis at much higher salt concentrations (approaching the solubility limit). At such large salt concentrations, electrostatic interactions are almost completely screened, thus eliminating the long-range interaction required for diffusiophoresis; moreover, the high volume fraction occupied by ions makes the solution highly nonideal. Diffusiophoretic speeds were found to be measurable, albeit much smaller than for the same gradient at low salt concentrations.

Modified interferometric imaging condition for reverse-time migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xue-Bao; Liu, Hong; Shi, Ying

2018-01-01

For reverse-time migration, high-resolution imaging mainly depends on the accuracy of the velocity model and the imaging condition. In practice, however, the small-scale components of the velocity model cannot be estimated by tomographical methods; therefore, the wavefields are not accurately reconstructed from the background velocity, and the imaging process will generate artefacts. Some of the noise is due to cross-correlation of unrelated seismic events. Interferometric imaging condition suppresses imaging noise very effectively, especially the unknown random disturbance of the small-scale part. The conventional interferometric imaging condition is extended in this study to obtain a new imaging condition based on the pseudo-Wigner distribution function (WDF). Numerical examples show that the modified interferometric imaging condition improves imaging precision.

Distinct Interfacial Fluorescence in Oil-in-Water Emulsions via Exciton Migration of Conjugated Polymers.

PubMed

Koo, Byungjin; Swager, Timothy M

2017-09-01

Commercial dyes are extensively utilized to stain specific phases for the visualization applications in emulsions and bioimaging. In general, dyes emit only one specific fluorescence signal and thus, in order to stain various phases and/or interfaces, one needs to incorporate multiple dyes and carefully consider their compatibility to avoid undesirable interactions with each other and with the components in the system. Herein, surfactant-type, perylene-endcapped fluorescent conjugated polymers that exhibit two different emissions are reported, which are cyan in water and red at oil-water interfaces. The interfacially distinct red emission results from enhanced exciton migration from the higher-bandgap polymer backbone to the lower-bandgap perylene endgroup. The confocal microscopy images exhibit the localized red emission exclusively from the circumference of oil droplets. This exciton migration and dual fluorescence of the polymers in different physical environments can provide a new concept of visualization methods in many amphiphilic colloidal systems and bioimaging. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Module-oriented modeling of reactive transport with HYTEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Lee, Jan; De Windt, Laurent; Lagneau, Vincent; Goblet, Patrick

2003-04-01

The paper introduces HYTEC, a coupled reactive transport code currently used for groundwater pollution studies, safety assessment of nuclear waste disposals, geochemical studies and interpretation of laboratory column experiments. Based on a known permeability field, HYTEC evaluates the groundwater flow paths, and simulates the migration of mobile matter (ions, organics, colloids) subject to geochemical reactions. The code forms part of a module-oriented structure which facilitates maintenance and improves coding flexibility. In particular, using the geochemical module CHESS as a common denominator for several reactive transport models significantly facilitates the development of new geochemical features which become automatically available to all models. A first example shows how the model can be used to assess migration of uranium from a sub-surface source under the effect of an oxidation front. The model also accounts for alteration of hydrodynamic parameters (local porosity, permeability) due to precipitation and dissolution of mineral phases, which potentially modifies the migration properties in general. The second example illustrates this feature.

Preliminary Interpretation of a Radionuclide and Colloid Tracer Test in a Granodiorite Shear Zone at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reimus, Paul W.

2012-08-30

In February and March 2012, a tracer test involving the injection of a radionuclide-colloid cocktail was conducted in the MI shear zone at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland, as part of the Colloids Formation and Migration (CFM) project. The colloids were derived from FEBEX bentonite, which is mined in Spain and is being considered as a potential waste package backfill in a Spanish nuclear waste repository. The tracer test, designated test 12-02 (second test in 2012), involved the injection of the tracer cocktail into borehole CFM 06.002i2 and extraction from the Pinkel surface packer at the main access tunnel wallmore » approximately 6.1 m from the injection interval. The test configuration is depicted in Figure 1. This configuration has been used in several conservative tracer tests and two colloid-homologue tracer tests since 2007, and it is will be employed in an upcoming test involving the emplacement of a radionuclide-doped bentonite plug into CFM 06.002i2 to evaluate the swelling and erosion of the bentonite and the transport of bentonite colloids and radionuclides from the source to the extraction point at the tunnel wall. Interpretive analyses of several of the previous tracer tests, from 09-01 through 12-02 were provided in two previous Used Fuel Disposition Program milestone reports (Arnold et al., 2011; Kersting et al., 2012). However, only the data for the conservative tracer Amino-G Acid was previously analyzed from test 12-02 because the other tracer data from this test were not available at the time. This report documents the first attempt to quantitatively analyze the radionuclide and colloid breakthrough curves from CFM test 12-02. This report was originally intended to also include an experimental assessment of colloid-facilitated transport of uranium by bentonite colloids in the Grimsel system, but this assessment was not conducted because it was reported by German collaborators at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) that neither uranium nor neptunium adsorbed appreciably to FEBEX bentonite colloids in Grimsel groundwater (Huber et al., 2011). The Grimsel groundwater has a relatively high pH of {approx}9, so the lack of uranium and neptunium adsorption to clay is not surprising given the tendency for these actinides to form very stable negative or neutrally-charged uranyl- or calcium-uranyl-carbonate complexes at these pH, particularly in a water that is effectively saturated with respect to calcite. It was also observed in testing conducted at LANL earlier in 2012 that uranium did not adsorb measurably to Grimsel granodiorite in a synthetic Grimsel groundwater at pH {approx}8.5 (Kersting et al., 2012). Thus, the planned experimental work was not pursued because all the available information clearly pointed to an expected result that uranium transport would not be facilitated by clay colloids in the Grimsel system.« less

Electro-elastoviscous response of polyaniline functionalized nano-porous zeolite based colloidal dispersions.

PubMed

Chattopadhyay, Ankur; Rani, Poonam; Srivastava, Rajendra; Dhar, Purbarun

2018-06-01

The present article discusses the typical influence of grafted conducting polymers in the mesoscale pores of dielectric particles on the static and dynamic electrorheology and electro-viscoelastic behavior of corresponding colloids. Nanocrystalline meso-nanoporous zeolite has been prepared by chemical synthesis and subsequently polyaniline (PANI) coating has been implemented. Electrorheological (ER) suspensions have been formed by dispersing the nanoparticles in silicone oil and their viscoelastic behaviors are examined to understand the nature of such complex colloidal systems under electric fields. PANI-Zeolite ER fluids demonstrate higher static electroviscous effects and yield stress potential than untreated Zeolite, typically studied in literature. Transient electro-viscous characterizations show a stable and negligible hysteresis behavior when both the fluids are exposed to constant as well as time varying electric field intensities. Further oscillatory shear experiments of frequency and strain sweeps exhibit predominant elastic behavior in case of Zeolite based ER suspensions as compared to PANI systems. Detailed investigations reveal Zeolite based ER suspensions display enhanced relative yielding as well as electro-viscoelastic stability than the PANI-Zeolite. The steady state viscous behaviors are scaled against the non-dimensional Mason number to model the system behavior for both fluids. Experimental data of flow behaviors of both the ER fluids are compared with semi-classical models and it is found that the CCJ model possesses a closer proximity than traditional Bingham model, thereby revealing the fluids to be generic pseudo-linear fluids. The present article reveals that while the PANI based fluids are typically hailed superior in literature, it is only restricted to steady shear utilities. In case of dynamic and oscillatory systems, the traditional Zeolite based fluids exhibit superior ER caliber. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Removal of Cu(II) from leachate using natural zeolite as a landfill liner material.

PubMed

Turan, N Gamze; Ergun, Osman Nuri

2009-08-15

All hazardous waste disposal facilities require composite liner systems to act as a barrier against migration of contaminated leachate into the subsurface environment. Removal of copper(II) from leachate was studied using natural zeolite. A serial of laboratory systems on bentonite added natural zeolite was conducted and copper flotation waste was used as hazardous waste. The adsorption capacities and sorption efficiencies were determined. The sorption efficiencies increased with increasing natural zeolite ratio. The pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order, Elovich and the intra-particle diffusion kinetic models were used to describe the kinetic data to estimate the rate constants. The second-order model best described adsorption kinetic data. The results indicated that natural zeolite showed excellent adsorptive characteristics for the removal of copper(II) from leachate and could be used as very good liner materials due to its high uptake capacity and the abundance in availability.

Synthesis and structural properties of Ba(1-x)LaxTiO3 perovskite nanoparticles fabricated by solvothermal synthesis route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puli, Venkata Sreenivas; Adireddy, Shiva; Elupula, Ravinder; Molugu, Sudheer; Shipman, Josh; Chrisey, Douglas B.

2017-05-01

We report the successful synthesis and structural characterization of barium lanthanum titanate Ba(1-x)LaxTiO3 (x=0.003,0.006,0.010) nanoparticles. The colloidal nanoparticles were prepared with high yield by a solvothermal method at temperatures as low as 150°C for 24h. The as-prepared nanopowders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD studies revealed pseudo-cubic crystalline structure, with no impurity phases at room temperature. However ferroelectric tetragonal modes were clearly observed using Raman spectroscopy measurements. From TEM measurements, uniformly sized BLT nanoparticles were observed. Selected area diffraction TEM images revealed polycrystalline perovskite ring patterns, identified as corresponding to the tetragonal phase.

Association of actinides with microorganisms and clay: Implications for radionuclide migration from waste-repository sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohnuki, T.; Francis, A.; Kozai, N.

2010-04-01

We conducted a series of basic studies on the microbial accumulation of actinides to elucidate their migration behavior around backfill materials used in the geological disposal of radioactive wastes. We explored the interactions of U(VI) and Pu(VI) with Bacillus subtilis, kaolinite clay, and within a mixture of the two, directly analyzing their association with the bacterium in the mixture by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The accumulation of U by the mixture rose as the numbers of B. subtilis cells increased. Treating the kaolinite with potassium acetate (CH{sub 3}COOK) removed approximately 80% of the associated uraniummore » while only 65% was removed in the presence of B. subtilis. TEM-EDS analysis confirmed that most of the U taken from solution was associated with B. subtilis. XANES analyses revealed that the oxidation state of uranium associated with B. subtilis, kaolinite, and with the mixture containing both was U(VI). The amount of Pu sorbed by B. subtilis increased with time, but did not reach equilibrium in 48 h; in kaolinite alone, equilibrium was attained within 8 h. After 48 h, the oxidation state of Pu in the solutions exposed to B. subtilis and to the mixture had changed to Pu(V), whereas the oxidation state of the Pu associated with both was Pu(IV). In contrast, there was no change in the oxidation state of Pu in the solution nor on kaolinite after exposure to Pu(VI). SEM-EDS analysis indicated that most of the Pu in the mixture was associated with the bacteria. These results suggest that U(VI) and Pu(VI) preferentially are sorbed to bacterial cells in the presence of kaolinite clay, and that the mechanism of accumulation of U and Pu differs. U(VI) is sorbed directly to the bacterial cells, whereas Pu(VI) first is reduced to Pu(V) and then to Pu(IV), and the latter is associated with the cells. These results have important implications on the migrations of radionuclides around the repository sites of geological disposal. Microbial cells compete with clay colloids for radionuclides accumulation, and because of their higher affinity and larger size, the microbes accumulate radionuclides and migrate much slower than do the clay colloids. Additionally, biofilm coatings formed on the fractured rock surfaces also accumulate radionuclides, thereby retarding radionuclide migration.« less

Optothermal Manipulations of Colloidal Particles and Living Cells.

PubMed

Lin, Linhan; Hill, Eric H; Peng, Xiaolei; Zheng, Yuebing

2018-05-25

Optical manipulation techniques are important in many fields. For instance, they enable bottom-up assembly of nanomaterials and high-resolution and in situ analysis of biological cells and molecules, providing opportunities for discovery of new materials, medical diagnostics, and nanomedicines. Traditional optical tweezers have their applications limited due to the use of rigorous optics and high optical power. New strategies have been established for low-power optical manipulation techniques. Optothermal manipulation, which exploits photon-phonon conversion and matter migration under a light-controlled temperature gradient, is one such emerging technique. Elucidation of the underlying physics of optothermo-matter interaction and rational engineering of optical environments are required to realize diverse optothermal manipulation functionalities. This Account covers the working principles, design concepts, and applications of a series of newly developed optothermal manipulation techniques, including bubble-pen lithography, opto-thermophoretic tweezers, opto-thermoelectric tweezers, optothermal assembly, and opto-thermoelectric printing. In bubble-pen lithography, optical heating of a plasmonic substrate generates microbubbles at the solid-liquid interface to print diverse colloidal particles on the substrates. Programmable bubble printing of semiconductor quantum dots on different substrates and haptic control of printing have also been achieved. The key to optothermal tweezers is the ability to deliver colloidal particles from cold to hot regions of a temperature gradient or a negative Soret effect. We explore different driving forces for the two types of optothermal tweezers. Opto-thermophoretic tweezers rely on an abnormal permittivity gradient built by structured solvent molecules in the electric double layer of colloidal particles and living cells in response to heat-induced entropy, and opto-thermoelectric tweezers exploit a thermophoresis-induced thermoelectric field for the low-power manipulation of small nanoparticles with minimum diameter around 20 nm. Furthermore, by incorporating depletion attraction into the optothermal tweezers system as particle-particle or particle-substrate binding force, we have achieved bottom-up assembly and reconfigurable optical printing of artificial colloidal matter. Beyond optothermal manipulation techniques in liquid environments, we also review recent progress of gas-phase optothermal manipulation based on photophoresis. Photophoretic trapping and transport of light-absorbing materials have been achieved through optical engineering to tune particle-molecule interactions during optical heating, and a novel optical trap display has been demonstrated. An improved understanding of the colloidal response to temperature gradients will surely facilitate further innovations in optothermal manipulation. With their low-power operation, simple optics, and diverse functionalities, optothermal manipulation techniques will find a wide range of applications in life sciences, colloidal science, materials science, and nanoscience, as well as in the developments of colloidal functional devices and nanomedicine.

Autopsie d'une extinction biologique. Un exemple: la crise de la limite frasnien-famennien (364 ma)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lethiers, Francis; Casier, Jean-Georges

1999-09-01

Without studying the causes of the F/F boundary mass extinction, the precise analysis of ostracod species shows evolutionary process only discernable at the global scale. About 75% of all neritic species disappeared in the Uppermost Frasnian in all studied regions of the world. Others survived, with some geographic changes, owing to littoral refuges (Lazarus eflect). Deep benthic ostracods seem almost untouched by this event. We show that new post-event species resulted from allopatric speciations by migration between neritic provinces or along continental slopes towards deeper environments. During the event surviving lineages show a continuous gradation from unscathed species to chronocline species, to phyletic subspeciations or speciations (= pseudo extinctions) and even to new genera. The durability of lineages is controlled by the migration of populations.

Multiactinide Analysis with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry for Ultratrace Determination in Small Samples: Application to an in Situ Radionuclide Tracer Test within the Colloid Formation and Migration Experiment at the Grimsel Test Site (Switzerland).

PubMed

Quinto, Francesca; Blechschmidt, Ingo; Garcia Perez, Carmen; Geckeis, Horst; Geyer, Frank; Golser, Robin; Huber, Florian; Lagos, Markus; Lanyon, Bill; Plaschke, Markus; Steier, Peter; Schäfer, Thorsten

2017-07-05

The multiactinide analysis with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was applied to samples collected from the run 13-05 of the Colloid Formation and Migration (CFM) experiment at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS). In this in situ radionuclide tracer test, the environmental behavior of 233 U, 237 Np, 242 Pu, and 243 Am was investigated in a water conductive shear zone under conditions relevant for a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rock. The concentration of the actinides in the GTS groundwater was determined with AMS over 6 orders of magnitude from ∼15 pg/g down to ∼25 ag/g. Levels above 10 fg/g were investigated with both sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICPMS) and AMS. Agreement within a relative uncertainty of 50% was found for 237 Np, 242 Pu, and 243 Am concentrations determined with the two analytical methods. With the extreme sensitivity of AMS, the long-term release and retention of the actinides was investigated over 8 months in the tailing of the breakthrough curve of run 13-05 as well as in samples collected up to 22 months after. Furthermore, the evidence of masses 241 and 244 u in the CFM samples most probably representing 241 Am and 244 Pu employed in a previous tracer test demonstrated the analytical capability of AMS for in situ studies lasting more than a decade.

Speciation of heavy metals in landfill leachate: a review.

PubMed

Baun, Dorthe L; Christensen, Thomas H

2004-02-01

The literature was reviewed with respect to metal speciation methods in aquatic samples specifically emphasizing speciation of heavy metals in landfill leachate. Speciation here refers to physical fractionation (particulate, colloidal, dissolved), chemical fractionation (organic complexes, inorganic complexes, free metal ions), as well as computer-based thermodynamic models. Relatively few landfill leachate samples have been speciated in detail (less than 30) representing only a few landfills (less than 15). This suggests that our knowledge about metal species in landfill leachate still is indicative. In spite of the limited database and the different definitions of the dissolved fraction (< 0.45 microm or < 0.001 microm) the studies consistently show that colloids as well as organic and inorganic complexes are important for all heavy metals in landfill leachate. The free metal ion constitutes less than 30%, typically less than 10%, of the total metal concentration. This has significant implications for sampling, since no standardized procedures exist, and for assessing the content of metals in leachate in the context of its treatment, toxicity and migration in aquifers.

Fully packed capillary electrochromatographic microchip with self-assembly colloidal silica beads.

PubMed

Park, Jongman; Lee, Dami; Kim, Won; Horiike, Shigeyoshi; Nishimoto, Takahiro; Lee, Se Hwan; Ahn, Chong H

2007-04-15

A fully packed capillary electrochromatographic (CEC) microchip showing improved solution and chip handling was developed. Microchannels for the CEC microchip were patterned on a cyclic olefin copolymer substrate by injection molding and packed fully with 0.8-microm monodisperse colloidal silica beads utilizing a self-assembly packing technique. The silica packed chip substrate was covered and thermally press-bonded. After fabrication, the chip was filled with buffer solution by self-priming capillary action. The self-assembly packing at each channel served as a built-in nanofilter allowing quick loading of samples and running buffer solution without filtration. Because of a large surface area-to-volume ratio of the silica packing, reproducible control of electroosmotic flow was possible without leveling of the solutions in the reservoirs resulting 1.3% rsd in migration rate. The capillary electrophoretic separation characteristics of the chip were studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-derivatized amino acids as probe molecules. A mixture of FITC and four FITC-derivatized amino acids was successfully separated with 2-mm separation channel length.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaplan, W.D.; Piez, C.W.; Gelman, R.S.

Recent qualitative studies suggest that a micro Tc-99m sulfur colloid (..mu..SC) offers clinically acceptable images of the lymphatic system following intradermal injection. The authors have prospectively compared ..mu..SC to Tc-99m antimony colloid (SbS), the current agent of choice, in patients (pts) undergoing internal mammary lymphoscintigraphy. Twenty-eight consecutive females from 32-76 yrs of age were studied; 14 received SbS and 14 received ..mu..SC, (1.0 mCi, subcostal in posterior rectus sheath). Images (gamma camera and computer) of the injection site, anterior thorax and a Co-57 standard at the sternal notch were obtained at time 0 and 3 hrs after injection. The differencemore » in X-bar% lymph node uptake was not statistically significant for the two groups. The clinical information obtained with the two radiocolloids was similar with respect to number of nodes seen, migration and relative ''brightness'' (ratio-node/Co-57). Additional patient studies will be needed to confirm this observation.« less

Designing with non-linear viscoelastic fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuh, Jonathon; Lee, Yong Hoon; Allison, James; Ewoldt, Randy

2017-11-01

Material design is typically limited to hard materials or simple fluids; however, design with more complex materials can provide ways to enhance performance. Using the Criminale-Ericksen-Filbey (CEF) constitutive model in the thin film lubrication limit, we derive a modified Reynolds Equation (based on asymptotic analysis) that includes shear thinning, first normal stress, and terminal regime viscoelastic effects. This allows for designing non-linear viscoelastic fluids in thin-film creeping flow scenarios, i.e. optimizing the shape of rheological material properties to achieve different design objectives. We solve the modified Reynolds equation using the pseudo-spectral method, and describe a case study in full-film lubricated sliding where optimal fluid properties are identified. These material-agnostic property targets can then guide formulation of complex fluids which may use polymeric, colloidal, or other creative approaches to achieve the desired non-Newtonian properties.

Expanding the capability of reaction-diffusion codes using pseudo traps and temperature partitioning: Applied to hydrogen uptake and release from tungsten

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simmonds, M. J.; Yu, J. H.; Wang, Y. Q.

Simulating the implantation and thermal desorption evolution in a reaction-diffusion model requires solving a set of coupled differential equations that describe the trapping and release of atomic species in Plasma Facing Materials (PFMs). These fundamental equations are well outlined by the Tritium Migration Analysis Program (TMAP) which can model systems with no more than three active traps per atomic species. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a Pseudo Trap and Temperature Partition (PTTP) scheme allowing us to lump multiple inactive traps into one pseudo trap, simplifying the system of equations to be solved. For all temperatures, we show themore » trapping of atoms from solute is exactly accounted for when using a pseudo trap. However, a single effective pseudo trap energy can not well replicate the release from multiple traps, each with its own detrapping energy. However, atoms held in a high energy trap will remain trapped at relatively low temperatures, and thus there is a temperature range in which release from high energy traps is effectively inactive. By partitioning the temperature range into segments, a pseudo trap can be defined for each segment to account for multiple high energy traps that are actively trapping but are effectively not releasing atoms. With increasing temperature, as in controlled thermal desorption, the lowest energy trap is nearly emptied and can be removed from the set of coupled equations, while the next higher energy trap becomes an actively releasing trap. Each segment is thus calculated sequentially, with the last time step of a given segment solution being used as an initial input for the next segment as only the pseudo and actively releasing traps are modeled. This PTTP scheme is then applied to experimental thermal desorption data for tungsten (W) samples damaged with heavy ions, which display six distinct release peaks during thermal desorption. Without modifying the TMAP7 source code the PTTP scheme is shown to successfully model the D retention in all six traps. In conclusion, we demonstrate the full reconstruction from the plasma implantation phase through the controlled thermal desorption phase with detrapping energies near 0.9, 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9 and 2.1 eV for a W sample damaged at room temperature.« less

Expanding the capability of reaction-diffusion codes using pseudo traps and temperature partitioning: Applied to hydrogen uptake and release from tungsten

DOE PAGES

Simmonds, M. J.; Yu, J. H.; Wang, Y. Q.; ...

2018-06-04

Simulating the implantation and thermal desorption evolution in a reaction-diffusion model requires solving a set of coupled differential equations that describe the trapping and release of atomic species in Plasma Facing Materials (PFMs). These fundamental equations are well outlined by the Tritium Migration Analysis Program (TMAP) which can model systems with no more than three active traps per atomic species. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a Pseudo Trap and Temperature Partition (PTTP) scheme allowing us to lump multiple inactive traps into one pseudo trap, simplifying the system of equations to be solved. For all temperatures, we show themore » trapping of atoms from solute is exactly accounted for when using a pseudo trap. However, a single effective pseudo trap energy can not well replicate the release from multiple traps, each with its own detrapping energy. However, atoms held in a high energy trap will remain trapped at relatively low temperatures, and thus there is a temperature range in which release from high energy traps is effectively inactive. By partitioning the temperature range into segments, a pseudo trap can be defined for each segment to account for multiple high energy traps that are actively trapping but are effectively not releasing atoms. With increasing temperature, as in controlled thermal desorption, the lowest energy trap is nearly emptied and can be removed from the set of coupled equations, while the next higher energy trap becomes an actively releasing trap. Each segment is thus calculated sequentially, with the last time step of a given segment solution being used as an initial input for the next segment as only the pseudo and actively releasing traps are modeled. This PTTP scheme is then applied to experimental thermal desorption data for tungsten (W) samples damaged with heavy ions, which display six distinct release peaks during thermal desorption. Without modifying the TMAP7 source code the PTTP scheme is shown to successfully model the D retention in all six traps. In conclusion, we demonstrate the full reconstruction from the plasma implantation phase through the controlled thermal desorption phase with detrapping energies near 0.9, 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9 and 2.1 eV for a W sample damaged at room temperature.« less

Non-monotonic permeability variation during colloidal transport: Governing equations and analytical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chequer, L.; Russell, T.; Behr, A.; Genolet, L.; Kowollik, P.; Badalyan, A.; Zeinijahromi, A.; Bedrikovetsky, P.

2018-02-01

Permeability decline associated with the migration of natural reservoir fines impairs the well index of injection and production wells in aquifers and oilfields. In this study, we perform laboratory corefloods using aqueous solutions with different salinities in engineered rocks with different kaolinite content, yielding fines migration and permeability alteration. Unusual permeability growth has been observed at high salinities in rocks with low kaolinite concentrations. This has been attributed to permeability increase during particle detachment and re-attachment of already mobilised fines by electrostatic attraction to the rock in stagnant zones of the porous space. We refine the traditional model for fines migration by adding mathematical expressions for the particle re-attachment rate, particle detachment with delay relative to salinity decrease, and the attached-concentration-dependency of permeability. A one-dimensional flow problem that accounts for those three effects allows for an exact analytical solution. The modified model captures the observed effect of permeability increase at high water salinities in rocks with low kaolinite concentrations. The developed model matches the coreflooding data with high accuracy, and the obtained model coefficients vary within their usual intervals.

Improved separation and size characterization of gold nanoparticles through a novel capillary zone electrophoresis method using poly(sodium4-styrenesulfonate) as stabiliser and a stepwise field strength gradient.

PubMed

Ciriello, Rosanna; Iallorenzi, Pina Teresa; Laurita, Alessandro; Guerrieri, Antonio

2017-03-01

A novel capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was developed for an improved separation and size characterization of pristine gold nanoparticles (AuNP) using uncoated fused-silica capillaries with UV-Vis detection at 520 nm. To avoid colloid aggregation and/or adsorption during runs, poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) was added (1%, w/v) in the running buffer (CAPS 10 mM, pH 11). This polyelectrolyte conferred an enhanced stabilization to AuNP, both steric and electrostatic, exalting at the same time their differences in electrophoretic mobility. Resolution was further and successfully improved through a stepwise field strength gradient by the application of 25 kV for the first 5 min and then 10 kV. Migration times varied linearly with particles diameters showing relative standard deviations better than 1% for daily experiments and 3% for interday experiments. A comparison with the size distribution obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed assessing that the electrophoretic profile can reasonably be considered as representative of the effective size heterogeneity of each colloid. Finally, the practical utility of the proposed method was demonstrated by measuring the core diameter of a gold colloid sample produced by chemical synthesis which was in good agreement with the value obtained by TEM measurements. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Drop Migration and Demixing of Biphasic Aqueous Systems in an Applied Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todd, Paul; Raghavarao, Karumanchi S. M. S.

1999-11-01

Applying an electric field to a demixing emulsion of poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) and dextran (or maltodextrin) in phosphate-buffered aqueous solution shortens the demixing time up to 6 fold. Phosphate ions partition into the dextran-rich phase imparting a small electrical potential between the phases. PEG-rich drops migrate cathodally, and their electrophoretic mobility is directly proportional to their radius and increases with increased ionization of phosphate. An electric field, either parallel or antiparallel to the gravity vector, can enhance demixing. A theory consistent with these observations states that drops move due to external and internal electroosmotic flow (tractor treading). Enhanced demixing in an electric field whose polarity opposes buoyancy is thought to be caused by initial increased drop growth during retardation by the electric field so that the drop becomes more buoyant. However, at infinite internal drop viscosity the theory does not extrapolate to the result for solid colloid particles.

Staining Method for Protein Analysis by Capillary Gel Electrophoresis

PubMed Central

Wu, Shuqing; Lu, Joann J; Wang, Shili; Peck, Kristy L.; Li, Guigen; Liu, Shaorong

2009-01-01

A novel staining method and the associated fluorescent dye were developed for protein analysis by capillary SDS-PAGE. The method strategy is to synthesize a pseudo-SDS dye and use it to replace some of the SDS in SDS–protein complexes so that the protein can be fluorescently detected. The pseudo-SDS dye consists of a long, straight alkyl chain connected to a negative charged fluorescent head and binds to proteins just as SDS. The number of dye molecules incorporated with a protein depends on the dye concentration relative to SDS in the sample solution, since SDS and dye bind to proteins competitively. In this work, we synthesized a series of pseudo-SDS dyes, and tested their performances for capillary SDS-PAGE. FT-16 (a fluorescein molecule linked with a hexadodecyl group) seemed to be the best among all the dyes tested. Although the numbers of dye molecules bound to proteins (and the fluorescence signals from these protein complexes) were maximized in the absence of SDS, high-quality separations were obtained when co-complexes of SDS–protein–dye were formed. The migration time correlates well with protein size even after some of the SDS in the SDS–protein complexes was replaced by the pseudo-SDS dye. Under optimized experimental conditions and using a laser-induced fluorescence detector, limits of detection of as low as 0.13 ng/mL (bovine serum albumin) and dynamic ranges over 5 orders of magnitude in which fluorescence response is proportional to the square root of analyte concentration were obtained. The method and dye were also tested for separations of real-world samples from E. coli. PMID:17874848

Strategy for synthesizing quantum dot-layered double hydroxide nanocomposites and their enhanced photoluminescence and photostability.

PubMed

Cho, Seungho; Jung, Sungwook; Jeong, Sanghwa; Bang, Jiwon; Park, Joonhyuck; Park, Youngrong; Kim, Sungjee

2013-01-08

Layered double hydroxide-quantum dot (LDH-QD) composites are synthesized via a room temperature LDH formation reaction in the presence of QDs. InP/ZnS (core/shell) QD, a heavy metal free QD, is used as a model constituent. Interactions between QDs (with negative zeta potentials), decorated with dihydrolipoic acids, and inherently positively charged metal hydroxide layers of LDH during the LDH formations are induced to form the LDH-QD composites. The formation of the LDH-QD composites affords significantly enhanced photoluminescence quantum yields and thermal- and photostabilities compared to their QD counterparts. In addition, the fluorescence from the solid LDH-QD composite preserved the initial optical properties of the QD colloid solution without noticeable deteriorations such as red-shift or deep trap emission. Based on their advantageous optical properties, we also demonstrate the pseudo white light emitting diode, down-converted by the LDH-QD composites.

Alternative stable qP wave equations in TTI media with their applications for reverse time migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yang; Wang, Huazhong; Liu, Wenqing

2015-10-01

Numerical instabilities may arise if the spatial variation of symmetry axis is handled improperly when implementing P-wave modeling and reverse time migration in heterogeneous tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media, especially in the cases where fast changes exist in TTI symmetry axis’ directions. Based on the pseudo-acoustic approximation to anisotropic elastic wave equations in Cartesian coordinates, alternative second order qP (quasi-P) wave equations in TTI media are derived in this paper. Compared with conventional stable qP wave equations, the proposed equations written in stress components contain only spatial derivatives of wavefield variables (stress components) and are free from spatial derivatives involving media parameters. These lead to an easy and efficient implementation for stable P-wave modeling and imaging. Numerical experiments demonstrate the stability and computational efficiency of the presented equations in complex TTI media.

Influence of macroporosity on preferential solute and colloid transport in unsaturated field soils.

PubMed

Cey, Edwin E; Rudolph, David L; Passmore, Joanna

2009-06-26

Transport of solutes and colloids in soils, particularly those subject to preferential flow along macropores, is important for assessing the vulnerability of shallow groundwater to contamination. The objective of this study was to investigate flow and transport phenomena for dissolved and colloid tracers during large infiltration events in partially saturated, macroporous soils. Controlled tracer infiltration tests were completed at two field sites in southern Ontario. A tension infiltrometer (TI) was used to infiltrate water with dissolved Brilliant Blue FCF dye simultaneously with 3.7 microm and 0.53 microm diameter fluorescent microspheres. Infiltration was conducted under maximum infiltration pressure heads ranging from -5.2 to -0.4 cm. All infiltration test sites were excavated to examine and photograph dye-stained flow patterns, map soil features, and collect samples for microsphere enumeration. Results indicated that preferential transport of dye and microspheres via macropores occurred when maximum pressure heads were greater than -3.0 cm, and the corresponding infiltration rates exceeded 2.0 cm h(-1). Dye and microspheres were detected at depths greater than 70 cm under the highest infiltration rates from both sites. Microsphere concentrations in the top 5-10 cm of soil decreased by more than two orders of magnitude relative to input concentrations, yet remained relatively constant with depth thereafter. There was some evidence for increased retention of the 3.7 microm microspheres relative to the 0.53 microm microspheres, particularly at lower infiltration pressures where straining and attachment mechanisms are most prevalent. Microspheres were observed within dye stained soil matrix surrounding individual macropores, illustrating the significance of capillary pressures in controlling the vertical migration of both tracers in the vicinity of the macropores. Overall, microsphere distributions closely followed the dye patterns, with microsphere concentrations at all depths directly related to the intensity (or concentration) of dye staining. It is concluded that the flow system influenced transport to a much greater degree than differences between dissolved and colloidal species, and hence a dye tracer could serve as a reasonable surrogate for colloid distributions in the vadose zone following individual infiltration events.

Ore-forming fluid system of bauxite in WZD area of northern Guizhou province, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Tao

2017-12-01

The ore-forming fluid system of bauxite in Wuchuan-Zheng,an-Daozhen (short for WZD) Area of northern Guizhou Province was studied from the perspective of deposit formation mechanism. It was discovered that ore-forming fluids were mainly effective for transporting and leaching during the formation of bauxite. The means of transport mainly included colloidal transport, suspended transport and gravity flow transport. In the course of their leaching, fluids had a range of chemical reactions, as a result of which elements such as silicon and iron migrated downwards. In this process, properties of fluids changed as well.

Automatic multiple-sample applicator and electrophoresis apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grunbaum, B. W. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

An apparatus for performing electrophoresis and a multiple-sample applicator is described. Electrophoresis is a physical process in which electrically charged molecules and colloidal particles, upon the application of a dc current, migrate along a gel or a membrane that is wetted with an electrolyte. A multiple-sample applicator is provided which coacts with a novel tank cover to permit an operator either to depress a single button, thus causing multiple samples to be deposited on the gel or on the membrane simultaneously, or to depress one or more sample applicators separately by means of a separate button for each applicator.

Continuous distribution of emission states from single CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.

PubMed

Zhang, Kai; Chang, Hauyee; Fu, Aihua; Alivisatos, A Paul; Yang, Haw

2006-04-01

The photoluminescence dynamics of colloidal CdSe/ZnS/streptavidin quantum dots were studied using time-resolved single-molecule spectroscopy. Statistical tests of the photon-counting data suggested that the simple "on/off" discrete state model is inconsistent with experimental results. Instead, a continuous emission state distribution model was found to be more appropriate. Autocorrelation analysis of lifetime and intensity fluctuations showed a nonlinear correlation between them. These results were consistent with the model that charged quantum dots were also emissive, and that time-dependent charge migration gave rise to the observed photoluminescence dynamics.

Interaction of bisphenol A with dissolved organic matter in extractive and adsorptive removal processes.

PubMed

Zhu, Fei-Die; Choo, Kwang-Ho; Chang, Hyun-Shik; Lee, Byunghwan

2012-05-01

The fate of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in natural and engineered systems is complicated due to their interactions with various water constituents. This study investigated the interaction of bisphenol A (BPA) with dissolved organic matter (DOM) and colloids present in surface water and secondary effluent as well as its adsorptive removal by powdered activated carbons. The solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) method followed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized for determining the distribution of BPA molecules in water. The BPA removal by SPME decreased with the increased DOM content, where the formation of BPA-DOM complexes in an aqueous matrix was responsible for the reduced extraction of BPA. Colloidal particles in water samples sorbed BPA leading to the marked reduction of liquid phase BPA. BPA-DOM complexes had a negative impact on the adsorptive removal of BPA by powered activated carbons. The complex formation was characterized based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, along with the calculation of molecular interactions between BPA and functional groups in DOM. It was found that the hydrogen bonding between DOM and BPA would be preferred over aromatic interactions. A pseudo-equilibrium molecular coordination model for the complexation between a BPA molecule and a hydroxyl group of the DOM was developed, which enabled estimation of the maximum sorption site and complex formation constant as well as prediction of organic complexes at various DOM levels. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of DNA Aptamers and Quantum Dots to Lateral Flow Test Strips for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens with Improved Sensitivity versus Colloidal Gold

PubMed Central

Bruno, John G.

2014-01-01

Preliminary studies aimed at improving the sensitivity of foodborne pathogen detection via lateral flow (LF) test strips by use of high affinity DNA aptamers for capture and reporter functions when coupled to red-emitting quantum dots (Qdot 655) are reported. A variety of DNA aptamers developed against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica were paired in capture and reporter combinations to determine which yielded the strongest detection of their cognate bacteria using a colloidal gold screening system. Several promising sandwich combinations were identified for each of the three bacterial LF strip systems. The best E. coli aptamer-LF system was further studied and yielded a visible limit of detection (LOD) of ~3,000 E. coli 8739 and ~6,000 E. coli O157:H7 in buffer. These LODs were reduced to ~300–600 bacterial cells per test respectively by switching to a Qdot 655 aptamer-LF system. Novel aspects of these assays such as the use of high levels of detergents to avoid quantum dot agglutination and enhance migration in analytical membranes, identification of optimal analytical membrane types, UV-immobilization of capture aptamers, and novel dual biotin/digoxigenin-end labeled aptamer streptavidin-colloidal gold or -Qdot 655 conjugates plus anti-digoxigenin antibody control lines are also discussed. In general, this work provides proof-of-principle for highly sensitive aptamer-Qdot LF strip assays for rapid foodborne pathogen detection. PMID:25437803

Multitracing Experiment With Solved and Particulate Tracers In An Unsaturated Field Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkhardt, M.; Kasteel, R.; Vereecken, H.

Solute movement and colloid migration follow preferential flow paths in structured soils at the field scale. The use of microsphreres is a possible option to mimic colloid transport through the vadose zone into the groundwater. We present results of multi- tracing experiments conducted in an Orthic Luvisol using bromide (Br-), the reactive dye tracer Brilliant Blue (BB) and microspheres. The fluorescent microspheres (1 and 10 µm in diameter) were functionalized with a negative surface charge. Eight field plots (about 2 m2) were irrigated with 10 mm and 40 mm during 6 h. Four field plots were sampled directly after the irrgation, the others were exposed for 90 days to natural wheather conditions. Photographs of horizontal cross-sections and disturbed soil sam- ples were taken every 5 to 10 cm down to a depth of 160 cm. Image analysis was used to derive concentration distributions of BB using a calibration relationship between concentration and color spectra. The microspheres were quantified after desorption of the soil samples by fluorescent microscopy and image analysis. We used moment analysis to characterize transport phenomena. We found that transport through the soil matrix was affected by sorption, but all of the applied compounds were transported through preferential flow paths (earthworm burrows) down to a depth of 160 cm irre- spective of their chemical properties. Furthermore, this study shows that microspheres can be used to mimic colloid facilitated transport under unsaturated conditions in a field soil.

Laboratory and field studies related to radionuclide migration at the Nevada Test Site October 1, 1998-September 30, 1999

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D. L. Finnegan; K. S. Kung; B. A. Martinez

In this report the author describes his research in FY 1999 at the Nevada Test Site regarding the movement of radionuclides in groundwater. This work is funded by the US Department of Energy/Nevada Operations Office through their Defense Programs and Environmental Restorations divisions. Significant accomplishments include upgrading a spectrometer used to characterize groundwater colloids, acquisition of a probe to allow in situ measurement of groundwater parameters, and purchase of pumps for use in small-diameter access tubing. He collected water samples from a number of nuclear test sites during the past year. Samples from the chimney horizon at the Camembert sitemore » show that only volatile radionuclides are present there, as expected. Groundwater from the cavity region at the Cheshire site shows evidence of fission product leaching or desorption from melt glass or rock surfaces. Colloids present in this water were found to be remarkably stable during storage for many years. The colloid content of groundwater at the Cambric site and at UE-5n was found to be low relative to that in groundwater on Pahute Mesa. This, coupled with the apparent lack of groundwater flow in the alluvial rock at the Cambric site, suggests that radionuclide movement underground in this area is relatively minimal. He continued the yearly monitoring of the thermally hot cavity fluids at the Almendro site. He concludes this report by listing documents reviewed and presentations and publications generated by the program.« less

Multiconfiguration Self-Consistent Field Study on Formonitrile Imine and N-Substituted Nitrile Imines HCN2-R: Energy Component Analysis of the Pseudo-Jahn-Teller Effect.

PubMed

Toyota, Azumao; Muramatsu, Takashi; Koseki, Shiro

2017-03-23

Stable geometrical structures for formonitrile imine (1) and N-substituted nitrile imines HCN 2 -R (R = Li, BeH, BH 2 , CH 3 , CN, CCH, C 6 H 5 , NH 2 , OH, and F) (2-11) were examined by using the multiconfiguration self-consistent-field (MCSCF) method followed by second-order configuration interaction (SOCI) calculations and second-order multiconfiguration quasi-degenerate perturbation theory (MCQDPT2) calculations, together with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. The results show that 1 suffers a pseudo-Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion from a linear C ∞v structure to a C 1 structure via a planar bent C s structure. Each of the others is found to undergo pseudo-JT distortion from a symmetrical structure to a planar bent C s structure for 2, 3, and 7 and to a C 1 structure for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. At the stationary structures of 1-11, the structural characteristics were briefly discussed in terms of allenic and propargylic. To elucidate the nature of pseudo-JT distortions, energy component analyses were carried out at the MCSCF+SOCI level of theory at all of the stationary structures for the relevant molecules. In most of the molecules examined, pseudo-JT stabilizations were classified into two groups, one in which the stability arises from a lowering of the energy of the attractive term V en and the other in which the stability results from a lowering of the energy of the repulsive terms V nn and V ee . In addition to the above two groups, it was also found that the following three groups are responsible for the pseudo-JT stabilizations in a certain stage of the structural changes. Namely, one is a lowering of the energy of the term V ee observed in 6, another is a lowering of the energy of the terms V ee and V en observed in 9-11, and the other is a lowering of the energy of the terms V en and V nn observed in 10. These energetic behaviors were accounted in terms of an elongation or a contraction of the molecular skeleton, a migration of electrons from one part of the molecule to other parts, and the combined effects arising from these two factors.

Quantitative analysis of transverse bacterial migration induced by chemotaxis in a packed column with structured physical heterogeneity.

PubMed

Wang, Meng; Ford, Roseanne M

2010-01-15

A two-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate transport phenomena of chemotactic bacteria in a sand-packed column designed with structured physical heterogeneity in the presence of a localized chemical source. In contrast to mathematical models in previous research work, in which bacteria were typically treated as immobile colloids, this model incorporated a convective-like chemotaxis term to represent chemotactic migration. Consistency between experimental observation and model prediction supported the assertions that (1) dispersion-induced microbial transfer between adjacent conductive zones occurred at the interface and had little influence on bacterial transport in the bulk flow of the permeable layers and (2) the enhanced transverse bacterial migration in chemotactic experiments relative to nonchemotactic controls was mainly due to directed migration toward the chemical source zone. On the basis of parameter sensitivity analysis, chemotactic parameters determined in bulk aqueous fluid were adequate to predict the microbial transport in our intermediate-scale porous media system. Additionally, the analysis of adsorption coefficient values supported the observation of a previous study that microbial deposition to the surface of porous media might be decreased under the effect of chemoattractant gradients. By quantitatively describing bacterial transport and distribution in a heterogeneous system, this mathematical model serves to advance our understanding of chemotaxis and motility effects in granular media systems and provides insights for modeling microbial transport in in situ microbial processes.

Impact of jamming on collective cell migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nnetu, Kenechukwu David; Knorr, Melanie; Pawlizak, Steve; Fuhs, Thomas; Zink, Mareike; KäS, Josef A.

2012-02-01

Multi-cellular migration plays an important role in physiological processes such as embryogenesis, cancer metastasis and tissue repair. During migration, single cells undergo cycles of extension, adhesion and retraction resulting in morphological changes. In a confluent monolayer, there are inter-cellular interactions and crowding, however, the impact of these interactions on the dynamics and elasticity of the monolayer at the multi-cellular and single cell level is not well understood. Here we study the dynamics of a confluent epithelial monolayer by simultaneously measuring cell motion at the multi-cellular and single cell level for various cell densities and tensile elasticity. At the multi-cellular level, the system exhibited spatial kinetic transitions from isotropic to anisotropic migration on long times and the velocity of the monolayer decreased with increasing cell density. Moreover, the dynamics was spatially and temporally heterogeneous. Interestingly, the dynamics was also heterogeneous in wound-healing assays and the correlation length was fitted by compressed exponential. On the single cell scale, we observed transient caging effects with increasing cage rearrangement times as the system age due to an increase in density. Also, the density dependent elastic modulus of the monolayer scaled as a weak power law. Together, these findings suggest that caging effects at the single cell level initiates a slow and heterogeneous dynamics at the multi-cellular level which is similar to the glassy dynamics of deformable colloidal systems.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Begg, James D.; Zavarin, Mavrik; Kersting, Annie B.

Desorption of plutonium (Pu) will likely control the extent to which it is transported by mineral colloids. In this article, we evaluated the adsorption/desorption behavior of Pu on SWy-1 montmorillonite colloids at pH 4, pH 6, and pH 8 using batch adsorption and flow cell desorption experiments. After 21 days adsorption, Pu(IV) affinity for montmorillonite displayed a pH dependency, with K d values highest at pH 4 and lowest at pH 8. The pH 8 experiment was further allowed to equilibrate for 6 months and showed an increase in K d, indicating that true sorption equilibrium was not achieved withinmore » the first 21 days. For the desorption experiments, aliquots of the sorption suspensions were placed in a flow cell, and Pu-free solutions were then pumped through the cell for a period of 12 days. Changes in influent solution flow rate were used to investigate the kinetics of Pu desorption and demonstrated that it was rate-limited over the experimental timescales. At the end of the 12-day flow cell experiments, the extent of desorption was again pH dependent, with pH 8 > pH 6 > pH 4. Further, at pH 8, less Pu was desorbed after an adsorption contact time of 6 months than after a contact time of 21 days, consistent with an aging of Pu on the clay surface. In addition, a conceptual model for Pu adsorption/desorption that incorporated known surface-mediated Pu redox reactions was used to fit the experimental data. The resulting rate constants indicated processes occurring on timescales of months and even years which may, in part, explain observations of clay colloid-facilitated Pu transport on decadal timescales. Importantly, however, our results also imply that migration of Pu adsorbed to montmorillonite colloids at long (50–100 year) timescales under oxic conditions may not be possible without considering additional phenomena, such as co-precipitation.« less

Desorption of plutonium from montmorillonite: An experimental and modeling study

DOE PAGES

Begg, James D.; Zavarin, Mavrik; Kersting, Annie B.

2017-01-15

Desorption of plutonium (Pu) will likely control the extent to which it is transported by mineral colloids. In this article, we evaluated the adsorption/desorption behavior of Pu on SWy-1 montmorillonite colloids at pH 4, pH 6, and pH 8 using batch adsorption and flow cell desorption experiments. After 21 days adsorption, Pu(IV) affinity for montmorillonite displayed a pH dependency, with K d values highest at pH 4 and lowest at pH 8. The pH 8 experiment was further allowed to equilibrate for 6 months and showed an increase in K d, indicating that true sorption equilibrium was not achieved withinmore » the first 21 days. For the desorption experiments, aliquots of the sorption suspensions were placed in a flow cell, and Pu-free solutions were then pumped through the cell for a period of 12 days. Changes in influent solution flow rate were used to investigate the kinetics of Pu desorption and demonstrated that it was rate-limited over the experimental timescales. At the end of the 12-day flow cell experiments, the extent of desorption was again pH dependent, with pH 8 > pH 6 > pH 4. Further, at pH 8, less Pu was desorbed after an adsorption contact time of 6 months than after a contact time of 21 days, consistent with an aging of Pu on the clay surface. In addition, a conceptual model for Pu adsorption/desorption that incorporated known surface-mediated Pu redox reactions was used to fit the experimental data. The resulting rate constants indicated processes occurring on timescales of months and even years which may, in part, explain observations of clay colloid-facilitated Pu transport on decadal timescales. Importantly, however, our results also imply that migration of Pu adsorbed to montmorillonite colloids at long (50–100 year) timescales under oxic conditions may not be possible without considering additional phenomena, such as co-precipitation.« less

Desorption of plutonium from montmorillonite: An experimental and modeling study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begg, James D.; Zavarin, Mavrik; Kersting, Annie B.

2017-01-01

Desorption of plutonium (Pu) will likely control the extent to which it is transported by mineral colloids. We evaluated the adsorption/desorption behavior of Pu on SWy-1 montmorillonite colloids at pH 4, pH 6, and pH 8 using batch adsorption and flow cell desorption experiments. After 21 days adsorption, Pu(IV) affinity for montmorillonite displayed a pH dependency, with Kd values highest at pH 4 and lowest at pH 8. The pH 8 experiment was further allowed to equilibrate for 6 months and showed an increase in Kd, indicating that true sorption equilibrium was not achieved within the first 21 days. For the desorption experiments, aliquots of the sorption suspensions were placed in a flow cell, and Pu-free solutions were then pumped through the cell for a period of 12 days. Changes in influent solution flow rate were used to investigate the kinetics of Pu desorption and demonstrated that it was rate-limited over the experimental timescales. At the end of the 12-day flow cell experiments, the extent of desorption was again pH dependent, with pH 8 > pH 6 > pH 4. Further, at pH 8, less Pu was desorbed after an adsorption contact time of 6 months than after a contact time of 21 days, consistent with an aging of Pu on the clay surface. A conceptual model for Pu adsorption/desorption that incorporated known surface-mediated Pu redox reactions was used to fit the experimental data. The resulting rate constants indicated processes occurring on timescales of months and even years which may, in part, explain observations of clay colloid-facilitated Pu transport on decadal timescales. Importantly, however, our results also imply that migration of Pu adsorbed to montmorillonite colloids at long (50-100 year) timescales under oxic conditions may not be possible without considering additional phenomena, such as co-precipitation.

Investigating the Potential Barrier Function of Nanostructured Materials Formed in Engineered Barrier Systems (EBS) Designed for Nuclear Waste Isolation.

PubMed

Cuevas, Jaime; Ruiz, Ana Isabel; Fernández, Raúl

2018-02-21

Clay and cement are known nano-colloids originating from natural processes or traditional materials technology. Currently, they are used together as part of the engineered barrier system (EBS) to isolate high-level nuclear waste (HLW) metallic containers in deep geological repositories (DGR). The EBS should prevent radionuclide (RN) migration into the biosphere until the canisters fail, which is not expected for approximately 10 3  years. The interactions of cementitious materials with bentonite swelling clay have been the scope of our research team at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) with participation in several European Union (EU) projects from 1998 up to now. Here, we describe the mineral and chemical nature and microstructure of the alteration rim generated by the contact between concrete and bentonite. Its ability to buffer the surrounding chemical environment may have potential for further protection against RN migration. © 2018 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

STUDIES ON ENDOTHELIAL REACTIONS

PubMed Central

Foot, Nathan Chandler

1920-01-01

1. The epithelioid cell is of definitely endothelial origin. 2. The only reliable means of identifying and tracing this cell is, at the present time, a colloidal suspension of carbon, injected intravenously. Benzidine dyes will not accomplish this if used alone. 3. There is little evidence that the local tissue elements take an active part in the process of tubercle formation, until after the lesion is formed; the reaction is, in a sense, exudative, since the lesion is produced from cells which migrate to the site of inflammation. 4. The lymphocyte appears late and is not to be considered as a potential epithelioid cell; its presence in the tubercles is as yet unexplained. PMID:19868458

Erosion-corrosion entrainment of iron-containing compounds as a source of deposits in steam generators used at nuclear power plants equipped with VVER reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomarov, G. V.; Shipkov, A. A.

2011-03-01

The main stages and processes through which deposits are generated, migrate, and precipitate in the metal-secondary coolant system of power units at nuclear power plants are analyzed and determined. It is shown that substances produced by the mechanism of general erosion-corrosion are the main source of the ionic-colloid form of iron, which is the main component of deposits in a steam generator. Ways for controlling the formation of deposits in a nuclear power plant's steam generator are proposed together with methods for estimating their efficiency.

Impact of branching on the elasticity of actin networks

PubMed Central

Pujol, Thomas; du Roure, Olivia; Fermigier, Marc; Heuvingh, Julien

2012-01-01

Actin filaments play a fundamental role in cell mechanics: assembled into networks by a large number of partners, they ensure cell integrity, deformability, and migration. Here we focus on the mechanics of the dense branched network found at the leading edge of a crawling cell. We develop a new technique based on the dipolar attraction between magnetic colloids to measure mechanical properties of branched actin gels assembled around the colloids. This technique allows us to probe a large number of gels and, through the study of different networks, to access fundamental relationships between their microscopic structure and their mechanical properties. We show that the architecture does regulate the elasticity of the network: increasing both capping and branching concentrations strongly stiffens the networks. These effects occur at protein concentrations that can be regulated by the cell. In addition, the dependence of the elastic modulus on the filaments’ flexibility and on increasing internal stress has been studied. Our overall results point toward an elastic regime dominated by enthalpic rather than entropic deformations. This result strongly differs from the elasticity of diluted cross-linked actin networks and can be explained by the dense dendritic structure of lamellipodium-like networks. PMID:22689953

Effects of the natural colloidal particles from one freshwater lake on the photochemistry reaction kinetics of ofloxacin and enrofloxacin.

PubMed

Cheng, Dengmiao; Liu, Xinhui; Li, Jinpeng; Feng, Yao; Wang, Juan; Li, Zhaojun

2018-06-11

Understanding the effect of natural colloidal particles (NCPs) on the photochemistry of organic pollutants is crucial to predict the environmental persistence and fate of them in surface waters, and it is, yet, scarcely elucidated. In this study, the pre-filtered surface water (through a 1 μm capsule filter) from Baiyangdian Lake was further separated into four different size NCPs: F1 (0.65-1.0 μm), F2 (100 kD-0.65 μm), F3 (10-100 kD) and F4 (1-10 kD) by cross-flow ultrafiltration (CFUF), and the photochemical kinetics and mechanisms of ofloxacin (OFL) and enrofloxacin (ENR) were investigated in the presence of those particles under simulated sunlight. Results showed that OFL and ENR underwent both direct and indirect photolysis in F1-F4 solutions, and the observed pseudo first-order rate constants (k obs ) for target compounds differed depending on the size of NCPs. Direct photolysis accounted for >50% of the degradation in all cases and was the dominant degradation pathway for the two target antibiotics with the exception of OFL in F1 solution. Except for ENR in both F3 and F4 solutions, nearly all NCPs enhanced the degradation of both target compounds by indirect photolytic pathways, especially in F1 solution that showed the largest reactivity for OFL and ENR, promoting the reactions by 63% and 41%, respectively. The excited state colloidal organic matter ( 3 COM ∗ ) plays a significant role in the indirect photolysis, and the adsorptions of OFL and ENR to NCPs were likely to have a pronounced effect in the photochemistry process. Pearson's correlations analysis showed that the k obs(OFL) was significant positive correlated with binding of Fe (r = 0.963, P < 0.05), and the k obs(ENR) was significant positive correlated with the adsorption percentage of OFL (r = 0.999, P < 0.01). This paper has demonstrated that different size NCPs showed the different photochemical contribution to the reaction rate for OFL and ENR. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Efficient anisotropic quasi-P wavefield extrapolation using an isotropic low-rank approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhen-dong; Liu, Yike; Alkhalifah, Tariq; Wu, Zedong

2018-04-01

The computational cost of quasi-P wave extrapolation depends on the complexity of the medium, and specifically the anisotropy. Our effective-model method splits the anisotropic dispersion relation into an isotropic background and a correction factor to handle this dependency. The correction term depends on the slope (measured using the gradient) of current wavefields and the anisotropy. As a result, the computational cost is independent of the nature of anisotropy, which makes the extrapolation efficient. A dynamic implementation of this approach decomposes the original pseudo-differential operator into a Laplacian, handled using the low-rank approximation of the spectral operator, plus an angular dependent correction factor applied in the space domain to correct for anisotropy. We analyse the role played by the correction factor and propose a new spherical decomposition of the dispersion relation. The proposed method provides accurate wavefields in phase and more balanced amplitudes than a previous spherical decomposition. Also, it is free of SV-wave artefacts. Applications to a simple homogeneous transverse isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) and a modified Hess VTI model demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. The Reverse Time Migration applied to a modified BP VTI model reveals that the anisotropic migration using the proposed modelling engine performs better than an isotropic migration.

Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction: Clinical and Manometric Characteristics in the Chilean Population

PubMed Central

de Arce, Edith Pérez; Landskron, Glauben; Hirsch, Sandra; Defilippi, Carlos; Madrid, Ana María

2017-01-01

Background/Aims Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare syndrome characterized by a failure of the propulsion of intraluminal contents and recurrent symptoms of partial bowel obstruction in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Regional variations of the intestinal compromise have been described. Intestinal manometry can indicate the pathophysiology and prognosis. Our objective is to establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of group Chilean patients and analyze the motility of the small intestine and its prognostic value. Methods Patients with symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction with dilated bowel loops were included, in all of whom a manometry of the small intestine was performed using perfused catheters. Results Of the 64 patients included, 51 women (average age 41.5 ± 17.6 years), 54 primary and 10 secondary CIPO were included. Dilatation of the small intestine was the only finding in 38 patients; in the remaining, the compromise was associated with other segments, primarily the colon. Forty-nine patients underwent 65 surgeries, mainly exploratory laparotomies and colectomies. Intestinal manometry was performed on all patients; 4 “patterns” were observed: neuropathic (n = 26), myopathic (n = 3), mixed (n = 24), and a group without motor activity (n = 11). The most relevant findings were the complex migrating motor disorders and decreased frequency and propagation of contractions. The 9 patients who died had a severe myopathic compromise. Conclusions In our series, isolated small bowel compromise was the most common disorder. Neuropathic motor compromise was observed in most of the patients. Mortality was associated with severe myopathic compromise. PMID:27669829

Hydrothermal Alteration of Glass from Underground Nuclear Tests: Formation and Transport of Pu-clay Colloids at the Nevada National Security Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zavarin, M.; Zhao, P.; Joseph, C.

2015-05-27

The testing of nuclear weapons at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), formerly the Nevada Test Site (NTS), has led to the deposition of substantial quantities of plutonium into the environment. Approximately 2.8 metric tons (3.1×10 4 TBq) of Pu were deposited in the NNSS subsurface as a result of underground nuclear testing. While 3H is the most abundant anthropogenic radionuclide deposited in the NNSS subsurface (4.7×10 6 TBq), plutonium is the most abundant from a molar standpoint. The only radioactive elements in greater molar abundance are the naturally occurring K, Th, and U isotopes. 239Pu and 240Pu represent themore » majority of alpha-emitting Pu isotopes. The extreme temperatures associated with underground nuclear tests and the refractory nature of Pu results in most of the Pu (98%) being sequestered in melted rock, referred to as nuclear melt glass (Iaea, 1998). As a result, Pu release to groundwater is controlled, in large part, by the leaching (or dissolution) of nuclear melt glass over time. The factors affecting glass dissolution rates have been studied extensively. The dissolution of Pu-containing borosilicate nuclear waste glasses at 90ºC has been shown to lead to the formation of dioctahedral smectite colloids. Colloid-facilitated transport of Pu at the NNSS has been observed. Recent groundwater samples collected from a number of contaminated wells have yielded a wide range of Pu concentrations from 0.00022 to 2.0 Bq/L. While Pu concentrations tend to fall below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for drinking water (0.56 Bq/L), we do not yet understand what factors limit the Pu concentration or its transport behavior. To quantify the upper limit of Pu concentrations produced as a result of melt glass dissolution and determine the nature of colloids and Pu associations, we performed a 3 year nuclear melt glass dissolution experiment across a range of temperatures (25-200 °C) that represent hydrothermal conditions representative of the underground nuclear test cavities (when groundwater has re-saturated the nuclear melt glass and glass dissolution occurs). Colloid loads and Pu concentrations were monitored along with the mineralogy of both the colloids and the secondary mineral phases. The intent was to establish an upper limit for Pu concentrations at the NNSS, provide context regarding the Pu concentrations observed at the NNSS to date and the Pu concentrations that may be observed in the future. The results provide a conceptual model for the risks posed by Pu migration at the NNSS.« less

Electrophoretic interactions and aggregation of colloidal biological particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Robert H.; Nichols, Scott C.; Loewenberg, Michael; Todd, Paul

1994-01-01

The separation of cells or particles from solution has traditionally been accomplished with centrifuges or by sedimentation; however, many particles have specific densities close to unity, making buoyancy-driven motion slow or negligible, but most cells and particles carry surface charges, making them ideal for electrophoretic separation. Both buoyancy-driven and electrophoretic separation may be influenced by hydrodynamic interactions and aggregation of neighboring particles. Aggregation by electrophoresis was analyzed for two non-Brownian particles with different zeta potentials and thin double layers migrating through a viscous fluid. The results indicate that the initial rate of electrophoretically-driven aggregation may exceed that of buoyancy-driven aggregation, even under conditions in which buoyancy-driven relative motion of noninteracting particles is dominant.

Assessment of trace heavy metals dynamics during the interaction of aqueous solutions with the artificial OECD soil: Evaluation of the effect of soil organic matter content and colloidal mobilization.

PubMed

Pontoni, Ludovico; van Hullebusch, Eric D; Fabbricino, Massimiliano; Esposito, Giovanni; Pirozzi, Francesco

2016-11-01

A micro-contamination phenomenon was reproduced and studied at lab-scale, mimicking the irrigation of a standard artificial soil with a water solution containing three Heavy Metals (HMs) at trace concentration level. To assess the dynamics of micro-pollutants accumulation and migration trough the soil, the organic matter in the soil was varied, together with sodicity of the irrigation water. Accumulation of the investigated contaminants was observed mainly in the top layer (≤1 cm) of the irrigated soil. This was attributed to the high interaction capacity of the soil compared to the low HM concentrations in the water phase. HMs transport pattern was described assuming a multi-component mechanism including: i) the interaction of HMs with the colloidal phase of the soil; ii) the slow and constant release of small molecular weight ligands detaching from the soil immobile matrix; iii) the transportation of HMs through the soil by these low molecular weight chaperon molecules. The mobility was directly related to the soil organic matter (SOM), since higher amount of SOM correspond to a higher number of chaperon molecules. In the first centimetre of the soil the metals were mostly bound to the acid labile fraction. Very low mobilization was observed with increasing sodicity in the leaching water, since such conditions were unfavourable to the colloidal mobilization of SOM. This indicated that water/soil transfer of pollutant is not only related to the contaminant concentration in the irrigation water but also to the characteristics of the aqueous solution and to the physical-chemical properties of the soil. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mobilization of microspheres from a fractured soil during intermittent infiltration events

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mohanty, Sanjay; Bulicek, Mark; Metge, David W.; Harvey, Ronald W.; Ryan, Joseph N.; Boehm, Alexandria B.

2015-01-01

Pathogens or biocolloids mobilized in the vadose zone may consequently contaminate groundwater. We found that microspheres were mobilized from a fractured soil during intermittent rainfall and the mobilization was greater when the microsphere size was larger and when the soil had greater water permeability.The vadose zone filters pathogenic microbes from infiltrating water and consequently protects the groundwater from possible contamination. In some cases, however, the deposited microbes may be mobilized during rainfall and migrate into the groundwater. We examined the mobilization of microspheres, surrogates for microbes, in an intact core of a fractured soil by intermittent simulated rainfall. Fluorescent polystyrene microspheres of two sizes (0.5 and 1.8 mm) and Br− were first applied to the core to deposit the microspheres, and then the core was subjected to three intermittent infiltration events to mobilize the deposited microspheres. Collecting effluent samples through a 19-port sampler at the base of the core, we found that water flowed through only five ports, and the flow rates varied among the ports by a factor of 12. These results suggest that flow paths leading to the ports had different permeabilities, partly due to macropores. Although 40 to 69% of injected microspheres were retained in the core during their application, 12 to 30% of the retained microspheres were mobilized during three intermittent infiltration events. The extent of microsphere mobilization was greater in flow paths with greater permeability, which indicates that macropores could enhance colloid mobilization during intermittent infiltration events. In all ports, the 1.8-mm microspheres were mobilized to a greater extent than the 0.5-mm microspheres, suggesting that larger colloids are more likely to mobilize. These results are useful in assessing the potential of pathogen mobilization and colloid-facilitated transport of contaminants in the subsurface under natural infiltration events.

Curvature-driven capillary migration and assembly of rod-like particles

PubMed Central

Cavallaro, Marcello; Botto, Lorenzo; Lewandowski, Eric P.; Wang, Marisa; Stebe, Kathleen J.

2011-01-01

Capillarity can be used to direct anisotropic colloidal particles to precise locations and to orient them by using interface curvature as an applied field. We show this in experiments in which the shape of the interface is molded by pinning to vertical pillars of different cross-sections. These interfaces present well-defined curvature fields that orient and steer particles along complex trajectories. Trajectories and orientations are predicted by a theoretical model in which capillary forces and torques are related to Gaussian curvature gradients and angular deviations from principal directions of curvature. Interface curvature diverges near sharp boundaries, similar to an electric field near a pointed conductor. We exploit this feature to induce migration and assembly at preferred locations, and to create complex structures. We also report a repulsive interaction, in which microparticles move away from planar bounding walls along curvature gradient contours. These phenomena should be widely useful in the directed assembly of micro- and nanoparticles with potential application in the fabrication of materials with tunable mechanical or electronic properties, in emulsion production, and in encapsulation. PMID:22184218

A model for the kinetics of homotypic cellular aggregation under static conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neelamegham, S.; Munn, L. L.; Zygourakis, K.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

We present the formulation and testing of a mathematical model for the kinetics of homotypic cellular aggregation. The model considers cellular aggregation under no-flow conditions as a two-step process. Individual cells and cell aggregates 1) move on the tissue culture surface and 2) collide with other cells (or aggregates). These collisions lead to the formation of intercellular bonds. The aggregation kinetics are described by a system of coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and the collision frequency kernel is derived by extending Smoluchowski's colloidal flocculation theory to cell migration and aggregation on a two-dimensional surface. Our results indicate that aggregation rates strongly depend upon the motility of cells and cell aggregates, the frequency of cell-cell collisions, and the strength of intercellular bonds. Model predictions agree well with data from homotypic lymphocyte aggregation experiments using Jurkat cells activated by 33B6, an antibody to the beta 1 integrin. Since cell migration speeds and all the other model parameters can be independently measured, the aggregation model provides a quantitative methodology by which we can accurately evaluate the adhesivity and aggregation behavior of cells.

Inhibition of Clostridium difficile toxin A and B by 1,2-cyclohexanedione modification of an arginine residue.

PubMed

Balfanz, J; Rautenberg, P

1989-12-29

Toxin A (enterotoxin) and toxin B (cytotoxin) of Clostridium difficile were both inactivated by the arginine specific reagent 1,2-cyclohexanedione. Molecular stability during the inactivation process was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE analysis showing the same migration rates for modified and unmodified forms of the 230 kDa toxin A and of the 250 kDa toxin B. Cytotoxicity of both toxins as well as mouse lethality of the enterotoxin were drastically decreased as a result of the arginine modification. The reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Analysis of the data suggested that modification of a single arginine residue was sufficient to abolish the activity of both toxins.

Role of air-water interfaces in colloid transport in porous media: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flury, Markus; Aramrak, Surachet

2017-07-01

Air-water interfaces play an important role in unsaturated porous media, giving rise to phenomena like capillarity. Less recognized and understood are interactions of colloids with the air-water interface in porous media and the implications of these interactions for fate and transport of colloids. In this review, we discuss how colloids, both suspended in the aqueous phase and attached at pore walls, interact with air-water interfaces in porous media. We discuss the theory of colloid/air-water interface interactions, based on the different forces acting between colloids and the air-water interface (DLVO, hydrophobic, capillary forces) and based on thermodynamic considerations (Gibbs free energy). Subsurface colloids are usually electrostatically repelled from the air-water interface because most subsurface colloids and the air-water are negatively charged. However, hydrophobic interactions can lead to attraction to the air-water interface. When colloids are at the air-water interface, capillary forces are usually dominant over other forces. Moving air-water interfaces are effective in mobilizing and transporting colloids from surfaces. Thermodynamic considerations show that, for a colloid, the air-water interface is the favored state as compared with the suspension phase, except for hydrophilic colloids in the nanometer size range. Experimental evidence indicates that colloid mobilization in soils often occurs through macropores, although matrix transport is also prevalent in absence of macropores. Moving air-water interfaces, e.g., occurring during infiltration, imbibition, or drainage, have been shown to scour colloids from surfaces and translocate colloids. Colloids can also be pinned to surfaces by thin water films and capillary menisci at the air-water-solid interface line, causing colloid retention and immobilization. Air-water interfaces thus can both mobilize or immobilize colloids in porous media, depending on hydrodynamics and colloid and surface chemistry.

A New Finite Difference Q-compensated RTM Algorithm in Tilted Transverse Isotropic (TTI) Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, T.; Hu, W.; Ning, J.

2017-12-01

Attenuating anisotropic geological body is difficult to image with conventional migration methods. In such kind of scenarios, recorded seismic data suffer greatly from both amplitude decay and phase distortion, resulting in degraded resolution, poor illumination and incorrect migration depth in imaging results. To efficiently obtain high quality images, we propose a novel TTI QRTM algorithm based on Generalized Standard Linear Solid model combined with a unique multi-stage optimization technique to simultaneously correct the decayed amplitude and the distorted phase velocity. Numerical tests (shown in the figure) demonstrate that our TTI QRTM algorithm effectively corrects migration depth, significantly improves illumination, and enhances resolution within and below the low Q regions. The result of our new method is very close to the reference RTM image, while QRTM without TTI cannot get a correct image. Compared to the conventional QRTM method based on a pseudo-spectral operator for fractional Laplacian evaluation, our method is more computationally efficient for large scale applications and more suitable for GPU acceleration. With the current multi-stage dispersion optimization scheme, this TTI QRTM method best performs in the frequency range 10-70 Hz, and could be used in a wider frequency range. Furthermore, as this method can also handle frequency dependent Q, it has potential to be applied in imaging deep structures where low Q exists, such as subduction zones, volcanic zones or fault zones with passive source observations.

High-throughput microfluidic device for rare cell isolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Daniel; Leong, Serena; Lei, Andy; Sohn, Lydia L.

2015-06-01

Enumerating and analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTCs)—cells that have been shed from primary solid tumors—can potentially be used to determine patient prognosis and track the progression of disease. There is a great challenge to create an effective platform that can isolate these cells, as they are extremely rare: only 1-10 CTCs are present in a 7.5mL of a cancer patient's peripheral blood. We have developed a novel microfluidic system that can isolate CTC populations label free. Our system consists of a multistage separator that employs inertial migration to sort cells based on size. We demonstrate the feasibility of our device by sorting colloids that are comparable in size to red blood cells (RBCs) and CTCs.

High-Throughput Microfluidic Device for Rare Cell Isolation.

PubMed

Yang, Daniel; Leong, Serena; Lei, Andy; Sohn, Lydia L

2015-05-04

Enumerating and analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-cells that have been shed from primary solid tumors-can potentially be used to determine patient prognosis and track the progression of disease. There is a great challenge to create an effective platform that can isolate these cells, as they are extremely rare: only 1-10 CTCs are present in a 7.5mL of a cancer patient's peripheral blood. We have developed a novel microfluidic system that can isolate CTC populations label free. Our system consists of a multistage separator that employs inertial migration to sort cells based on size. We demonstrate the feasibility of our device by sorting colloids that are comparable in size to red blood cells (RBCs) and CTCs.

2D-DIGE in Proteomics.

PubMed

Pasquali, Matias; Serchi, Tommaso; Planchon, Sebastien; Renaut, Jenny

2017-01-01

The two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis method is a valuable approach for proteomics. The method, using cyanine fluorescent dyes, allows the co-migration of multiple protein samples in the same gel and their simultaneous detection, thus reducing experimental and analytical time. 2D-DIGE, compared to traditional post-staining 2D-PAGE protocols (e.g., colloidal Coomassie or silver nitrate), provides faster and more reliable gel matching, limiting the impact of gel to gel variation, and allows also a good dynamic range for quantitative comparisons. By the use of internal standards, it is possible to normalize for experimental variations in spot intensities and gel patterns. Here we describe the experimental steps we follow in our routine 2D-DIGE procedure that we then apply to multiple biological questions.

In-situ chemical barrier and method of making

DOEpatents

Cantrell, K.J.; Kaplan, D.I.

1999-01-12

A chemical barrier is formed by injecting a suspension of solid particles or colloids into the subsurface. First, a stable colloid suspension is made including a surfactant and a non-Newtonian fluid. This stable colloid suspension is characterized by colloid concentration, colloid size, colloid material, solution ionic strength, and chemical composition. A second step involves injecting the optimized stable colloid suspension at a sufficiently high flow rate to move the colloids through the subsurface sediment, but not at such a high rate so as to induce resuspending indigenous soil particles in the aquifer. While injecting the stable colloid suspension, a withdrawal well may be used to draw the injected colloids in a direction perpendicular to the flow path of a contaminant plume. The withdrawal well, may then be used as an injection well, and a third well, in line with the first two wells, may then be used as a withdrawal well, thereby increasing the length of the colloid barrier. This process would continue until emplacement of the colloid barrier is complete. 7 figs.

In-situ chemical barrier and method of making

DOEpatents

Cantrell, Kirk J.; Kaplan, Daniel I.

1999-01-01

A chemical barrier is formed by injecting a suspension of solid particles or colloids into the subsurface. First, a stable colloid suspension is made including a surfactant and a non-Newtonian fluid. This stable colloid suspension is characterized by colloid concentration, colloid size, colloid material, solution ionic strength, and chemical composition. A second step involves injecting the optimized stable colloid suspension at a sufficiently high flow rate to move the colloids through the subsurface sediment, but not at such a high rate so as to induce resuspending indigenous soil particles in the aquifer. While injecting the stable colloid suspension, a withdrawal well may be used to draw the injected colloids in a direction perpendicular to the flow path of a contaminant plume. The withdrawal well, may then be used as an injection well, and a third well, in line with the first two wells, may then be used as a withdrawal well, thereby increasing the length of the colloid barrier. This process would continue until emplacement of the colloid barrier is complete.

Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS): Microgravity Experiment Completed Operations on the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doherty, Michael P.; Sankaran, Subramanian

2003-01-01

Immediately after mixing, the two-phase-like colloid-polymer critical point sample begins to phase separate, or de-mix, into two phases-one that resembles a gas and one that resembles a liquid, except that the particles are colloids and not atoms. The colloid-poor black regions (colloidal gas) grow bigger, and the colloid-rich white regions (colloidal liquid) become whiter as the domains further coarsen. Finally, complete phase separation is achieved, that is, just one region of each colloid-rich (white) and colloid-poor (black) phase. This process was studied over four decades of length scale, from 1 micrometer to 1 centimeter.

Optimized microemulsions and solid microemulsion systems of simvastatin: characterization and in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Dixit, Rahul P; Nagarsenker, Mangal S

2010-12-01

The study describes development of solid microemulsions (SME) for improved delivery of simvastatin (SMV). Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed and MEs were optimized for oil and drug content. SMEs were prepared using colloidal silicon dioxide to adsorb the liquid ME. MEs were characterized for mean globule size in aqueous medium and the SMEs were evaluated for powder characteristics, mean globule size after dilution with water, dissolution profile and for in vivo efficacy in rats. X-ray diffraction studies indicated complete amorphization and/or solubilization of SMV in the SMEs. It was supported by scanning electronic microscopic studies, which did not show evidence of precipitation of the drug on the surface of the carrier. Dissolution studies revealed remarkable increase in dissolution of the drug as compared to plain drug. All the formulations provided significant reduction in the total cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic rats with reference to rats of control group (p < 0.05). The proposed SMEs have potential to deliver water insoluble drugs like SMV by oral route for better efficacy. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

Sorption and complexation of Eu(III) on alumina: effects of pH, ionic strength, humic acid and chelating resin on kinetic dissociation study.

PubMed

Wang, X; Xu, D; Chen, L; Tan, X; Zhou, X; Ren, A; Chen, Ch

2006-04-01

The effects of pH (pH=2-12), ionic strength (0.01-2 mol/l NaNO(3)) and humic acid on the sorption and complexation of Eu(III) on alumina were investigated by using batch techniques. The experiments were carried out at room temperature and under ambient conditions. The results indicate that the sorption of Eu(III) on alumina is strongly influenced by humic acid. The sorption of Eu(III) on alumina is significantly dependent on pH values and independent of ionic strength. The sorption of Eu(III) on alumina may be attributed to surface complexation. The species of Eu(III) on HA-alumina colloids is dominated by both HA and alumina, and the addition sequences of HA or Eu(III) to the ternary system do not influence the sorption of Eu(III) to HA-coated alumina. Kinetic dissociation of Eu(III) from bare and HA-coated alumina was also studied by using the chelating resin. The result was discussed by a pseudo-first-order kinetics model.

Colloid-facilitated metal transport in peat filters.

PubMed

Kalmykova, Yuliya; Rauch, Sebastien; Strömvall, Ann-Margret; Morrison, Greg; Stolpe, Björn; Hasselliöv, Martin

2010-06-01

The effect of colloids on metal retention in peat columns was studied, with the focus on colloids from two sources-organic matter leached from peat, and introduced organic and hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) colloids. A significant fraction of metals was found to be associated with peat-produced organic colloids; however the concentrations of organic colloids leached are low (trace concentrations) and temporal and have a limited effect on the efficiency of peat filters. In contrast, the presence of organic and HFO colloids in the input water causes a significant decrease in the performance of peat filters. Organic colloids were identified as the main vector of cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc, while lead is transported by both organic and HFO colloids. The colloidal distribution of metals obtained in this study has important implications for the mobility of trace metals in porous media. The occurrence of colloids in the input waters and their characteristics must be considered when designing water treatment facilities.

Impact of manure-related DOM on sulfonamide transport in arable soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Dan; Thiele-Bruhn, Sören; Arenz-Leufen, Martina Gesine; Jacques, Diederik; Lichtner, Peter; Engelhardt, Irina

2016-09-01

Field application of livestock manure introduces colloids and veterinary antibiotics, e.g. sulfonamides (SAs), into farmland. The presence of manure colloids may potentially intensify the SAs-pollution to soils and groundwater by colloid-facilitated transport. Transport of three SAs, sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMPD), and sulfamoxole (SMOX), was investigated in saturated soil columns with and without manure colloids from sows and farrows, weaners, and fattening pigs. Experimental results showed that colloid-facilitated transport of SMOX was significant in the presence of manure colloids from fattening pigs with low C/N ratio, high SUVA280 nm and protein C, while manure colloids from sows and farrows and weaners had little effect on SMOX transport. In contrast, only retardation was observed for SDZ and SMPD when manure colloids were present. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) of colloids and SAs were replicated well by a newly developed numerical model that considers colloid-filtration theory, competitive kinetic sorption, and co-transport processes. Model results demonstrate that mobile colloids act as carriers for SMOX, while immobile colloids block SMOX from sorbing onto the soil. The low affinity of SMOX to sorb on immobile colloids prevents aggregation and also promotes SMOX's colloid-facilitated transport. Conversely, the high affinity of SDZ and SMPD to sorb on all types of immobile colloids retarded their transport. Thus, manure properties play a fundamental role in increasing the leaching risk of hydrophobic sulfonamides.

Sampling colloids and colloid-associated contaminants in ground water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Backhus, Debera A.; Ryan, Joseph N.; Groher, Daniel M.; MacFarlane, John K.; Gschwend, Philip M.

1993-01-01

It has recently been recognized that mobile colloids may affect the transport of contaminants in ground water. To determine the significance of this process, knowledge of both the total mobile load (dissolved + colloid-associated) and the dissolved concentration of a ground-water contaminant must be obtained. Additional information regarding mobile colloid characteristics and concentrations are required to predict accurately the fate and effects of contaminants at sites where significant quantities of colloids are found. To obtain this information, a sampling scheme has been designed and refined to collect mobile colloids while avoiding the inclusion of normally immobile subsurface and well-derived solids. The effectiveness of this sampling protocol was evaluated at a number of contaminated and pristine sites.The sampling results indicated that slow, prolonged pumping of ground water is much more effective at obtaining ground-water samples that represent in situ colloid populations than bailing. Bailed samples from a coal tar-contaminated site contained 10–100 times greater colloid concentrations and up to 750 times greater polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations as were detected in slowly pumped samples. The sampling results also indicated that ground-water colloid concentrations should be monitored in the field to determine the adequacy of purging if colloid and colloid-associated contaminants are of interest. To avoid changes in the natural ground-water colloid population through precipitation or coagulation, in situ ground-water chemistry conditions must be preserved during sampling and storage. Samples collected for determination of the total mobile load of colloids and low-solubility contaminants must not be filtered because some mobile colloids are removed by this process. Finally, suggestions that mobile colloids are present in ground water at any particular site should be corroborated with auxiliary data, such as colloid levels in “background” wells, colloid-size distributions, ground-water geochemistry, and colloid surface characteristics.

Does water content or flow rate control colloid transport in unsaturated porous media?

PubMed

Knappenberger, Thorsten; Flury, Markus; Mattson, Earl D; Harsh, James B

2014-04-01

Mobile colloids can play an important role in contaminant transport in soils: many contaminants exist in colloidal form, and colloids can facilitate transport of otherwise immobile contaminants. In unsaturated soils, colloid transport is, among other factors, affected by water content and flow rate. Our objective was to determine whether water content or flow rate is more important for colloid transport. We passed negatively charged polystyrene colloids (220 nm diameter) through unsaturated sand-filled columns under steady-state flow at different water contents (effective water saturations Se ranging from 0.1 to 1.0, with Se = (θ - θr)/(θs - θr)) and flow rates (pore water velocities v of 5 and 10 cm/min). Water content was the dominant factor in our experiments. Colloid transport decreased with decreasing water content, and below a critical water content (Se < 0.1), colloid transport was inhibited, and colloids were strained in water films. Pendular ring and water film thickness calculations indicated that colloids can move only when pendular rings are interconnected. The flow rate affected retention of colloids in the secondary energy minimum, with less colloids being trapped when the flow rate increased. These results confirm the importance of both water content and flow rate for colloid transport in unsaturated porous media and highlight the dominant role of water content.

Effect of fluid-colloid interactions on the mobility of a thermophoretic microswimmer in non-ideal fluids.

PubMed

Fedosov, Dmitry A; Sengupta, Ankush; Gompper, Gerhard

2015-09-07

Janus colloids propelled by light, e.g., thermophoretic particles, offer promising prospects as artificial microswimmers. However, their swimming behavior and its dependence on fluid properties and fluid-colloid interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the behavior of a thermophoretic Janus colloid in its own temperature gradient using numerical simulations. The dissipative particle dynamics method with energy conservation is used to investigate the behavior in non-ideal and ideal-gas like fluids for different fluid-colloid interactions, boundary conditions, and temperature-controlling strategies. The fluid-colloid interactions appear to have a strong effect on the colloid behavior, since they directly affect heat exchange between the colloid surface and the fluid. The simulation results show that a reduction of the heat exchange at the fluid-colloid interface leads to an enhancement of colloid's thermophoretic mobility. The colloid behavior is found to be different in non-ideal and ideal fluids, suggesting that fluid compressibility plays a significant role. The flow field around the colloid surface is found to be dominated by a source-dipole, in agreement with the recent theoretical and simulation predictions. Finally, different temperature-control strategies do not appear to have a strong effect on the colloid's swimming velocity.

Colloid Transport in Saturated Porous Media: Elimination of Attachment Efficiency in a New Colloid Transport Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Landkamer, Lee L.; Harvey, Ronald W.; Scheibe, Timothy D.

A new colloid transport model is introduced that is conceptually simple but captures the essential features of complicated attachment and detachment behavior of colloids when conditions of secondary minimum attachment exist. This model eliminates the empirical concept of collision efficiency; the attachment rate is computed directly from colloid filtration theory. Also, a new paradigm for colloid detachment based on colloid population heterogeneity is introduced. Assuming the dispersion coefficient can be estimated from tracer behavior, this model has only two fitting parameters: (1) the fraction of colloids that attach irreversibly and (2) the rate at which reversibly attached colloids leave themore » surface. These two parameters were correlated to physical parameters that control colloid transport such as the depth of the secondary minimum and pore water velocity. Given this correlation, the model serves as a heuristic tool for exploring the influence of physical parameters such as surface potential and fluid velocity on colloid transport. This model can be extended to heterogeneous systems characterized by both primary and secondary minimum deposition by simply increasing the fraction of colloids that attach irreversibly.« less

Impact of manure-related DOM on sulfonamide transport in arable soils.

PubMed

Zhou, Dan; Thiele-Bruhn, Sören; Arenz-Leufen, Martina Gesine; Jacques, Diederik; Lichtner, Peter; Engelhardt, Irina

2016-09-01

Field application of livestock manure introduces colloids and veterinary antibiotics, e.g. sulfonamides (SAs), into farmland. The presence of manure colloids may potentially intensify the SAs-pollution to soils and groundwater by colloid-facilitated transport. Transport of three SAs, sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMPD), and sulfamoxole (SMOX), was investigated in saturated soil columns with and without manure colloids from sows and farrows, weaners, and fattening pigs. Experimental results showed that colloid-facilitated transport of SMOX was significant in the presence of manure colloids from fattening pigs with low C/N ratio, high SUVA280nm and protein C, while manure colloids from sows and farrows and weaners had little effect on SMOX transport. In contrast, only retardation was observed for SDZ and SMPD when manure colloids were present. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) of colloids and SAs were replicated well by a newly developed numerical model that considers colloid-filtration theory, competitive kinetic sorption, and co-transport processes. Model results demonstrate that mobile colloids act as carriers for SMOX, while immobile colloids block SMOX from sorbing onto the soil. The low affinity of SMOX to sorb on immobile colloids prevents aggregation and also promotes SMOX's colloid-facilitated transport. Conversely, the high affinity of SDZ and SMPD to sorb on all types of immobile colloids retarded their transport. Thus, manure properties play a fundamental role in increasing the leaching risk of hydrophobic sulfonamides. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Colloid transport in saturated porous media: Elimination of attachment efficiency in a new colloid transport model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Landkamer, Lee L.; Harvey, Ronald W.; Scheibe, Timothy D.; Ryan, Joseph N.

2013-01-01

A colloid transport model is introduced that is conceptually simple yet captures the essential features of colloid transport and retention in saturated porous media when colloid retention is dominated by the secondary minimum because an electrostatic barrier inhibits substantial deposition in the primary minimum. This model is based on conventional colloid filtration theory (CFT) but eliminates the empirical concept of attachment efficiency. The colloid deposition rate is computed directly from CFT by assuming all predicted interceptions of colloids by collectors result in at least temporary deposition in the secondary minimum. Also, a new paradigm for colloid re-entrainment based on colloid population heterogeneity is introduced. To accomplish this, the initial colloid population is divided into two fractions. One fraction, by virtue of physiochemical characteristics (e.g., size and charge), will always be re-entrained after capture in a secondary minimum. The remaining fraction of colloids, again as a result of physiochemical characteristics, will be retained “irreversibly” when captured by a secondary minimum. Assuming the dispersion coefficient can be estimated from tracer behavior, this model has only two fitting parameters: (1) the fraction of the initial colloid population that will be retained “irreversibly” upon interception by a secondary minimum, and (2) the rate at which reversibly retained colloids leave the secondary minimum. These two parameters were correlated to the depth of the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) secondary energy minimum and pore-water velocity, two physical forces that influence colloid transport. Given this correlation, the model serves as a heuristic tool for exploring the influence of physical parameters such as surface potential and fluid velocity on colloid transport.

MOBILIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COLLOIDS GENERATED FROM CEMENT LEACHATES MOVING THROUGH A SRS SANDY SEDIMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, D.; Roberts, K.; Kaplan, D.

Naturally occurring mobile colloids are ubiquitous and are involved in many important processes in the subsurface zone. For example, colloid generation and subsequent mobilization represent a possible mechanism for the transport of contaminants including radionuclides in the subsurface environments. For colloid-facilitated transport to be significant, three criteria must be met: (1) colloids must be generated; (2) contaminants must associate with the colloids preferentially to the immobile solid phase (aquifer); and (3) colloids must be transported through the groundwater or in subsurface environments - once these colloids start moving they become 'mobile colloids'. Although some experimental investigations of particle release inmore » natural porous media have been conducted, the detailed mechanisms of release and re-deposition of colloidal particles within natural porous media are poorly understood. Even though this vector of transport is known, the extent of its importance is not known yet. Colloid-facilitated transport of trace radionuclides has been observed in the field, thus demonstrating a possible radiological risk associated with the colloids. The objective of this study was to determine if cementitious leachate would promote the in situ mobilization of natural colloidal particles from a SRS sandy sediment. The intent was to determine whether cementitious surface or subsurface structure would create plumes that could produce conditions conducive to sediment dispersion and mobile colloid generation. Column studies were conducted and the cation chemistries of influents and effluents were analyzed by ICP-OES, while the mobilized colloids were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, PSD and Zeta potential. The mobilization mechanisms of colloids in a SRS sandy sediment by cement leachates were studied.« less

Polymer-Induced Depletion Interaction and Its Effect on Colloidal Sedimentation in Colloid-Polymer Mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tong, Penger

1996-01-01

In this paper we focus on the polymer-induced depletion attraction and its effect on colloidal sedimentation in colloid-polymer mixtures. We first report a small angle neutron scattering (SANS) study of the depletion effect in a mixture of hard-sphere-like colloid and non-adsorbing polymer. Then we present results of our recent sedimentation measurements in the same colloid-polymer mixture. A key parameter in controlling the sedimentation of heavy colloidal particles is the interparticle potential U(tau), which is the work required to bring two colloidal particles from infinity to a distance tau under a give solvent condition. This potential is known to affect the average settling velocity of the particles and experimentally one needs to have a way to continuously vary U(tau) in order to test the theory. The interaction potential U(tau) can be altered by adding polymer molecules into the colloidal suspension. In a mixture of colloid and non-adsorbing polymer, the potential U(tau) can develop an attractive well because of the depletion effect, in that the polymer chains are expelled from the region between two colloidal particles when their surface separation becomes smaller than the size of the polymer chains. The exclusion of polymer molecules from the space between the colloidal particles leads to an unbalanced osmotic pressure difference pushing the colloidal particles together, which results in an effective attraction between the two colloidal particles. The polymer-induced depletion attraction controls the phase stability of many colloid-polymer mixtures, which are directly of interest to industry.

Colloids from the aqueous corrosion of uranium nuclear fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminski, M. D.; Dimitrijevic, N. M.; Mertz, C. J.; Goldberg, M. M.

2005-12-01

Colloids may enhance the subsurface transport of radionuclides and potentially compromise the long-term safe operation of the proposed radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain. Little data is available on colloid formation for the many different waste forms expected to be buried in the repository. This work expands the sparse database on colloids formed during the corrosion of metallic uranium nuclear fuel. We characterized spherical UO 2 and nickel-rich montmorilonite smectite-clay colloids formed during the corrosion of uranium metal fuel under bathtub conditions at 90 °C. Iron and chromium oxides and calcium carbonate colloids were present but were a minor population. The estimated upper concentration of the UO 2 and clays was 4 × 10 11 and 7 × 10 11-3 × 10 12 particles/L, respectively. However, oxygen eventually oxidized the UO 2 colloids, forming long filaments of weeksite K 2(UO 2) 2Si 6O 15 · 4H 2O that settled from solution, reducing the UO 2 colloid population and leaving predominantly clay colloids. The smectite colloids were not affected by oxygen. Plutonium was not directly observed within the UO 2 colloids but partitioned completely to the colloid size fraction. The plutonium concentration in the colloidal fraction was slightly higher than the value used in the viability assessment model, and does not change in concentration with exposure to oxygen. This paper provides conclusive evidence for single-phase radioactive colloids composed of UO 2. However, its impact on repository safety is probably small since oxygen and silica availability will oxidize and effectively precipitate the UO 2 colloids from concentrated solutions.

Phases transitions and interfaces in temperature-sensitive colloidal systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Duc; Schall, Peter

2013-03-01

Colloids are widely used because of their exceptional properties. Beside their own applications in food, petrol, cosmetics and drug industries, photonic, optical filters and chemical sensor, they are also known as powerful model systems to study molecular phase behavior. Here, we examine both aspects of colloids using temperature-sensitive colloidal systems to fully investigate colloidal phase behavior and colloidal assembly.

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids.

PubMed

Vilanova, Neus; De Feijter, Isja; Voets, Ilja K

2016-04-22

Control over colloidal assembly is of utmost importance for the development of functional colloidal materials with tailored structural and mechanical properties for applications in photonics, drug delivery and coating technology. Here we present a new family of colloidal building blocks, coined supramolecular colloids, whose self-assembly is controlled through surface-functionalization with a benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) derived supramolecular moiety. Such BTAs interact via directional, strong, yet reversible hydrogen-bonds with other identical BTAs. Herein, a protocol is presented that describes how to couple these BTAs to colloids and how to quantify the number of coupling sites, which determines the multivalency of the supramolecular colloids. Light scattering measurements show that the refractive index of the colloids is almost matched with that of the solvent, which strongly reduces the van der Waals forces between the colloids. Before photo-activation, the colloids remain well dispersed, as the BTAs are equipped with a photo-labile group that blocks the formation of hydrogen-bonds. Controlled deprotection with UV-light activates the short-range hydrogen-bonds between the BTAs, which triggers the colloidal self-assembly. The evolution from the dispersed state to the clustered state is monitored by confocal microscopy. These results are further quantified by image analysis with simple routines using ImageJ and Matlab. This merger of supramolecular chemistry and colloidal science offers a direct route towards light- and thermo-responsive colloidal assembly encoded in the surface-grafted monolayer.

Differentiation of colloidal and dissolved silica: Analytical separation using spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lewis-Russ, A.; Ranville, J.; Kashuba, A.T.

1991-01-01

A method is described that differentiates between solutions containing silica-dominated colloids and solutions that are essentially free of colloids. Suspensions of tuff particles were treated to remove colloids by centrifugation, filtration or both. Agreement of silica concentrations determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and by a spectrophotometric method was taken as an indication of colloid-free solutions. For two tuffs, centrifugation was effective for removing colloids. For the third, highly altered tuff, filtration was more effective for removing colloids.

Thermophoretic torque in colloidal particles with mass asymmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olarte-Plata, Juan; Rubi, J. Miguel; Bresme, Fernando

2018-05-01

We investigate the response of anisotropic colloids suspended in a fluid under a thermal field. Using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics computer simulations and nonequilibrium thermodynamics theory, we show that an anisotropic mass distribution inside the colloid rectifies the rotational Brownian motion and the colloids experience transient torques that orient the colloid along the direction of the thermal field. This physical effect gives rise to distinctive changes in the dependence of the Soret coefficient with colloid mass, which features a maximum, unlike the monotonic increase of the thermophoretic force with mass observed in homogeneous colloids.

Direct and inverted nematic dispersions for soft matter photonics.

PubMed

Muševič, I; Skarabot, M; Humar, M

2011-07-20

General properties and recent developments in the field of nematic colloids and emulsions are discussed. The origin and nature of pair colloidal interactions in the nematic colloids are explained and an overview of the stable colloidal 2D crystalline structures and superstructures discovered so far is given. The nature and role of topological defects in the nematic colloids is discussed, with an emphasis on recently discovered entangled colloidal structures. Applications of inverted nematic emulsions and binding force mechanisms in nematic colloids for soft matter photonic devices are discussed.

Colloidal interactions and fouling of NF and RO membranes: a review.

PubMed

Tang, Chuyang Y; Chong, T H; Fane, Anthony G

2011-05-11

Colloids are fine particles whose characteristic size falls within the rough size range of 1-1000 nm. In pressure-driven membrane systems, these fine particles have a strong tendency to foul the membranes, causing a significant loss in water permeability and often a deteriorated product water quality. There have been a large number of systematic studies on colloidal fouling of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes in the last three decades, and the understanding of colloidal fouling has been significantly advanced. The current paper reviews the mechanisms and factors controlling colloidal fouling of both RO and NF membranes. Major colloidal foulants (including both rigid inorganic colloids and organic macromolecules) and their properties are summarized. The deposition of such colloidal particles on an RO or NF membrane forms a cake layer, which can adversely affect the membrane flux due to 1) the cake layer hydraulic resistance and/or 2) the cake-enhanced osmotic pressure. The effects of feedwater compositions, membrane properties, and hydrodynamic conditions are discussed in detail for inorganic colloids, natural organic matter, polysaccharides, and proteins. In general, these effects can be readily explained by considering the mass transfer near the membrane surface and the colloid-membrane (or colloid-colloid) interaction. The critical flux and limiting flux concepts, originally developed for colloidal fouling of porous membranes, are also applicable to RO and NF membranes. For small colloids (diameter≪100 nm), the limiting flux can result from two different mechanisms: 1) the diffusion-solubility (gel formation) controlled mechanism and 2) the surface interaction controlled mechanism. The former mechanism probably dominates for concentrated solutions, while the latter mechanism may be more important for dilute solutions. Future research needs on RO and NF colloidal fouling are also identified in the current paper. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of submicrometer aqueous iron(III) colloids formed in the presence of phosphate by sedimentation field flow fractionation with multiangle laser light scattering detection.

PubMed

Magnuson, M L; Lytle, D A; Frietch, C M; Kelty, C A

2001-10-15

Iron colloids play a major role in the water chemistry of natural watersheds and of engineered drinking water distribution systems. Phosphate is frequently added to distribution systems to control corrosion problems, so iron-phosphate colloids may form through reaction of iron in water pipes. In this study, sedimentation field flow fractionation (SdFFF) is coupled on-line with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection to characterize these iron colloids formed following the oxygenation of iron(II) in the presence of phosphate. The SdFFF-MALLS data were used to calculate the hydrodynamic diameter, density, and particle size distribution of these submicrometer colloids. The system was first verified with standard polystyrene beads, and the results compared well with certified values. Iron(III) colloids were formed in the presence of phosphate at a variety of pH conditions. The colloids' hydrodynamic diameters, which ranged from 218 +/- 3 (pH 7) to 208 +/- 4 nm (pH 10), did not change significantly within the 95% confidence limit. Colloid density did increase significantly from 1.12 +/- 0.01 (pH 7) to 1.36 +/- 0.02 g/mL (pH 10). Iron(III) colloids formed at pH 10 in the presence of phosphate were compared to iron(III) colloids formed without phosphate and also to iron(III) colloids formed with silicate. The iron(III) colloids formed without phosphate or silicate were 0.46 g/mL more dense than any other colloids and were >6 times more narrowly distributed than the other colloids. The data suggest competitive incorporation of respective anions into the colloid during formation.

Active structuring of colloidal armour on liquid drops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dommersnes, Paul; Rozynek, Zbigniew; Mikkelsen, Alexander; Castberg, Rene; Kjerstad, Knut; Hersvik, Kjetil; Otto Fossum, Jon

2013-06-01

Adsorption and assembly of colloidal particles at the surface of liquid droplets are at the base of particle-stabilized emulsions and templating. Here we report that electrohydrodynamic and electro-rheological effects in leaky-dielectric liquid drops can be used to structure and dynamically control colloidal particle assemblies at drop surfaces, including electric-field-assisted convective assembly of jammed colloidal ‘ribbons’, electro-rheological colloidal chains confined to a two-dimensional surface and spinning colloidal domains on that surface. In addition, we demonstrate the size control of ‘pupil’-like openings in colloidal shells. We anticipate that electric field manipulation of colloids in leaky dielectrics can lead to new routes of colloidosome assembly and design for ‘smart armoured’ droplets.

Active structuring of colloidal armour on liquid drops.

PubMed

Dommersnes, Paul; Rozynek, Zbigniew; Mikkelsen, Alexander; Castberg, Rene; Kjerstad, Knut; Hersvik, Kjetil; Otto Fossum, Jon

2013-01-01

Adsorption and assembly of colloidal particles at the surface of liquid droplets are at the base of particle-stabilized emulsions and templating. Here we report that electrohydrodynamic and electro-rheological effects in leaky-dielectric liquid drops can be used to structure and dynamically control colloidal particle assemblies at drop surfaces, including electric-field-assisted convective assembly of jammed colloidal 'ribbons', electro-rheological colloidal chains confined to a two-dimensional surface and spinning colloidal domains on that surface. In addition, we demonstrate the size control of 'pupil'-like openings in colloidal shells. We anticipate that electric field manipulation of colloids in leaky dielectrics can lead to new routes of colloidosome assembly and design for 'smart armoured' droplets.

Does thermophoresis reduce aggregate stability?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachs, Eyal; Sarah, Pariente

2017-04-01

Thermophoresis is mass flow driven by a thermal gradient. As a result of Seebeck effect and Soret effect, colloids can move from the hot to the cold region or vice versa, depending on the electrolyte composition and on the particle size. This migration of colloids can weaken aggregates. The effect of raindrop temperatures on runoff generation and erosion on clayey soil was investigated in sprinkling experiments with a laboratory rotating disk rain simulator. The experiments were applied to Rhodoxeralt (Terra Rossa) soil with two pre-prepared moisture contents: hygroscopic and field capacity. For each moisture content three rainfall temperatures were applied: 2, 20, and 35°C. Erosion was generally lower in the pre-wetted soil than in the dry soil (12.5 and 24.4 g m-2 per 40 mm of rain,respectively). Whereas there was no significant effect of raindrop temperature on the dry soil the soil that was pre-moistened to field capacity was affected by rainwater temperature: runoff and erosion were high when the temperature difference between rainfall and soil surface was high, sediment yields were 13.9, 5.2, and 18.3 g m-2 per 40 mm of rain, for rain temperature of 2, 20, and 35 °C, respectively. It is reasonable to conclude that thermophoresis caused by thermal gradients within the soil solution reduces the stability of aggregates and then increase the soil losses.

Molecular theory for self assembling mixtures of patchy colloids and colloids with spherically symmetric attractions: The single patch case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Bennett D.; Chapman, Walter G.

2013-09-01

In this work we develop a new theory to model self assembling mixtures of single patch colloids and colloids with spherically symmetric attractions. In the development of the theory we restrict the interactions such that there are short ranged attractions between patchy and spherically symmetric colloids, but patchy colloids do not attract patchy colloids and spherically symmetric colloids do not attract spherically symmetric colloids. This results in the temperature, density, and composition dependent reversible self assembly of the mixture into colloidal star molecules. This type of mixture has been recently synthesized by grafting of complimentary single stranded DNA [L. Feng, R. Dreyfus, R. Sha, N. C. Seeman, and P. M. Chaikin, Adv. Mater. 25(20), 2779-2783 (2013)], 10.1002/adma.201204864. As a quantitative test of the theory, we perform new monte carlo simulations to study the self assembly of these mixtures; theory and simulation are found to be in excellent agreement.

Dynamic Colloidal Molecules Maneuvered by Light-Controlled Janus Micromotors.

PubMed

Gao, Yirong; Mou, Fangzhi; Feng, Yizheng; Che, Shengping; Li, Wei; Xu, Leilei; Guan, Jianguo

2017-07-12

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a dynamic colloidal molecule that is capable of moving autonomously and performing swift, reversible, and in-place assembly dissociation in a high accuracy by manipulating a TiO 2 /Pt Janus micromotor with light irradiation. Due to the efficient motion of the TiO 2 /Pt Janus motor and the light-switchable electrostatic interactions between the micromotor and colloidal particles, the colloidal particles can be captured and assembled one by one on the fly, subsequently forming into swimming colloidal molecules by mimicking space-filling models of simple molecules with central atoms. The as-demonstrated dynamic colloidal molecules have a configuration accurately controlled and stabilized by regulating the time-dependent intensity of UV light, which controls the stop-and-go motion of the colloidal molecules. The dynamic colloidal molecules are dissociated when the light irradiation is turned off due to the disappearance of light-switchable electrostatic interaction between the motor and the colloidal particles. The strategy for the assembly of dynamic colloidal molecules is applicable to various charged colloidal particles. The simulated optical properties of a dynamic colloidal molecule imply that the results here may provide a novel approach for in-place building functional microdevices, such as microlens arrays, in a swift and reversible manner.

Colloid-Mediated Transport of PPCPs through Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xijuan; Xing, Yingna; Chen, Xin; Zhuang, Jie

2017-04-01

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) enter the soil through reclaimed water irrigation and biosolid land application. Colloids, such as clays that are present in soil, may interact with PPCPs to affect their fate and transport in the subsurface environment. This study addresses how soil colloids mediate the sorption and transport behaviors of PPCPs through laboratory column experiments. The affinities of PPCPs for colloids as well as the influence factors were investigated. For PPCPs that have high sorption (e.g., ciprofloxacin with Kd ˜104-5 L/kg) on soil colloids, the transport is dominantly controlled by colloids, with a higher extent of colloid-facilitated effect at lower ionic strength. For PPCPs that have intermediate sorption (e.g., tetracycline with Kd ˜103-4 L/kg) on soil colloids, the mobility of dissolved and colloid-bound PPCPs respond oppositely to the effect of changes in solution ionic strength, making the net effect of soil colloids on PPCP transport variable with soil solution chemistry. For PPCPs with low sorption (e.g., ibuprofen with Kd ˜102-3 L/kg) on soil colloids, other measures (such as pre-filtration) must be taken. This study suggested that colloids are significant carriers of PPCPs in the subsurface environment and could affect their off-site environmental risks.

Pore water colloid properties in argillaceous sedimentary rocks.

PubMed

Degueldre, Claude; Cloet, Veerle

2016-11-01

The focus of this work is to evaluate the colloid nature, concentration and size distribution in the pore water of Opalinus Clay and other sedimentary host rocks identified for a potential radioactive waste repository in Switzerland. Because colloids could not be measured in representative undisturbed porewater of these host rocks, predictive modelling based on data from field and laboratory studies is applied. This approach allowed estimating the nature, concentration and size distributions of the colloids in the pore water of these host rocks. As a result of field campaigns, groundwater colloid concentrations are investigated on the basis of their size distribution quantified experimentally using single particle counting techniques. The colloid properties are estimated considering data gained from analogue hydrogeochemical systems ranging from mylonite features in crystalline fissures to sedimentary formations. The colloid concentrations were analysed as a function of the alkaline and alkaline earth element concentrations. Laboratory batch results on clay colloid generation from compacted pellets in quasi-stagnant water are also reported. Experiments with colloids in batch containers indicate that the size distribution of a colloidal suspension evolves toward a common particle size distribution independently of initial conditions. The final suspension size distribution was found to be a function of the attachment factor of the colloids. Finally, calculations were performed using a novel colloid distribution model based on colloid generation, aggregation and sedimentation rates to predict under in-situ conditions what makes colloid concentrations and size distributions batch- or fracture-size dependent. The data presented so far are compared with the field and laboratory data. The colloid occurrence, stability and mobility have been evaluated for the water of the considered potential host rocks. In the pore water of the considered sedimentary host rocks, the clay colloid concentration is expected to be very low (<1ppb, for 10-100nm) which restricts their relevance for radionuclide transport. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Tools and Functions of Reconfigurable Colloidal Assembly.

PubMed

Solomon, Michael J

2018-02-19

We review work in reconfigurable colloidal assembly, a field in which rapid, back-and-forth transitions between the equilibrium states of colloidal self-assembly are accomplished by dynamic manipulation of the size, shape, and interaction potential of colloids, as well as the magnitude and direction of the fields applied to them. It is distinguished from the study of colloidal phase transitions by the centrality of thermodynamic variables and colloidal properties that are time switchable; by the applicability of these changes to generate transitions in assembled colloids that may be spatially localized; and by its incorporation of the effects of generalized potentials due to, for example, applied electric and magnetic fields. By drawing upon current progress in the field, we propose a matrix classification of reconfigurable colloidal systems based on the tool used and function performed by reconfiguration. The classification distinguishes between the multiple means by which reconfigurable assembly can be accomplished (i.e., the tools of reconfiguration) and the different kinds of structural transitions that can be achieved by it (i.e., the functions of reconfiguration). In the first case, the tools of reconfiguration can be broadly classed as (i) those that control the colloidal contribution to the system entropy-as through volumetric and/or shape changes of the particles; (ii) those that control the internal energy of the colloids-as through manipulation of colloidal interaction potentials; and (iii) those that control the spatially resolved potential energy that is imposed on the colloids-as through the introduction of field-induced phoretic mechanisms that yield colloidal displacement and accumulation. In the second case, the functions of reconfiguration include reversible: (i) transformation between different phases-including fluid, cluster, gel, and crystal structures; (ii) manipulation of the spacing between colloids in crystals and clusters; and (iii) translation, rotation, or shape-change of finite-size objects self-assembled from colloids. With this classification in hand, we correlate the current limits on the spatiotemporal scales for reconfigurable colloidal assembly and identify a set of future research challenges.

Development of solid - based paper strips for rapid diagnosis of Pseudorabies infection.

PubMed

Joon Tam, Yew; Mohd Lila, Mohd Azmi; Bahaman, Abdul Rani

2004-12-01

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) is an economically significant disease of swine known to cause central nervous disorders, respiratory disease, reproductive failure and mortality in infected pigs. In attempts to eradicate the disease from becoming endemic, early detection is important to prevent further economic losses and to allow for detection and removal of infected pigs in domestic herds. Thus, a rapid and sensitive technique is necessary for the detection of the virus. For rapid and simple examination, an immuno - chromatographic lateral - flow assay system based on immunologic recognition of specific pseudorabies virus antigen was developed by utilising, as signal generator, colloidal gold conjugated to secondary antibody to detect primary or sample antibody in the sera of pseudorabies infected animals. The pseudorabies virus used as a capture antigen in the test strip was first cultivated in VERO cell culture and then purified by sucrose gradient separation to produce the viral protein concentration of 3.8 mg/ml. The standard pseudorabies antigens reacted well with the hyperimmune serum (HIS). The antibody detection system is basically composed of colloidal gold - labelled antibodies fixed on a conjugate pad, and the complementary pseudorabies antigen immobilised onto a nitrocellulose membrane forming capture zone. If the target antibody is present in a specimen, the colloidal gold-labelled antibody will form a complex with the antibody sample. Subsequently, the formed complex will migrate to the capture zone and is then bound to the solid phase via antigen - antibody interaction. As a result, a signal marker is generated by the accumulation of colloidal gold for detection confirmation. The results obtained demonstrated that the optimum combination of pseudorabies antigen needed as the capture reagent and gold conjugate as secondary antibody recognition marker was at a concentration of 0.38mg/ml and at 1:10 dilution factor respectively. The sensitivity of the solid - based test strip towards pseudorabies antibodies was high with a detection limit of 1 to 10,000 - dilution factor. The specificity of the assay was 100% with no cross - reaction being observed with other sera or antibodies. Accurate reading time needed for confirmation of the assay can be completed in 5 min with a whole blood sample of 25 microl. The colloidal gold - labelled antibody is stable at room temperature for 6 months or more (data not shown). Findings from this study indicated that the solid - based test strip assay system provided high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pseudorabies at low levels of antibody concentration. The assay was rapid, simple, cheap, and does not require any sophisticated equipment. Thus, the solid based test strip will be a useful serological screening technique or for rapid diagnosis of an infectious disease in target populations of animals characterised by heterogeneous antibody responses.

Lability of Cd, Cu, and Zn in polluted soils treated with lime, beringite, and red mud and identification of a non-labile colloidal fraction of metals using istopic techniques.

PubMed

Lombi, Enzo; Hamon, Rebecca E; McGrath, Steve P; McLaughlin, Mike J

2003-03-01

The use of soil amendments has been proposed as a low input alternative for the remediation of metal polluted soils. However, little information is available concerning the stability, and therefore the longevity, of the remediation treatments when important soil parameters change. In this paper we investigate the effect of pH changes on the lability of heavy metals in soils treated with lime, beringite, and red mud using a modified isotopic dilution technique in combination with a stepwise acidification procedure. Significant amounts of nonlabile (fixed) Cu and Zn were found to be associated with colloids <0.2 microm in the solution phase. The results obtained indicated that the mobility of fixed colloidal metals is significant and increases with soil pH. This must be considered because most of the soil amendments are alkaline and increase soil pH. All the soil amendments significantly decreased the lability of Cd, Zn, and Cu in the soils as a whole. However, when the soils were re-acidified, the labile pool of metals increased sharply and in the case of lime and beringite, the lability of the metals was similar, at equal pH, to the untreated soil. In contrast the lability of metals in the red mud treated soils was always smaller than that in the untreated soils across the range of pH values tested. These results suggest that the mechanism of action of lime and beringite is similar and probably related to increased metal adsorption and precipitation of metal hydroxides and carbonates at high pH. In the case of red mud, a combination of pH dependent and independent mechanisms (possibly solid-phase diffusion or migration into micropores) may be responsible for the metal fixation observed.

Weathering behavior of REE-Y in a granitic soil profile (Case of Strengbach watershed)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangloff, Sophie; Stille, Peter; Chabaux, François

2017-04-01

Rare earth elements and yttrium (REE-Y) can be used as tracers of bedrock weathering and soil formation. One of the aims of this study is to better understand the different phenomena which impact the REE-Y mobilization and modify the REE-Y pattern along a soil profile. Our study has been performed on a granitic soil profile and soil solutions corresponding, sampled in a forest parcel covered with spruces from the Strengbach catchment. The behavior of the REE-Y pattern are compared with previously published results. The samples were collected from 2009 to 2013 and ultra-filtered to determine the spatial and temporal influence as well as that of the colloidal and dissolved fractions on the evolution of the REE-Y patterns. The EFTi of the soil indicates that during alteration process, phosphate minerals and zircon might be dissolved and induce the formation of secondary mineral phase like xenotime in the deeper soil horizons. The ultra-filtered soil solutions from humic horizon show that the REE-Y are principally enriched in the colloidal fraction controlling the REE-Y dynamic while in the deeper soil solutions colloidal and dissolved fractions influence the REE-Y. The mobility of REE-Y is controlled by the dissolution of the zircon and phosphate minerals, the precipitation of the REE-Y(PO4) and the evolution of OC with depth. The comparative study of the soil profile, soil water extracts and soil solutions show that (Eu*/Eu)DS anomaly reflects weathering of plagioclase in the micropores and the migration of the released Eu to the macropores, the (Ce*/Ce) anomaly, is stabilized by the electron shuttling of the humic acid (aromaticity) and provides information on the redox conditions only in the deeper soil horizons depleted in humic acid and finally the HREE enrichment in the deeper soil solutions results from the partial dissolution of secondary minerals in the upper soil horizons (above 30 cm depth).

Physicochemical Characterization of Iron Carbohydrate Colloid Drug Products.

PubMed

Zou, Peng; Tyner, Katherine; Raw, Andre; Lee, Sau

2017-09-01

Iron carbohydrate colloid drug products are intravenously administered to patients with chronic kidney disease for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Physicochemical characterization of iron colloids is critical to establish pharmaceutical equivalence between an innovator iron colloid product and generic version. The purpose of this review is to summarize literature-reported techniques for physicochemical characterization of iron carbohydrate colloid drug products. The mechanisms, reported testing results, and common technical pitfalls for individual characterization test are discussed. A better understanding of the physicochemical characterization techniques will facilitate generic iron carbohydrate colloid product development, accelerate products to market, and ensure iron carbohydrate colloid product quality.

Active structuring of colloidal armour on liquid drops

PubMed Central

Dommersnes, Paul; Rozynek, Zbigniew; Mikkelsen, Alexander; Castberg, Rene; Kjerstad, Knut; Hersvik, Kjetil; Otto Fossum, Jon

2013-01-01

Adsorption and assembly of colloidal particles at the surface of liquid droplets are at the base of particle-stabilized emulsions and templating. Here we report that electrohydrodynamic and electro-rheological effects in leaky-dielectric liquid drops can be used to structure and dynamically control colloidal particle assemblies at drop surfaces, including electric-field-assisted convective assembly of jammed colloidal ‘ribbons’, electro-rheological colloidal chains confined to a two-dimensional surface and spinning colloidal domains on that surface. In addition, we demonstrate the size control of ‘pupil’-like openings in colloidal shells. We anticipate that electric field manipulation of colloids in leaky dielectrics can lead to new routes of colloidosome assembly and design for ‘smart armoured’ droplets. PMID:23811716

Nematic Liquid-Crystal Colloids

PubMed Central

Muševič, Igor

2017-01-01

This article provides a concise review of a new state of colloidal matter called nematic liquid-crystal colloids. These colloids are obtained by dispersing microparticles of different shapes in a nematic liquid crystal that acts as a solvent for the dispersed particles. The microparticles induce a local deformation of the liquid crystal, which then generates topological defects and long-range forces between the neighboring particles. The colloidal forces in nematic colloids are much stronger than the forces in ordinary colloids in isotropic solvents, exceeding thousands of kBT per micrometer-sized particle. Of special interest are the topological defects in nematic colloids, which appear in many fascinating forms, such as singular points, closed loops, multitudes of interlinked and knotted loops or soliton-like structures. The richness of the topological phenomena and the possibility to design and control topological defects with laser tweezers make colloids in nematic liquid crystals an excellent playground for testing the basic theorems of topology. PMID:29295574

Colloid Mobilization in a Fractured Soil during Dry-Wet Cycles: Role of Drying Duration and Flow Path Permeability.

PubMed

Mohanty, Sanjay K; Saiers, James E; Ryan, Joseph N

2015-08-04

In subsurface soils, colloids are mobilized by infiltrating rainwater, but the source of colloids and the process by which colloids are generated between rainfalls are not clear. We examined the effect of drying duration and the spatial variation of soil permeability on the mobilization of in situ colloids in intact soil cores (fractured and heavily weathered saprolite) during dry-wet cycles. Measuring water flux at multiple sampling ports at the core base, we found that water drained through flow paths of different permeability. The duration of antecedent drying cycles affected the amount of mobilized colloids, particularly in high-flux ports that received water from soil regions with a large number of macro- and mesopores. In these ports, the amount of mobilized colloids increased with increased drying duration up to 2.5 days. For drying durations greater than 2.5 days, the amount of mobilized colloids decreased. In contrast, increasing drying duration had a limited effect on colloid mobilization in low-flux ports, which presumably received water from soil regions with fewer macro- and mesopores. On the basis of these results, we attribute this dependence of colloid mobilization upon drying duration to colloid generation from dry pore walls and distribution of colloids in flow paths, which appear to be sensitive to the moisture content of soil after drying and flow path permeability. The results are useful for improving the understanding of colloid mobilization during fluctuating weather conditions.

Integration of colloids into a semi-flexible network of fibrin.

PubMed

Bharadwaj, N Ashwin K; Kang, Jin Gu; Hatzell, Marta C; Schweizer, Kenneth S; Braun, Paul V; Ewoldt, Randy H

2017-02-15

Typical colloid-polymer composites have particle diameters much larger than the polymer mesh size, but successful integration of smaller colloids into a large-mesh network could allow for the realization of new colloidal states of spatial organization and faster colloid motion which can allow the possibility of switchable re-configuration of colloids or more dramatic stimuli-responsive property changes. Experimental realization of such composites requires solving non-trivial materials selection and fabrication challenges; key questions include composition regime maps of successful composites, the resulting structure and colloidal contact network, and the mechanical properties, in particular the ability to form a network and retain strain stiffening in the presence of colloids. Here, we study these fundamental questions by formulating composites with fluorescent (though not stimuli-responsive) carboxylate modified polystyrene/latex (CML) colloidal particles (diameters 200 nm and 1000 nm) in bovine fibrin networks (a semi-flexible biopolymer network with mesh size 1-5 μm). We describe and characterize two methods of composite preparation: adding colloids before fibrinogen polymerization (Method I), and electrophoretically driving colloids into a network already formed by fibrinogen polymerization (Method II). We directly image the morphology of colloidal and fibrous components with two-color fluorescent confocal microscopy under wet conditions and SEM of fixed dry samples. Mechanical properties are studied with shear and extensional rheology. Both fabrication methods are successful, though with trade-offs. Method I retains the nonlinear strain-stiffening and extensibility of the native fibrin network, but some colloid clustering is observed and fibrin network integrity is lost above a critical colloid concentration that depends on fibrinogen and thrombin concentration. Larger colloids can be included at higher volume fractions before massive aggregation occurs, indicating surface interactions as a limiting factor. Method II results in a loss of measurable strain-stiffening, but colloids are well dispersed and template along the fibrous scaffold. The results here, with insight into both structure and rheology, form a foundational understanding for the integration of other colloids, e.g. with stimuli-responsive functionalities, into semi-flexible networks.

Transport of colloids in unsaturated porous media: A pore-scale observation of processes during the dissolution of air-water interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirivithayapakorn, Sanya; Keller, Arturo

2003-12-01

We present results from pore-scale observations of colloid transport in an unsaturated physical micromodel. The experiments were conducted separately using three different sizes of carboxylate polystyrene latex spheres and Bacteriophage MS2 virus. The main focus was to investigate the pore-scale transport processes of colloids as they interact with the air-water interface (AWI) of trapped air bubbles in unsaturated porous media, as well as the release of colloids during imbibition. The colloids travel through the water phase but are attracted to the AWI by either collision or attractive forces and are accumulated at the AWI almost irreversibly, until the dissolution of the air bubble reduces or eliminates the AWI. Once the air bubbles are near the end of the dissolution process, the colloids can be transported by advective liquid flow, as colloidal clusters. The clusters can then attach to other AWI down-gradient or be trapped in pore throats that would have allowed them to pass through individually. We also observed small air bubbles with attached colloids that traveled through the porous medium during the gas dissolution process. We used Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory to help explain the observed results. The strength of the force that holds the colloids at the AWI was estimated, assuming that the capillary force is the major force that holds the colloids at the AWI. Our calculations indicate that the forces that hold the colloids at the AWI are larger than the energy barrier between the colloids. Therefore it is quite likely that the clusters of colloids are formed by the colloids attached at the AWI as they move closer at the end of the bubble dissolution process. Coagulation at the AWI may increase the overall filtration for colloids transported through the vadose zone. Just as important, colloids trapped in the AWI might be quite mobile when the air bubbles are released at the end of the dissolution process, resulting in increased breakthrough. These pore-scale mechanisms are likely to play a significant role in the macroscopic transport of colloids in unsaturated porous media.

Microscopic Behavior Of Colloidal Particles Under The Effect Of Acoustic Stimulations In The Ultrasonic To Megasonic Range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Fattah, Amr I.; Roberts, Peter M.

2006-05-01

It is well known that colloid attachment and detachment at solid surfaces are influenced strongly by physico-chemical conditions controlling electric double layer (EDL) and solvation-layer effects. We present experimental observations demonstrating that, in addition, acoustic waves can produce strong effects on colloid/surface interactions that can alter the behavior of colloid and fluid transport in porous media. Microscopic colloid visualization experiments were performed with polystyrene micro-spheres suspended in water in a parallel-plate glass flow cell. When acoustic energy was applied to the cell at frequencies from 500 kHz to 5 MHz, changes in colloid attachment to and detachment from the glass cell surfaces were observed. Quantitative measurements of acoustically-induced detachment of 300-nm microspheres in 0.1M NaCl solution demonstrated that roughly 30% of the colloids that were attached to the glass cell wall during flow alone could be detached rapidly by applying acoustics at frequencies in the range of 0.7 to 1.2 MHz. The remaining attached colloids could not be detached by acoustics. This implies the existence of both "strong" and "weak" attachment sites at the cell surface. Subsequent re-attachment of colloids with acoustics turned off occurred only at new, previously unoccupied sites. Thus, acoustics appears to accelerate simultaneously both the deactivation of existing weak sites where colloids are already attached, and the activation of new weak sites where future attachments can occur. Our observations indicate that acoustics (and, in general, dynamic stress) can influence colloid-colloid and colloid-surface interactions in ways that could cause significant changes in porous-media permeability and mass transport. This would occur due to either buildup or release of colloids present in the porous matrix.

Size-fractionation of groundwater arsenic in alluvial aquifers of West Bengal, India: the role of organic and inorganic colloids.

PubMed

Majumder, Santanu; Nath, Bibhash; Sarkar, Simita; Chatterjee, Debashis; Roman-Ross, Gabriela; Hidalgo, Manuela

2014-01-15

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and Fe mineral phases are known to influence the mobility of arsenic (As) in groundwater. Arsenic can be associated with colloidal particles containing organic matter and Fe. Currently, no data is available on the dissolved phase/colloidal association of As in groundwater of alluvial aquifers in West Bengal, India. This study investigated the fractional distribution of As (and other metals/metalloids) among the particulate, colloidal and dissolved phases in groundwater to decipher controlling behavior of organic and inorganic colloids on As mobility. The result shows that 83-94% of As remained in the 'truly dissolved' phases (i.e., <0.05 μm size). Strong positive correlation between Fe and As (r(2) between 0.65 and 0.94) is mainly observed in the larger (i.e., >0.05 μm size) colloidal particles, which indicates the close association of As with larger Fe-rich inorganic colloids. In smaller (i.e., <0.05 μm size) colloidal particles strong positive correlation is observed between As and DOC (r(2)=0.85), which highlights the close association of As with smaller organic colloids. As(III) is mainly associated with larger inorganic colloids, whereas, As(V) is associated with smaller organic/organometallic colloids. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirm the association of As with DOC and Fe mineral phases suggesting the formation of dissolved organo-Fe complexes and colloidal organo-Fe oxide phases. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further confirms the formation of As-Fe-NOM organometallic colloids, however, a detailed study of these types of colloids in natural waters is necessary to underpin their controlling behavior. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Shape recognition of microbial cells by colloidal cell imprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borovička, Josef; Stoyanov, Simeon D.; Paunov, Vesselin N.

2013-08-01

We have engineered a class of colloids which can recognize the shape and size of targeted microbial cells and selectively bind to their surfaces. These imprinted colloid particles, which we called ``colloid antibodies'', were fabricated by partial fragmentation of silica shells obtained by templating the targeted microbial cells. We successfully demonstrated the shape and size recognition between such colloidal imprints and matching microbial cells. High percentage of binding events of colloidal imprints with the size matching target particles was achieved. We demonstrated selective binding of colloidal imprints to target microbial cells in a binary mixture of cells of different shapes and sizes, which also resulted in high binding selectivity. We explored the role of the electrostatic interactions between the target cells and their colloid imprints by pre-coating both of them with polyelectrolytes. Selective binding occurred predominantly in the case of opposite surface charges of the colloid cell imprint and the targeted cells. The mechanism of the recognition is based on the amplification of the surface adhesion in the case of shape and size match due to the increased contact area between the target cell and the colloidal imprint. We also tested the selective binding for colloid imprints of particles of fixed shape and varying sizes. The concept of cell recognition by colloid imprints could be used for development of colloid antibodies for shape-selective binding of microbes. Such colloid antibodies could be additionally functionalized with surface groups to enhance their binding efficiency to cells of specific shape and deliver a drug payload directly to their surface or allow them to be manipulated using external fields. They could benefit the pharmaceutical industry in developing selective antimicrobial therapies and formulations.

Colloid labelled with radionuclide and method

DOEpatents

Atcher, R.W.; Hines, J.J.

1990-11-13

A ferric hydroxide colloid having an alpha-emitting radionuclide essentially on the outer surfaces and a method of forming same. The method includes oxidizing a ferrous hydroxide to ferric hydroxide in the presence of a preselected radionuclide to form a colloid having the radionuclide on the outer surface thereof, and thereafter washing the colloid, and suspending the washed colloid in a suitable solution. The labelled colloid is useful in cancer therapy and for the treatment of inflamed joints. No Drawings

Method of making colloid labeled with radionuclide

DOEpatents

Atcher, Robert W.; Hines, John J.

1991-01-01

A ferric hydroxide colloid having an alpha-emitting radionuclide essentially on the outer surfaces and a method of forming same. The method includes oxidizing a ferrous hydroxide to ferric hydroxide in the presence of a preselected radionuclide to form a colloid having the radionuclide on the outer surface thereof, and thereafter washing the colloid, and suspending the washed colloid in a suitable solution. The labelled colloid is useful in cancer therapy and for the treatment of inflamed joints.

Colloid labelled with radionuclide and method

DOEpatents

Atcher, Robert W.; Hines, John J.

1990-01-01

A ferric hydroxide colloid having an alpha-emitting radionuclide essentially on the outer surfaces and a method of forming same. The method includes oxidizing a ferrous hydroxide to ferric hydroxide in the presence of a preselected radionuclide to form a colloid having the radionuclide on the outer surface thereof, and thereafter washing the colloid, and suspending the washed colloid in a suitable solution. The labelled colloid is useful in cancer therapy and for the treatment of inflamed joints.

Impact of Redox Reactions on Colloid Transport in Saturated Porous Media: An Example of Ferrihydrite Colloids Transport in the Presence of Sulfide.

PubMed

Liao, Peng; Yuan, Songhu; Wang, Dengjun

2016-10-18

Transport of colloids in the subsurface is an important environmental process with most research interests centered on the transport in chemically stable conditions. While colloids can be formed under dynamic redox conditions, the impact of redox reactions on their transport is largely overlooked. Taking the redox reactions between ferrihydrite colloids and sulfide as an example, we investigated how and to what extent the redox reactions modulated the transport of ferrihydrite colloids in anoxic sand columns over a range of environmentally relevant conditions. Our results reveal that the presence of sulfide (7.8-46.9 μM) significantly decreased the breakthrough of ferrihydrite colloids in the sand column. The estimated travel distance of ferrihydrite colloids in the absence of sulfide was nearly 7-fold larger than that in the presence of 46.9 μM sulfide. The reduced breakthrough was primarily attributed to the reductive dissolution of ferrihydrite colloids by sulfide in parallel with formation of elemental sulfur (S(0)) particles from sulfide oxidation. Reductive dissolution decreased the total mass of ferrihydrite colloids, while the negatively charged S(0) decreased the overall zeta potential of ferrihydrite colloids by attaching onto their surfaces and thus enhanced their retention in the sand. Our findings provide novel insights into the critical role of redox reactions on the transport of redox-sensitive colloids in saturated porous media.

Colloidal paradigm in supercapattery electrode systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kunfeng; Xue, Dongfeng

2018-01-01

Among decades of development, electrochemical energy storage systems are now sorely in need of a new design paradigm at the nano size and ion level to satisfy the higher energy and power demands. In this review paper, we introduce a new colloidal electrode paradigm for supercapattery that integrates multiple-scale forms of matter, i.e. ion clusters, colloidal ions, and nanosized materials, into one colloid system, coupled with multiple interactions, i.e. electrostatic, van der Waals forces, and chemical bonding, thus leading to the formation of many redox reactive centers. This colloidal electrode not only keeps the original ionic nature in colloidal materials, but also creates a new attribute of high electroactivity. Colloidal supercapattery is a perfect application example of the novel colloidal electrode, leading to higher specific capacitance than traditional electrode materials. The high electroactivity of the colloidal electrode mainly comes from the contribution of exposed reactive centers, owing to the confinement effect of carbon and a binder matrix. Systematic and thorough research on the colloidal system will significantly promote the development of fundamental science and the progress of advanced energy storage technology.

Two-dimensional patterning of colloidal crystals by means of lateral autocloning in edge-patterned cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emoto, Akira; Kamei, Tadayoshi; Shioda, Tatsutoshi; Kawatsuki, Nobuhiro; Ono, Hiroshi

2009-06-01

We report the experimental results of two-dimensional patterning of colloidal crystals using edge-patterned cells. Solvent evaporation of a colloidal suspension from the edge of the cell induces self-organized crystallization of spherical colloidal particles. From a reservoir of colloidal suspension in the cell, different colloidal suspensions are injected repetitively. An edge-patterned substrate is introduced into the cell as an upper substrate. As a result, different colloidal crystals are alternately stacked in the lateral direction according to the edge pattern. The characteristics of cloning formation are specifically showed including deformations from the original pattern. This two-dimensional patterning of three-dimensional colloidal crystals by means of lateral autocloning is promising for the development of photonic crystal arrays for use in optic and photonic devices.

Characterization of magnetic colloids by means of magnetooptics.

PubMed

Baraban, L; Erbe, A; Leiderer, P

2007-05-01

A new, efficient method for the characterization of magnetic colloids based on the Faraday effect is proposed. According to the main principles of this technique, it is possible to detect the stray magnetic field of the colloidal particles induced inside the magnetooptical layer. The magnetic properties of individual particles can be determined providing measurements in a wide range of magnetic fields. The magnetization curves of capped colloids and paramagnetic colloids were measured by means of the proposed approach. The registration of the magnetooptical signals from each colloidal particle in an ensemble permits the use of this technique for testing the magnetic monodispersity of colloidal suspensions.

On colloid retention in saturated porous media in the presence of energy barriers: The failure of α, and opportunities to predict η

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, William P.; Tong, Meiping; Li, Xiqing

2007-12-01

This contribution reviews recent findings that illuminate the processes governing colloid retention in porous media under environmentally relevant conditions. In the environment, colloids act as conveyors of contaminants, or even as contaminants themselves; however, despite decades of research, we are unable to accurately predict the retention of colloids in granular aquifer media under environmental conditions, where repulsion exists between colloids and surfaces. This failure cannot be blamed solely on the complexities of the subsurface, since colloid filtration theory (CFT) works well in the absence of colloid-collector repulsion despite its idealization of porous media as consisting of spherical grains completely surrounded by fluid envelopes. Rather, the failure of CFT stems from failure to incorporate the correct mechanisms of retention when repulsion exists. Recent observations implicate wedging in grain-to-grain contacts and retention in secondary energy minima as dominant mechanisms of colloid retention in the presence of an energy barrier. Mechanistic simulations in unit cells containing grain-to-grain contacts corroborate these mechanisms of colloid retention. The resulting concept for colloid retention in the presence of an energy barrier involves translation of colloids across the collector surfaces until they become wedged within grain-to-grain contacts, or are retained via secondary energy minima (without attachment) in zones where the balance of fluid drag, diffusion, gravitational, and colloid-collector interaction forces allow retention. The above findings highlight the pore domain geometry as a dominant governor of colloid retention in so far as the geometry gives rise to grain-to-grain contacts and zones of relatively low fluid drag.

Colloid mobilization and seasonal variability in a semiarid headwater stream

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mills, Taylor J.; Suzanne P. Ancerson,; Bern, Carleton; Aguirre, Arnulfo; Derry, Louis A.

2017-01-01

Colloids can be important vectors for the transport of contaminants in the environment, but little is known about colloid mobilization at the watershed scale. We present colloid concentration, composition, and flux data over a large range of hydrologic conditions from a small watershed (Gordon Gulch) in the foothills of the Colorado Front Range. Colloids, consisting predominantly of Si, Fe, and Al, were present in most stream samples but were not detected in groundwater samples. Mineralogical and morphological analysis indicated that the colloids were composed of kaolinite and illite clays with lesser amounts of amorphous Fe-hydroxides. Although colloid composition remained relatively constant over the sampled flow conditions, colloid concentrations varied considerably and increased as ionic strength of stream water decreased. The highest concentrations occurred during precipitation events after extended dry periods. These observations are consistent with laboratory studies that have shown colloids can be mobilized by decreases in pore-water ionic strength, which likely occurs during precipitation events. Colloidal particles constituted 30 to 35% of the Si mass flux and 93 to 97% of the Fe and Al mass fluxes in the <0.45-µm fraction in the stream. Colloids are therefore a significant and often overlooked component of mass fluxes whose temporal variations may yield insight into hydrologic flowpaths in this semiarid catchment.

A universal approach to fabricate ordered colloidal crystals arrays based on electrostatic self-assembly.

PubMed

Zhang, Xun; Zhang, Junhu; Zhu, Difu; Li, Xiao; Zhang, Xuemin; Wang, Tieqiang; Yang, Bai

2010-12-07

We present a novel and simple method to fabricate two-dimensional (2D) poly(styrene sulfate) (PSS, negatively charged) colloidal crystals on a positively charged substrate. Our strategy contains two separate steps: one is the three-dimensional (3D) assembly of PSS particles in ethanol, and the other is electrostatic adsorption in water. First, 3D assembly in ethanol phase eliminates electrostatic attractions between colloids and the substrate. As a result, high-quality colloidal crystals are easily generated, for electrostatic attractions are unfavorable for the movement of colloidal particles during convective self-assembly. Subsequently, top layers of colloidal spheres are washed away in the water phase, whereas well-packed PSS colloids that are in contact with the substrate are tightly linked due to electrostatic interactions, resulting in the formation of ordered arrays of 2D colloidal spheres. Cycling these processes leads to the layer-by-layer assembly of 3D colloidal crystals with controllable layers. In addition, this strategy can be extended to the fabrication of patterned 2D colloidal crystals on patterned polyelectrolyte surfaces, not only on planar substrates but also on nonplanar substrates. This straightforward method may open up new possibilities for practical use of colloidal crystals of excellent quality, various patterns, and controllable fashions.

New structural transformations in congruent ferroelectric LiNbO3 fibres evidenced by Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noiret, I.; Lefebvre, J.; Schamps, J.; Delattre, F.; Brenier, A.; Ferriol, M.

2000-03-01

Temperature dependent Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman-scattering experiments have been performed to study the ferroelectric phase of congruent LiNbO3 fibres in the external and internal mode regions. Mode splittings and changes in the slope of frequency-temperature plots at 590 and 790 K show the occurrence of two structural transformations at these temperatures. The anisotropy of the correlation time associated with the width of the central component and anomalies observed in previous neutron investigations are related to a migration process of the lithium atoms along the hexagonal axis and along the pseudo-cubic axis of the highly distorted related perovskite structure. The observed transformations are tentatively assigned to long-range correlated rearrangements in the intrinsic defect structure of the crystal.

Brownian motion studies of viscoelastic colloidal gels by rotational single particle tracking

DOE PAGES

Liang, Mengning; Harder, Ross; Robinson, Ian K.

2014-04-14

Colloidal gels have unique properties due to a complex microstructure which forms into an extended network. Although the bulk properties of colloidal gels have been studied, there has been difficulty correlating those properties with individual colloidal dynamics on the microscale due to the very high viscosity and elasticity of the material. We utilize rotational X-ray tracking (RXT) to investigate the rotational motion of component crystalline colloidal particles in a colloidal gel of alumina and decanoic acid. Our investigation has determined that the high elasticity of the bulk is echoed by a high elasticity experienced by individual colloidal particles themselves butmore » also finds an unexpected high degree of rotational diffusion, indicating a large degree of freedom in the rotational motion of individual colloids even within a tightly bound system.« less

Glass/Jamming Transition in Colloidal Aggregation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Segre, Philip N.; Prasad, Vikram; Weitz, David A.; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

We have studied colloidal aggregation in a model colloid plus polymer system with short-range attractive interactions. By varying the colloid concentration and the strength of the attraction, we explored regions where the equilibrium phase is expected to consist of colloidal crystallites in coexistance with colloidal gas (i.e. monomers). This occurs for moderate values of the potential depth, U approximately equal to 2-5 kT. Crystallization was not always observed. Rather, over an extended sub-region two new metastable phases appear, one fluid-like and one solid-like. These were examined in detail with light scattering and microscopy techniques. Both phases consist of a near uniform distribution of small irregular shaped clusters of colloidal particles. The dynamical and structural characteristics of the ergodic-nonergodic transition between the two phases share much in common with the colloidal hard sphere glass transition.

Internal Structure and Preferential Protein Binding of Colloidal Aggregates.

PubMed

Duan, Da; Torosyan, Hayarpi; Elnatan, Daniel; McLaughlin, Christopher K; Logie, Jennifer; Shoichet, Molly S; Agard, David A; Shoichet, Brian K

2017-01-20

Colloidal aggregates of small molecules are the most common artifact in early drug discovery, sequestering and inhibiting target proteins without specificity. Understanding their structure and mechanism has been crucial to developing tools to control for, and occasionally even exploit, these particles. Unfortunately, their polydispersity and transient stability have prevented exploration of certain elementary properties, such as how they pack. Dye-stabilized colloidal aggregates exhibit enhanced homogeneity and stability when compared to conventional colloidal aggregates, enabling investigation of some of these properties. By small-angle X-ray scattering and multiangle light scattering, pair distance distribution functions suggest that the dye-stabilized colloids are filled, not hollow, spheres. Stability of the coformulated colloids enabled investigation of their preference for binding DNA, peptides, or folded proteins, and their ability to purify one from the other. The coformulated colloids showed little ability to bind DNA. Correspondingly, the colloids preferentially sequestered protein from even a 1600-fold excess of peptides that are themselves the result of a digest of the same protein. This may reflect the avidity advantage that a protein has in a surface-to-surface interaction with the colloids. For the first time, colloids could be shown to have preferences of up to 90-fold for particular proteins over others. Loaded onto the colloids, bound enzyme could be spun down, resuspended, and released back into buffer, regaining most of its activity. Implications of these observations for colloid mechanisms and utility will be considered.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-01-24

Close-up view of the Binary Colloidal Alloy Test during an experiment run aboard the Russian Mir space station. BCAT is part of an extensive series of experiments plarned to investigate the fundamental properties of colloids so that scientists can make colloids more useful for technological applications. Some of the colloids studied in BCAT are made of two different sized particles (binary colloidal alloys) that are very tiny, uniform plastic spheres. Under the proper conditions, these colloids can arrange themselves in a pattern to form crystals, which may have many unique properties that may form the basis of new classes of light switches, displays, and optical devices that can fuel the evolution of the next generation of computer and communication technologies. This Slow Growth hardware consisted of a 35-mm camera aimed toward a module which contained 10 separate colloid samples. To begin the experiment, one of the astronauts would mix the samples to disperse the colloidal particles. Then the hardware operated autonomously, taking photos of the colloidal samples over a 90-day period. The investigation proved that gravity plays a central role in the formation and stability of these types of colloidal crystal structures. The investigation also helped identify the optimum conditions for the formation of colloidal crystals, which will be used for optimizing future microgravity experiments in the study of colloidal physics. Dr. David Weitz of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Peter Pusey of the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, are the principal investigators.

Characterization, origin and aggregation behavior of colloids in eutrophic shallow lake.

PubMed

Xu, Huacheng; Xu, Mengwen; Li, Yani; Liu, Xin; Guo, Laodong; Jiang, Helong

2018-05-31

Stability of colloidal particles contributes to the turbidity in the water column, which significantly influences water quality and ecological functions in aquatic environments especially shallow lakes. Here we report characterization, origin and aggregation behavior of aquatic colloids, including natural colloidal particles (NCPs) and total inorganic colloidal particles (TICPs), in a highly turbid shallow lake, via field observations, simulation experiments, ultrafiltration, spectral and microscopic, and light scattering techniques. The colloidal particles were characterized with various shapes (spherical, polygonal and elliptical) and aluminum-, silicon-, and ferric-containing mineralogical structures, with a size range of 20-200 nm. The process of sediment re-suspension under environmentally relevant conditions contributed 78-80% of TICPs and 54-55% of NCPs in Lake Taihu, representing an important source of colloids in the water column. Both mono- and divalent electrolytes enhanced colloidal aggregation, while a reverse trend was observed in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). The influence of NOM on colloidal stability was highly related to molecular weight (MW) properties with the high MW fraction exhibiting higher stability efficiency than the low MW counterparts. However, the MW-dependent aggregation behavior for NCPs was less significant than that for TICPs, implying that previous results on colloidal behavior using model inorganic colloids alone should be reevaluated. Further studies are needed to better understand the mobility/stability and transformation of aquatic colloids and their role in governing the fate and transport of pollutants in natural waters. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of sodium benzoate and 4-picoline in Ag colloids prepared by γ-irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Seong-Ho; Park, Hyun Gyu

2005-04-01

PVP-protected silver colloids were prepared by γ-irradiation and chemical reduction method. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of sodium benzoate and 4-picoline in Ag colloids prepared by γ-irradiation were recorded. The SERS spectra of sodium benzoate were successfully recorded in Ag colloids, whereas the Raman spectra did not appear without Ag colloids. The Raman spectra of 4-picoline were not detected without Ag colloids, while the SERS spectra of 4-picoline were increased by adding Ag colloids. The carboxylate group of sodium benzoate and N donor of 4-picoline were adsorbed on the surface of Ag nanoparticles.

Seismic Modeling of the Alasehir Graben, Western Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozde Okut, Nigar; Demirbag, Emin

2014-05-01

The purpose of this study is to develop a depth model to make synthetic seismic reflection sections, such as stacked and migrated sections with different velocity models. The study area is east-west trending Alasehir graben which is one of the most prominent structure in the western Anatolia, proved to have geothermal energy potential by researchers and exploration companies. Geological formations were taken from Alaşehir-1 borehole drilled by Turkish Petroleum Corporation (Çiftçi, 2007) and seismic interval velocities were taken from check-shots in the same borehole (Kolenoǧlu-Demircioǧlu, 2009). The most important structure is the master graben bounding fault (MGBF) in the southern margin of the Alasehir graben. Another main structure is the northern bounding fault called the antithetic fault of the MGBF with high angle normal fault characteristic. MGBF is a crucial contact between sedimentary cover and the metamorphic basement. From basement to the surface, five different stratigraphic units constitute graben fill . All the sedimentary units thicknesses get thinner from the southern margin to the northern margin of the Alasehir graben displaying roll-over geometry. A commercial seismic data software was used during modeling. In the first step, a 2D velocity/depth model was defined. Ray tracing was carried out with diffraction option to produce the reflection travel times. The reflection coefficients were calculated and wavelet shaping was carried out by means of band-pass filtering. Finally synthetic stacked section of the Alasehir graben was obtained. Then, migrated sections were generated with different velocity models. From interval velocities, average and RMS velocities were calculated for the formation entires to test how the general features of the geological model may change against different seismic models after the migration. Post-stack time migration method was used. Pseudo-velocity analysis was applied at selected CDP locations. In theory, seismic migration moves events to their correct spatial locations and collapse energy from diffractions back to their scattering points. This features of migration can be distinguished in the migrated sections. When interval velocities used, all the diffractions are removed and fault planes can be seen clearly. When average velocities used, MGBF plane extends to greater depths. Additionally, slope angles and locations of antithetic faults in the northern margin of the graben changes. When RMS velocities used, a migrated section was obtained for which to make an interpretation was quite hard, especially for the main structures along the northern margin and reflections related to formations.

Estuarine mixing behavior of colloidal organic carbon and colloidal mercury in Galveston Bay, Texas.

PubMed

Lee, Seyong; Han, Seunghee; Gill, Gary A

2011-06-01

Mercury (Hg) in estuarine water is distributed among different physical phases (i.e. particulate, colloidal, and truly dissolved). This phase speciation influences the fate and cycling of Hg in estuarine systems. However, limited information exists on the estuarine distribution of colloidal phase Hg, mainly due to the technical difficulties involved in measuring it. In the present study, we determined Hg and organic carbon levels from unfiltered, filtered (<0.45 μm), colloidal (10 kDa-0.45 μm), and truly dissolved (<10 kDa) fractions of Galveston Bay surface water in order to understand the estuarine mixing behavior of Hg species as well as interactions of Hg with colloidal organic matter. For the riverine end-member, the colloidal fraction comprised 43 ± 11% of the total dissolved Hg pool and decreased to 17 ± 8% in brackish water. In the estuarine mixing zone, dissolved Hg and colloidal organic carbon showed non-conservative removal behavior, particularly in the low salinity (<15 ppt) region. This removal may be caused by salt-induced coagulation of colloidal matter and consequent removal of dissolved Hg. The particle-water interaction, K(d) ([particulate Hg (mol kg(-1))]/[dissolved Hg (mol L(-1))]) of Hg decreased as particle concentration increased, while the particle-water partition coefficient based on colloidal Hg and the truly dissolved Hg fraction, K(c) ([colloidal Hg (mol kg(-1))]/[truly dissolved Hg (mol L(-1))]) of Hg remained constant as particle concentration increased. This suggests that the particle concentration effect is associated with the amount of colloidal Hg, increasing in proportion to the amount of suspended particulate matter. This work demonstrates that, colloidal organic matter plays an important role in the transport, particle-water partitioning, and removal of dissolved Hg in estuarine waters.

Mobile colloid generation induced by a cementitious plume: mineral surface-charge controls on mobilization.

PubMed

Li, Dien; Kaplan, Daniel I; Roberts, Kimberly A; Seaman, John C

2012-03-06

Cementitious materials are increasingly used as engineered barriers and waste forms for radiological waste disposal. Yet their potential effect on mobile colloid generation is not well-known, especially as it may influence colloid-facilitated contaminant transport. Whereas previous papers have studied the introduction of cement colloids into sediments, this study examined the influence of cement leachate chemistry on the mobilization of colloids from a subsurface sediment collected from the Savannah River Site, USA. A sharp mobile colloid plume formed with the introduction of a cement leachate simulant. Colloid concentrations decreased to background concentrations even though the aqueous chemical conditions (pH and ionic strength) remained unchanged. Mobile colloids were mainly goethite and to a lesser extent kaolinite. The released colloids had negative surface charges and the mean particle sizes ranged primarily from 200 to 470 nm. Inherent mineralogical electrostatic forces appeared to be the controlling colloid removal mechanism in this system. In the background pH of ~6.0, goethite had a positive surface charge, whereas quartz (the dominant mineral in the immobile sediment) and kaolinite had negative surface charges. Goethite acted as a cementing agent, holding kaolinite and itself onto the quartz surfaces due to the electrostatic attraction. Once the pH of the system was elevated, as in the cementitious high pH plume front, the goethite reversed to a negative charge, along with quartz and kaolinite, then goethite and kaolinite colloids were mobilized and a sharp spike in turbidity was observed. Simulating conditions away from the cementitious source, essentially no colloids were mobilized at 1:1000 dilution of the cement leachate or when the leachate pH was ≤ 8. Extreme alkaline pH environments of cementitious leachate may change mineral surface charges, temporarily promoting the formation of mobile colloids.

Colloid-facilitated mobilization of metals by freeze-thaw cycles.

PubMed

Mohanty, Sanjay K; Saiers, James E; Ryan, Joseph N

2014-01-21

The potential of freeze-thaw cycles to release colloids and colloid-associated contaminants into water is unknown. We examined the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the mobilization of cesium and strontium in association with colloids in intact cores of a fractured soil, where preferential flow paths are prevalent. Two intact cores were contaminated with cesium and strontium. To mobilize colloids and metal cations sequestered in the soil cores, each core was subjected to 10 intermittent wetting events separated by 66 h pauses. During the first five pauses, the cores were dried at room temperature, and during last five pauses, the cores were subjected to 42 h of freezing followed by 24 h of thawing. In comparison to drying, freeze-thaw cycles created additional preferential flow paths through which colloids, cesium, and strontium were mobilized. The wetting events following freeze-thaw intervals mobilized about twice as many colloids as wetting events following drying at room temperature. Successive wetting events following 66 h of drying mobilized similar amounts of colloids; in contrast, successive wetting events after 66 h of freeze-thaw intervals mobilized greater amounts of colloids than the previous one. Drying and freeze-thaw treatments, respectively, increased and decreased the dissolved cesium and strontium, but both treatments increased the colloidal cesium and strontium. Overall, the freeze-thaw cycles increased the mobilization of metal contaminants primarily in association with colloids through preferential flow paths. These findings suggest that the mobilization of colloid and colloid-associated contaminants could increase when temperature variations occur around the freezing point of water. Thus, climate extremes have the potential to mobilize contaminants that have been sequestered in the vadose zone for decades.

Iron-rich colloids as carriers of phosphorus in streams: A field-flow fractionation study.

PubMed

Baken, Stijn; Regelink, Inge C; Comans, Rob N J; Smolders, Erik; Koopmans, Gerwin F

2016-08-01

Colloidal phosphorus (P) may represent an important fraction of the P in natural waters, but these colloids remain poorly characterized. In this work, we demonstrate the applicability of asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to high resolution ICP-MS for the characterization of low concentrations of P-bearing colloids. Colloids from five streams draining catchments with contrasting properties were characterized by AF4-ICP-MS and by membrane filtration. All streams contain free humic substances (2-3 nm) and Fe-bearing colloids (3-1200 nm). Two soft water streams contain primary Fe oxyhydroxide-humic nanoparticles (3-6 nm) and aggregates thereof (up to 150 nm). In contrast, three harder water streams contain larger aggregates (40-1200 nm) which consist of diverse associations between Fe oxyhydroxides, humic substances, clay minerals, and possibly ferric phosphate minerals. Despite the diversity of colloids encountered in these contrasting streams, P is in most of the samples predominantly associated with Fe-bearing colloids (mostly Fe oxyhydroxides) at molar P:Fe ratios between 0.02 and 1.5. The molar P:Fe ratio of the waters explains the partitioning of P between colloids and truly dissolved species. Waters with a high P:Fe ratio predominantly contain truly dissolved species because the Fe-rich colloids are saturated with P, whereas waters with a low P:Fe ratio mostly contain colloidal P species. Overall, AF4-ICP-MS is a suitable technique to characterize the diverse P-binding colloids in natural waters. Such colloids may increase the mobility or decrease the bioavailability of P, and they therefore need to be considered when addressing the transport and environmental effects of P in catchments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Soil colloidal behavior

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Recent understanding that organic and inorganic contaminants are often transported via colloidal particles has increased interest in colloid science. The primary importance of colloids in soil science stems from their surface reactivity and charge characteristics. Characterizations of size, shape,...

Active colloidal molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Löwen, Hartmut

2018-03-01

Like ordinary molecules are composed of atoms, colloidal molecules consist of several species of colloidal particles tightly bound together. If one of these components is self-propelled or swimming, novel “active colloidal molecules” emerge. Active colloidal molecules exist on various levels such as “homonuclear”, “heteronuclear” and “polymeric” and possess a dynamical function moving as propellers, spinners or rotors. Self-assembly of such active complexes has been studied a lot recently and this perspective article summarizes recent progress and gives an outlook to future developments in the rapidly expanding field of active colloidal molecules.

Colloid mobilization and heavy metal transport in the sampling of soil solution from Duckum soil in South Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Seyong; Ko, Il-Won; Yoon, In-Ho; Kim, Dong-Wook; Kim, Kyoung-Woong

2018-03-24

Colloid mobilization is a significant process governing colloid-associated transport of heavy metals in subsurface environments. It has been studied for the last three decades to understand this process. However, colloid mobilization and heavy metal transport in soil solutions have rarely been studied using soils in South Korea. We investigated the colloid mobilization in a variety of flow rates during sampling soil solutions in sand columns. The colloid concentrations were increased at low flow rates and in saturated regimes. Colloid concentrations increased 1000-fold higher at pH 9.2 than at pH 7.3 in the absence of 10 mM NaCl solution. In addition, those were fourfold higher in the absence than in the presence of the NaCl solution at pH 9.2. It was suggested that the mobility of colloids should be enhanced in porous media under the basic conditions and the low ionic strength. In real field soils, the concentrations of As, Cr, and Pb in soil solutions increased with the increase in colloid concentrations at initial momentarily changed soil water pressure, whereas the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Al, and Co lagged behind the colloid release. Therefore, physicochemical changes and heavy metal characteristics have important implications for colloid-facilitated transport during sampling soil solutions.

What Is a Colloid?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lamb, William G.

1985-01-01

Describes the properties of colloids, listing those commonly encountered (such as whipped cream, mayonnaise, and fog). Also presents several experiments using colloids and discusses "Silly Putty," a colloid with viscoelastic properties whose counterintuitive properties result from its mixture of polymers. (DH)

Microfluidic colloid filtration

PubMed Central

Linkhorst, John; Beckmann, Torsten; Go, Dennis; Kuehne, Alexander J. C.; Wessling, Matthias

2016-01-01

Filtration of natural and colloidal matter is an essential process in today’s water treatment processes. The colloidal matter is retained with the help of micro- and nanoporous synthetic membranes. Colloids are retained in a “cake layer” – often coined fouling layer. Membrane fouling is the most substantial problem in membrane filtration: colloidal and natural matter build-up leads to an increasing resistance and thus decreasing water transport rate through the membrane. Theoretical models exist to describe macroscopically the hydrodynamic resistance of such transport and rejection phenomena; however, visualization of the various phenomena occurring during colloid retention is extremely demanding. Here we present a microfluidics based methodology to follow filter cake build up as well as transport phenomena occuring inside of the fouling layer. The microfluidic colloidal filtration methodology enables the study of complex colloidal jamming, crystallization and melting processes as well as translocation at the single particle level. PMID:26927706

Tracking liquid in drying colloidal fluids with polarized light microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Kun; Park, Jung Soo; Kim, Joon Heon; Weon, Byung Mook

2014-11-01

When colloidal fluids dry, tracking liquid surfaces around colloids is difficult with conventional imaging techniques. Here we show that polarized light microscopy (PM) is very useful in tracking liquid surfaces during drying processes of colloidal fluids. In particular, the PM mode is not a new or difficult way but is able to visualize liquid films above colloids in real time. We demonstrate that when liquid films above colloidal particles are broken, the PM patterns appear clearly: this feature is useful to identify the moment of liquid film rupture above colloids in drying colloidal fluids. This result is helpful to improve relevant processes such as inkjet printing, painting, and nanoparticle patterning (K.C. and J.S.P. equally contributed). This work (NRF-2013R1A22A04008115) was supported by Mid-career Researcher Program through NRF grant funded by the MEST.

Chiral liquid crystal colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Ye; Martinez, Angel; Senyuk, Bohdan; Tasinkevych, Mykola; Smalyukh, Ivan I.

2018-01-01

Colloidal particles disturb the alignment of rod-like molecules of liquid crystals, giving rise to long-range interactions that minimize the free energy of distorted regions. Particle shape and topology are known to guide this self-assembly process. However, how chirality of colloidal inclusions affects these long-range interactions is unclear. Here we study the effects of distortions caused by chiral springs and helices on the colloidal self-organization in a nematic liquid crystal using laser tweezers, particle tracking and optical imaging. We show that chirality of colloidal particles interacts with the nematic elasticity to predefine chiral or racemic colloidal superstructures in nematic colloids. These findings are consistent with numerical modelling based on the minimization of Landau-de Gennes free energy. Our study uncovers the role of chirality in defining the mesoscopic order of liquid crystal colloids, suggesting that this feature may be a potential tool to modulate the global orientated self-organization of these systems.

Centrifugation-assisted Assembly of Colloidal Silica into Crack-Free and Transferrable Films with Tunable Crystalline Structures

PubMed Central

Fan, Wen; Chen, Min; Yang, Shu; Wu, Limin

2015-01-01

Self-assembly of colloidal particles into colloidal films has many actual and potential applications. While various strategies have been developed to direct the assembly of colloidal particles, fabrication of crack-free and transferrable colloidal film with controllable crystal structures still remains a major challenge. Here we show a centrifugation-assisted assembly of colloidal silica spheres into free-standing colloidal film by using the liquid/liquid interfaces of three immiscible phases. Through independent control of centrifugal force and interparticle electrostatic repulsion, polycrystalline, single-crystalline and quasi-amorphous structures can be readily obtained. More importantly, by dehydration of silica particles during centrifugation, the spontaneous formation of capillary water bridges between particles enables the binding and pre-shrinkage of the assembled array at the fluid interface. Thus the assembled colloidal films are not only crack-free, but also robust and flexible enough to be easily transferred on various planar and curved substrates. PMID:26159121

Predicting colloid transport through saturated porous media: A critical review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, Ian L.; Johnson, William P.; Gerhard, Jason I.; Willson, Clinton S.; O'Carroll, Denis M.

2015-09-01

Understanding and predicting colloid transport and retention in water-saturated porous media is important for the protection of human and ecological health. Early applications of colloid transport research before the 1990s included the removal of pathogens in granular drinking water filters. Since then, interest has expanded significantly to include such areas as source zone protection of drinking water systems and injection of nanometals for contaminated site remediation. This review summarizes predictive tools for colloid transport from the pore to field scales. First, we review experimental breakthrough and retention of colloids under favorable and unfavorable colloid/collector interactions (i.e., no significant and significant colloid-surface repulsion, respectively). Second, we review the continuum-scale modeling strategies used to describe observed transport behavior. Third, we review the following two components of colloid filtration theory: (i) mechanistic force/torque balance models of pore-scale colloid trajectories and (ii) approximating correlation equations used to predict colloid retention. The successes and limitations of these approaches for favorable conditions are summarized, as are recent developments to predict colloid retention under the unfavorable conditions particularly relevant to environmental applications. Fourth, we summarize the influences of physical and chemical heterogeneities on colloid transport and avenues for their prediction. Fifth, we review the upscaling of mechanistic model results to rate constants for use in continuum models of colloid behavior at the column and field scales. Overall, this paper clarifies the foundation for existing knowledge of colloid transport and retention, features recent advances in the field, critically assesses where existing approaches are successful and the limits of their application, and highlights outstanding challenges and future research opportunities. These challenges and opportunities include improving mechanistic descriptions, and subsequent correlation equations, for nanoparticle (i.e., Brownian particle) transport through soil, developing mechanistic descriptions of colloid retention in so-called "unfavorable" conditions via methods such as the "discrete heterogeneity" approach, and employing imaging techniques such as X-ray tomography to develop realistic expressions for grain topology and mineral distribution that can aid the development of these mechanistic approaches.

Leaching of natural colloids from forest topsoils and their relevance for phosphorus mobility.

PubMed

Missong, Anna; Holzmann, Stefan; Bol, Roland; Nischwitz, Volker; Puhlmann, Heike; V Wilpert, Klaus; Siemens, Jan; Klumpp, Erwin

2018-09-01

The leaching of P from the upper 20cm of forest topsoils influences nutrient (re-)cycling and the redistribution of available phosphate and organic P forms. However, the effective leaching of colloids and associated P forms from forest topsoils was so far sparsely investigated. We demonstrated through irrigation experiments with undisturbed mesocosm soil columns, that significant proportions of P leached from acidic forest topsoils were associated with natural colloids. These colloids had a maximum size of 400nm. By means of Field-flow fractionation the leached soil colloids could be separated into three size fractions. The size and composition was comparable to colloids present in acidic forest streams known from literature. The composition of leached colloids of the three size classes was dominated by organic carbon. Furthermore, these colloids contained large concentrations of P which amounted between 12 and 91% of the totally leached P depending on the type of the forest soil. The fraction of other elements leached with colloids ranged between 1% and 25% (Fe: 1-25%; C org : 3-17%; Al: <4%; Si, Ca, Mn: all <2%). The proportion of colloid-associated P decreased with increasing total P leaching. Leaching of total and colloid-associated P from the forest surface soil did not increase with increasing bulk soil P concentrations and were also not related to tree species. The present study highlighted that colloid-facilitated P leaching can be of higher relevance for the P leaching from forest surface soils than dissolved P and should not be neglected in soil water flux studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Laboratory investigation of the factors impact on bubble size, pore blocking and enhanced oil recovery with aqueous Colloidal Gas Aphron.

PubMed

Shi, Shenglong; Wang, Yefei; Li, Zhongpeng; Chen, Qingguo; Zhao, Zenghao

Colloidal Gas Aphron as a mobility control in enhanced oil recovery is becoming attractive; it is also designed to block porous media with micro-bubbles. In this paper, the effects of surfactant concentration, polymer concentration, temperature and salinity on the bubble size of the Colloidal Gas Aphron were studied. Effects of injection rates, Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid composition, heterogeneity of reservoir on the resistance to the flow of Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid through porous media were investigated. Effects of Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid composition and temperature on residual oil recovery were also studied. The results showed that bubble growth rate decreased with increasing surfactant concentration, polymer concentration, and decreasing temperature, while it decreased and then increased slightly with increasing salinity. The obvious increase of injection pressure was observed as more Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid was injected, indicating that Colloidal Gas Aphron could block the pore media effectively. The effectiveness of the best blend obtained through homogeneous sandpack flood tests was modestly improved in the heterogeneous sandpack. The tertiary oil recovery increased 26.8 % by Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid as compared to 20.3 % by XG solution when chemical solution of 1 PV was injected into the sandpack. The maximum injected pressure of Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid was about three times that of the XG solution. As the temperature increased, the Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid became less stable; the maximum injection pressure and tertiary oil recovery of Colloidal Gas Aphron fluid decreased.

A binomial modeling approach for upscaling colloid transport under unfavorable conditions: Emergent prediction of extended tailing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilpert, Markus; Rasmuson, Anna; Johnson, William P.

2017-07-01

Colloid transport in saturated porous media is significantly influenced by colloidal interactions with grain surfaces. Near-surface fluid domain colloids experience relatively low fluid drag and relatively strong colloidal forces that slow their downgradient translation relative to colloids in bulk fluid. Near-surface fluid domain colloids may reenter into the bulk fluid via diffusion (nanoparticles) or expulsion at rear flow stagnation zones, they may immobilize (attach) via primary minimum interactions, or they may move along a grain-to-grain contact to the near-surface fluid domain of an adjacent grain. We introduce a simple model that accounts for all possible permutations of mass transfer within a dual pore and grain network. The primary phenomena thereby represented in the model are mass transfer of colloids between the bulk and near-surface fluid domains and immobilization. Colloid movement is described by a Markov chain, i.e., a sequence of trials in a 1-D network of unit cells, which contain a pore and a grain. Using combinatorial analysis, which utilizes the binomial coefficient, we derive the residence time distribution, i.e., an inventory of the discrete colloid travel times through the network and of their probabilities to occur. To parameterize the network model, we performed mechanistic pore-scale simulations in a single unit cell that determined the likelihoods and timescales associated with the above colloid mass transfer processes. We found that intergrain transport of colloids in the near-surface fluid domain can cause extended tailing, which has traditionally been attributed to hydrodynamic dispersion emanating from flow tortuosity of solute trajectories.

Avalanches, plasticity, and ordering in colloidal crystals under compression.

PubMed

McDermott, D; Reichhardt, C J Olson; Reichhardt, C

2016-06-01

Using numerical simulations we examine colloids with a long-range Coulomb interaction confined in a two-dimensional trough potential undergoing dynamical compression. As the depth of the confining well is increased, the colloids move via elastic distortions interspersed with intermittent bursts or avalanches of plastic motion. In these avalanches, the colloids rearrange to minimize their colloid-colloid repulsive interaction energy by adopting an average lattice constant that is isotropic despite the anisotropic nature of the compression. The avalanches take the form of shear banding events that decrease or increase the structural order of the system. At larger compression, the avalanches are associated with a reduction of the number of rows of colloids that fit within the confining potential, and between avalanches the colloids can exhibit partially crystalline or anisotropic ordering. The colloid velocity distributions during the avalanches have a non-Gaussian form with power-law tails and exponents that are consistent with those found for the velocity distributions of gliding dislocations. We observe similar behavior when we subsequently decompress the system, and find a partially hysteretic response reflecting the irreversibility of the plastic events.

Solvent coarsening around colloids driven by temperature gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sutapa; Dietrich, Siegfried; Maciolek, Anna

2018-04-01

Using mesoscopic numerical simulations and analytical theory, we investigate the coarsening of the solvent structure around a colloidal particle emerging after a temperature quench of the colloid surface. Qualitative differences in the coarsening mechanisms are found, depending on the composition of the binary liquid mixture forming the solvent and on the adsorption preferences of the colloid. For an adsorptionwise neutral colloid, the phase next to its surface alternates as a function of time. This behavior sets in on the scale of the relaxation time of the solvent and is absent for colloids with strong adsorption preferences. A Janus colloid, with a small temperature difference between its two hemispheres, reveals an asymmetric structure formation and surface enrichment around it, even if the solvent is within its one-phase region and if the temperature of the colloid is above the critical demixing temperature Tc of the solvent. Our phenomenological model turns out to capture recent experimental findings according to which, upon laser illumination of a Janus colloid and due to the ensuing temperature gradient between its two hemispheres, the surrounding binary liquid mixture develops a concentration gradient.

Adsorption of heavy metals on amine-functionalized MCM-48

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taba, P.; Budi, P.; Puspitasari, A. Y.

2017-04-01

The ordered mesoporous silica with cubic structure, MCM-48 was synthesized by post-synthesis under basic media using colloidal silica, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and Triton X-100. The modified material, NH2-MCM-48 was prepared using 3-aminopropyl trimetoxysilane (3-APTMS). X-ray diffraction and FT-IR were used to characterize the samples. The modified material was utilized for adsorption of Cu2+and Mn2+ from aqueous solution. Parameters used for studying the adsorption process were pH, time of contact, and the initial concentrations of Cu2+ and Mn2+ ions. Desorption of ions from the adsorbent was also studied using several desorbing agents. The pseudo-second order was found to be the kinetic order for the metals adsorption. The adsorption of Cu2+ and Mn2+ on NH2-MCM-48 was fixed by the Langmuir model better than the Freundlich model with the capacity of 0.52 and 0.80 mmol g-1 for Cu2+ and Mn2+, respectively. The best desorbing agents for removing the adsorbed Cu2+ and Mn2+ from the adsorbent were 1 M HNO3 and 1 M HC1, respectively.

Bacteriophage PRD1 and silica colloid transport and recovery in an iron oxide-coated sand aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryan, J.N.; Elimelech, M.; Ard, R.A.; Harvey, R.W.; Johnson, P.R.

1999-01-01

Bacteriophage PRD1 and silica colloids were co-injected into sewage- contaminated and uncontaminated zones of an iron oxide-coated sand aquifer on Cape Cod, MA, and their transport was monitored over distances up to 6 m in three arrays. After deposition, the attached PRD1 and silica colloids were mobilized by three different chemical perturbations (elevated pH, anionic surfactant, and reductant). PRD1 and silica colloids experienced less attenuation in the contaminated zone where adsorbed organic matter and phosphate may be hindering attachment of PRD1 and silica colloids to the iron oxide coatings. The PRD1 collision efficiencies agree well with collision efficiencies predicted by assuming favorable PRD1 deposition on iron oxide coatings for which the surface area coverage was measured by microprobe analysis of sediment thin sections. ?? potentials of the PRD1, silica colloids, and aquifer grains corroborated the transport results, indicating that electrostatic forces dominated the attachment of PRD1 and silica colloids. Elevated pH was the chemical perturbation most effective at mobilizing the attached PRD1 and silica colloids. Elevated surfactant concentration mobilized the attached PRD1 and silica colloids more effectively in the contaminated zone than in the uncontaminated zone.Bacteriophage PRD1 and silica colloids were co-injected into sewage-contaminated and uncontaminated zones of an iron oxide-coated sand aquifer on Cape Cod, MA, and their transport was monitored over distances up to 6 m in three arrays. After deposition, the attached PRD1 and silica colloids were mobilized by three different chemical perturbations (elevated pH, anionic surfactant, and reductant). PRD1 and silica colloids experienced less attenuation in the contaminated zone where adsorbed organic matter and phosphate may be hindering attachment of PRD1 and silica colloids to the iron oxide coatings. The PRD1 collision efficiencies agree well with collision efficiencies predicted by assuming favorable PRD1 deposition on iron oxide coatings for which the surface area coverage was measured by microprobe analysis of sediment thin sections. ?? potentials of the PRD1, silica colloids, and aquifer grains corroborated the transport results, indicating that electrostatic forces dominated the attachment of PRD1 and silica colloids. Elevated pH was the chemical perturbation most effective at mobilizing the attached PRD1 and silica colloids. Elevated surfactant concentration mobilized the attached PRD1 and silica colloids more effectively in the contaminated zone than in the uncontaminated zone.

Comment on "Curvature capillary migration of microspheres" by N. Sharifi-Mood, I. B. Liu, K. J. Stebe, Soft Matter, 2015, 11, 6768.

PubMed

Würger, Alois

2016-01-14

In a recent paper, Sharifi-Mood et al. studied colloidal particles trapped at a liquid interface with opposite principal curvatures c1 = -c2. In the theory part, they claim that the trapping energy vanishes at second order in Δc = c1 - c2, which would invalidate our previous result [Phys. Rev. E: Stat., Nonlinear, Soft Matter Phys., 2006, 74, 041402]. Here we show that this claim arises from an improper treatment of the outer boundary condition on the deformation field. For both pinned and moving contact lines, we find that the outer boundary is irrelevant, which confirms our previous work. More generally, we show that the trapping energy is determined by the deformation close to the particle and does not depend on the far-field.

In situ colloid mobilization in Hanford sediments under unsaturated transient flow conditions: effect of irrigation pattern.

PubMed

Zhuang, Jie; McCarthy, John F; Tyner, John S; Perfect, Edmund; Flury, Markus

2007-05-01

Colloid transport may facilitate off-site transport of radioactive wastes at the Hanford site, Washington State. In this study, column experiments were conducted to examine the effect of irrigation schedule on releases of in situ colloids from two Hanford sediments during saturated and unsaturated transientflow and its dependence on solution ionic strength, irrigation rate, and sediment texture. Results show that transient flow mobilized more colloids than steady-state flow. The number of short-term hydrological pulses was more important than total irrigation volume for increasing the amount of mobilized colloids. This effect increased with decreasing ionic strength. At an irrigation rate equal to 5% of the saturated hydraulic conductivity, a transient multipulse flow in 100 mM NaNO3 was equivalent to a 50-fold reduction of ionic strength (from 100 mM to 2 mM) with a single-pulse flow in terms of their positive effects on colloid mobilization. Irrigation rate was more important for the initial release of colloids. In addition to water velocity, mechanical straining of colloids was partly responsible for the smaller colloid mobilization in the fine than in the coarse sands, although the fine sand contained much larger concentrations of colloids than the coarse sand.

Collection and analysis of colloidal particles transported in the Mississippi River, U.S.A.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rees, T.F.; Ranville, J.F.

1990-01-01

Sediment transport has long been recognized as an important mechanism for the transport of contaminants in surface waters. Suspended sediment has traditionally been divided into three size classes: sand-sized (>63 ??m), silt-sized ( 63 ??m), silt-sized (< 63 ??m but settleable) and clay-sized (non-settleable). The first two classes are easily collected and characterized using screens (sand) and settling (silt). The clay-sized particles, more properly called colloids, are more difficult to collect and characterize, and until recently received little attention. From the hydrologic perspective, a colloid is a particle, droplet, or gas bubble with at least one dimension between 0.001 and 1 ??m. Because of their small size, colloids have large specific surface areas and high surface free energies which may facilitate sorption of hydrophobic materials. Understanding what types of colloids are present in a system, how contaminants of interest interact with these colloids, and what parameters control the transport of colloids in natural systems is critical if the relative importance of colloid-mediated transport is to be understood. This paper describes the collection, concentration and characterization of colloidal materials in the Mississippi River. Colloid concentrations, particle-size distributions, mineral composition and electrophoretic mobilities were determined. Techniques used are illustrated with samples collected at St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.

Enrichment of marine sediment colloids with polychlorinated biphenyls: Trends resulting from PCB solubility and chlorination

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burgess, R.M.; McKinney, R.A.; Brown, W.A.

1996-08-01

In this study, the three phase distributions (i.e., dissolved, colloidal, and particulate) of approximately 75 PCB congeners were measured in a marine sediment core from New Bedford Harbor, M.A. These distributions are the first report of colloid-PCB interactions in an environmentally contaminated sediment. Colloids <1.2 {mu}m in size were isolated from interstitial waters using reverse-phase chromatography with size-selected C{sub 18}. Regardless of solubility or chlorination, the majority of PCBs were associated with the particulate phase. PCBs were distributed in filtered interstitial waters between colloidal and dissolved phases as a function of solubility and degree of chlorination. Interstitial dissolved PCB concentrationsmore » generally agreed with literature-reported solubilities. The magnitude of colloid-PCB interactions increased with decreasing PCB solubility and increasing PCB chlorination. Di- and trichlorinated PCBs were approximately 40% and 65% colloidally bound, respectively, while tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, and octachlorinated PCBs were about 80% colloidally bound. As core depth increased, the magnitude of PCB-colloid interactions also increased. The relationships of organic carbon-normalized colloidal partitioning coefficient(K{sub coc}) to K{sub ow} for several PCB congeners were not linear and suggest that interstitial waters were not equilibrated. 62 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Organic colloids and their influence on low-pressure membrane filtration.

PubMed

Laabs, C; Amy, G; Jekel, M

2004-01-01

Wastewater treatment by low-pressure membrane filtration (MF and UF) is affected to a large extent by macromolecules and colloids. In order to investigate the influence of organic colloids on the membrane filtration process, colloids were isolated from a wastewater treatment plant effluent using a rotary-evaporation pre-concentration step followed by dialysis. Stirred cell tests were carried out using redissolved colloids, with and without additional glass fiber filtration. After constant pressure membrane filtration of 190 L/m2, the initial flux had declined by 50% for colloids > 6-8 kD (glass fiber filtered) with a hydrophilic MF membrane and for colloids > 12-14 kD (glass fiber filtered) with a hydrophobic MF membrane. For the non-filtered colloidal solutions, the flux decline was even steeper with the flux being below 10% of the initial flux after 190 L/m2 were passed through the membranes. As with larger particles, colloids form a filtration cake layer on top of the membrane surface when used as isolates without prior filtration. This filtration cake is easily removed during backwashing. However, polysaccharides as a macromolecular component of the colloid isolate cause severe fouling by the formation of a gel layer on the membrane surface that is difficult to remove completely.

Colloidal Gelation-2 and Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition-2 Investigations Conducted on STS-95

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffmann, Monica T.

2000-01-01

The Colloidal Gelation-2 (CGEL 2) and Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition-2 (CDOT 2) investigations flew on Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-95 (also known as the John Glenn Mission). These investigations were part of a series of colloid experiments designed to help scientists answer fundamental science questions and reduce the trial and error involved in developing new and better materials. Industries dealing with semiconductors, electro-optics, ceramics, and composites are just a few that may benefit from this knowledge. The goal of the CGEL 2 investigation was to study the fundamental properties of colloids to help scientists better understand their nature and make them more useful for technology. Colloids consist of very small (submicron) particles suspended in a fluid. They play a critical role in the technology of this country, finding uses in materials ranging from paints and coatings to drugs, cosmetics, food, and drink. Although these products are routinely produced and used, there are still many aspects of their behavior about which scientists know little. Understanding their structures may allow scientists to manipulate the physical properties of colloids (a process called "colloidal engineering") to produce new materials and products. Colloid research may even improve the processing of known products to enhance their desirable properties.

Response of Soft Continuous Structures and Topological Defects to a Temperature Gradient.

PubMed

Kurita, Rei; Mitsui, Shun; Tanaka, Hajime

2017-09-08

Thermophoresis, which is mass transport induced by a temperature gradient, has recently attracted considerable attention as a new way to transport materials. So far the study has been focused on the transport of discrete structures such as colloidal particles, proteins, and polymers in solutions. However, the response of soft continuous structures such as membranes and gels to a temperature gradient has been largely unexplored. Here we study the behavior of a lamellar phase made of stacked surfactant bilayer membranes under a temperature gradient. We find the migration of membranes towards a low-temperature region, causing the increase in the degree of membrane undulation fluctuations towards that direction. This is contrary to our intuition that the fluctuations are weaker at a lower temperature. We show that this can be explained by temperature-gradient-induced migration of membranes under the topological constraint coming from the connectivity of each membrane. We also reveal that the pattern of an edge dislocation array formed in a wedge-shaped cell can be controlled by a temperature gradient. These findings suggest that application of a temperature gradient provides a novel way to control the organization of soft continuous structures such as membranes, gels, and foams, in a manner essentially different from the other types of fields, and to manipulate topological defects.

What happens when pharmaceuticals meet colloids.

PubMed

Xing, Yingna; Chen, Xijuan; Zhuang, Jie; Chen, Xin

2015-12-01

Pharmaceuticals (PCs) have been widely detected in natural environment due to agricultural application of reclaimed water, sludge and animal wastes. Their potential risks to various ecosystems and even to human health have caused great concern; however, little was known about their environmental behaviors. Colloids (such as clays, metal oxides, and particulate organics) are kind of substances that are active and widespread in the environment. When PCs meet colloids, their interaction may influence the fate, transport, and toxicity of PCs. This review summarizes the progress of studies on the role of colloids in mediating the environmental behaviors of PCs. Synthesized results showed that colloids can adsorb PCs mainly through ion exchange, complexation and non-electrostatic interactions. During this process the structure of colloids and the stability of PCs may be changed. The adsorbed PCs may have higher risks to induce antibiotic resistance; besides, their transport may also be altered considering they have great chance to move with colloids. Solution conditions (such as pH, ionic strength, and cations) could influence these interactions between PCs and colloids, as they can change the forms of PCs and alter the primary forces between PCs and colloids in the solution. It could be concluded that PCs in natural soils could bind with colloids and then co-transport during the processes of irrigation, leaching, and erosion. Therefore, colloid-PC interactions need to be understood for risk assessment of PCs and the best management practices of various ecosystems (such as agricultural and wetland systems).

Colloidal mode of transport in the Potomac River watershed

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maher, I.L.; Foster, G.D.

1995-12-31

Similarly to the particulate phase the colloidal phase may play an important role in the organic contaminant transport downstream the river. The colloidal phase consisting of microparticles and micromolecules which are small enough to be mobile and large enough to attract pollutants can absorb nonpolar organic compounds similarly as do soil and sediment particles. To test the hypothesis three river water samples have been analyzed for PAH content in the dissolved, the colloidal, and the particulate phase. The first sample was collected at the Blue Ridge province of Potomac River watershed, at Point of Rocks, the second one in themore » Pidmont province, at Riverbend Park, and the third sample at Coastal Plane, at Dyke Marsh (Belle Heven marina). In the laboratory environment each water sample was prefiltered to separate the particulate phase form the dissolved and colloidal phase. One part of the prefiltered water sample was ultrafiltered to separate colloids while the second part of the water was Goulden extracted. The separated colloidal phase was liquid-liquid extracted (LLE) while filters containing the suspended solids were Soxhlet extracted. The extracts of the particulate phase, the colloidal phase, and the dissolved plus colloidal phase were analyzed for selected PAHs via GC/MS. It is planned that concentrations of selected PAHs in three phases will be used for calculations of the partition coefficients, the colloid/dissolved partition coefficient and the particle/dissolved partition coefficient. Both partition coefficients will be compared to define the significance of organic contaminant transport by aquatic colloids.« less

Method for the preparation of metal colloids in inverse micelles and product preferred by the method

DOEpatents

Wilcoxon, Jess P.

1992-01-01

A method is provided for preparing catalytic elemental metal colloidal particles (e.g. gold, palladium, silver, rhodium, iridium, nickel, iron, platinum, molybdenum) or colloidal alloy particles (silver/iridium or platinum/gold). A homogeneous inverse micelle solution of a metal salt is first formed in a metal-salt solvent comprised of a surfactant (e.g. a nonionic or cationic surfactant) and an organic solvent. The size and number of inverse micelles is controlled by the proportions of the surfactant and the solvent. Then, the metal salt is reduced (by chemical reduction or by a pulsed or continuous wave UV laser) to colloidal particles of elemental metal. After their formation, the colloidal metal particles can be stabilized by reaction with materials that permanently add surface stabilizing groups to the surface of the colloidal metal particles. The sizes of the colloidal elemental metal particles and their size distribution is determined by the size and number of the inverse micelles. A second salt can be added with further reduction to form the colloidal alloy particles. After the colloidal elemental metal particles are formed, the homogeneous solution distributes to two phases, one phase rich in colloidal elemental metal particles and the other phase rich in surfactant. The colloidal elemental metal particles from one phase can be dried to form a powder useful as a catalyst. Surfactant can be recovered and recycled from the phase rich in surfactant.

Biosolid colloid-mediated transport of copper, zinc, and lead in waste-amended soils.

PubMed

Karathanasis, A D; Johnson, D M C; Matocha, C J

2005-01-01

Increasing land applications of biosolid wastes as soil amendments have raised concerns about potential toxic effects of associated metals on the environment. This study investigated the ability of biosolid colloids to transport metals associated with organic waste amendments through subsurface soil environments with leaching experiments involving undisturbed soil monoliths. Biosolid colloids were fractionated from a lime-stabilized, an aerobically digested, and a poultry manure organic waste and applied onto the monoliths at a rate of 0.7 cm/h. Eluents were monitored for Cu, Zn, Pb, and colloid concentrations over 16 to 24 pore volumes of leaching. Mass-balance calculations indicated significantly higher (up to 77 times) metal elutions in association with the biosolid colloids in both total and soluble fractions over the control treatments. Eluted metal loads varied with metal, colloid, and soil type, following the sequences Zn = Cu > Pb, and ADB > PMB > LSB colloids. Colloid and metal elution was enhanced by decreasing pH and colloid size, and increasing soil macroporosity and organic matter content. Breakthrough curves were mostly irregular, showing several maxima and minima as a result of preferential macropore flow and multiple clogging and flushing cycles. Soil- and colloid-metal sorption affinities were not reliable predictors of metal attenuation/elution loads, underscoring the dynamic nature of transport processes. The findings demonstrate the important role of biosolid colloids as contaminant carriers and the significant risk they pose, if unaccounted, for soil and ground water contamination in areas receiving heavy applications of biosolid waste amendments.

Silica-coated titania and zirconia colloids for subsurface transport field experiments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryan, Joseph N.; Elimelech, Menachem; Baeseman, Jenny L.; Magelky, Robin D.

2000-01-01

Silica-coated titania (TiO2) and zirconia (ZrO2) colloids were synthesized in two sizes to provide easily traced mineral colloids for subsurface transport experiments. Electrophoretic mobility measurements showed that coating with silica imparted surface properties similar to pure silica to the titania and zirconia colloids. Measurements of steady electrophoretic mobility and size (by dynamic light scattering) over a 90-day period showed that the silica-coated colloids were stable to aggregation and loss of coating. A natural gradient field experiment conducted in an iron oxide-coated sand and gravel aquifer also showed that the surface properties of the silica-coated colloids were similar. Colloid transport was traced at μg L-1 concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy measurement of Ti and Zr in acidified samples.

Kinetic control of the coverage of oil droplets by DNA-functionalized colloids

PubMed Central

Joshi, Darshana; Bargteil, Dylan; Caciagli, Alessio; Burelbach, Jerome; Xing, Zhongyang; Nunes, André S.; Pinto, Diogo E. P.; Araújo, Nuno A. M.; Brujic, Jasna; Eiser, Erika

2016-01-01

We report a study of reversible adsorption of DNA-coated colloids on complementary functionalized oil droplets. We show that it is possible to control the surface coverage of oil droplets using colloidal particles by exploiting the fact that, during slow adsorption, compositional arrest takes place well before structural arrest occurs. As a consequence, we can prepare colloid-coated oil droplets with a “frozen” degree of loading but with fully ergodic colloidal dynamics on the droplets. We illustrate the equilibrium nature of the adsorbed colloidal phase by exploring the quasi–two-dimensional phase behavior of the adsorbed colloids under the influence of depletion interactions and present simulations of a simple model that illustrates the nature of the compositional arrest and the structural ergodicity. PMID:27532053

Self-Assembly at the Colloidal Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Xiao

The existence of self-assembly, the phenomenon of spontaneous structural formation from building blocks, transcends many orders of magnitude, ranging from molecular to cosmic. It is arguably the most common, important, and complex question in science. This thesis aims for understanding a spectrum of self-assembly-self assembly at the colloidal scale. Of the whole spectrum of self-assembly, the colloidal scale is of particular interest and importance to researchers, for not only comprehensive tools for colloidal scale studies have been well established, but also the various promising applications colloidal self-assembly can facilitate. In this thesis, a high throughput technique-Polymer Pen Lithography (PPL) is modified and its potential for creating corrals for colloidal assembly is evaluated. Then two different approaches of assembling colloids are explored in depth. One of them is by using a phenomenon called dielectrophoresis (DEP) as driving force to manipulate colloidal nucleation and crystal growth. And the other takes advantage of the Pt-catalyzed H2O 2 redox reaction to drive micrometer-scaled, rod-shaped colloids to swim and assemble. Lastly, an optical method called Holographic Video Microscopy (HVM) is used to monitor and characterize "bad" self-assembly of proteins, that is their aggregations. The four studies discussed in this thesis represent advancements in the colloidal scale from different aspects. The PPL technique enriched the toolbox for colloidal self-assembly. The DEP driven colloidal nucleation and crystal growth shed light on deeper understanding the mechanism of crystallization. And the swimming and assembly of micro-scale rods leads to kinetics reminiscent of bacterial run-and-tumble motion. Finally, the HVM technique for monitoring and understanding protein aggregation could potentially lead to better quality assurance for therapeutic proteins and could be a powerful tool for assessing their shelf lives.

Colloid transport in dual-permeability media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leij, Feike J.; Bradford, Scott A.

2013-07-01

It has been widely reported that colloids can travel faster and over longer distances in natural structured porous media than in uniform structureless media used in laboratory studies. The presence of preferential pathways for colloids in the subsurface environment is of concern because of the increased risks for disease caused by microorganisms and colloid-associated contaminants. This study presents a model for colloid transport in dual-permeability media that includes reversible and irreversible retention of colloids and first-order exchange between the aqueous phases of the two regions. The model may also be used to describe transport of other reactive solutes in dual-permeability media. Analytical solutions for colloid concentrations in aqueous and solid phases were obtained using Laplace transformation and matrix decomposition. The solutions proved convenient to assess the effect of model parameters on the colloid distribution. The analytical model was used to describe effluent concentrations for a bromide tracer and 3.2- or 1-μm-colloids that were observed after transport through a composite 10-cm long porous medium made up of a cylindrical lens or core of sand and a surrounding matrix with sand of a different grain size. The tracer data were described very well and realistic estimates were obtained for the pore-water velocity in the two flow domains. An accurate description was also achieved for most colloid breakthrough curves. Dispersivity and retention parameters were typically greater for the larger 3.2-μm-colloids while both reversible and irreversible retention rates tended to be higher for the finer sands than the coarser sand. The relatively small sample size and the complex flow pattern in the composite medium made it difficult to reach definitive conclusions regarding transport parameters for colloid transport.

Colloid release and clogging in porous media: Effects of solution ionic strength and flow velocity.

PubMed

Torkzaban, Saeed; Bradford, Scott A; Vanderzalm, Joanne L; Patterson, Bradley M; Harris, Brett; Prommer, Henning

2015-10-01

The release and retention of in-situ colloids in aquifers play an important role in the sustainable operation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) schemes. The processes of colloid release, retention, and associated permeability changes in consolidated aquifer sediments were studied by displacing native groundwater with reverse osmosis-treated (RO) water at various flow velocities. Significant amounts of colloid release occurred when: (i) the native groundwater was displaced by RO-water with a low ionic strength (IS), and (ii) the flow velocity was increased in a stepwise manner. The amount of colloid release and associated permeability reduction upon RO-water injection depended on the initial clay content of the core. The concentration of released colloids was relatively low and the permeability reduction was negligible for the core sample with a low clay content of about 1.3%. In contrast, core samples with about 6 and 7.5% clay content exhibited: (i) close to two orders of magnitude increase in effluent colloid concentration and (ii) more than 65% permeability reduction. Incremental improvement in the core permeability was achieved when the flow velocity increased, whereas a short flow interruption provided a considerable increase in the core permeability. This dependence of colloid release and permeability changes on flow velocity and colloid concentration was consistent with colloid retention and release at pore constrictions due to the mechanism of hydrodynamic bridging. A mathematical model was formulated to describe the processes of colloid release, transport, retention at pore constrictions, and subsequent permeability changes. Our experimental and modeling results indicated that only a small fraction of the in-situ colloids was released for any given change in the IS or flow velocity. Comparison of the fitted and experimentally measured effluent colloid concentrations and associated changes in the core permeability showed good agreement, indicating that the essential physics were accurately captured by the model. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of different-sized colloids on the transport and deposition of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in quartz sand.

PubMed

Cai, Li; Peng, Shengnan; Wu, Dan; Tong, Meiping

2016-01-01

Colloids (non-biological and biological) with different sizes are ubiquitous in natural environment. The investigations regarding the influence of different-sized colloids on the transport and deposition behaviors of engineered-nanoparticles in porous media yet are still largely lacking. This study investigated the effects of different-sized non-biological and biological colloids on the transport of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) in quartz sand under both electrostatically favorable and unfavorable conditions. Fluorescent carboxylate-modified polystyrene latex microspheres (CML) with sizes of 0.2-2 μm were utilized as model non-biological colloids, while Gram-negative Escherichia coli (∼ 1 μm) and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (∼ 2 μm) were employed as model biological colloids. Under the examined solution conditions, both breakthrough curves and retained profiles of nTiO2 with different-sized CML particles/bacteria were similar as those without colloids under favorable conditions, indicating that the copresence of model colloids in suspensions had negligible effects on the transport and deposition of nTiO2 under favorable conditions. In contrast, higher breakthrough curves and lower retained profiles of nTiO2 with CML particles/bacteria relative to those without copresent colloids were observed under unfavorable conditions. Clearly, the copresence of model colloids increased the transport and decreased the deposition of nTiO2 in quartz sand under unfavorable conditions (solution conditions examined in present study). Both competition of deposition sites on quartz sand surfaces and the enhanced stability/dispersion of nTiO2 induced by copresent colloids were found to be responsible for the increased nTiO2 transport with colloids under unfavorable conditions. Moreover, the smallest colloids had the highest coverage on sand surface and most significant dispersion effect on nTiO2, resulting in the greatest nTiO2 transport. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Colloid characterization and in situ release in shallow groundwater under different hydrogeology conditions.

PubMed

Zhou, Jingjing; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Wenjing; Chen, Xuequn; Huan, Ying; Yu, Xipeng

2017-06-01

Changes to groundwater hydrodynamics and chemistry can lead to colloid release that can have a major impact on the groundwater environment. To analyze the effects of colloid release caused by artificial groundwater recharge, field and laboratory tests on colloid characterization and colloid release were conducted. The field tests were carried out at an artificial recharge test site in Shandong Province. In the field investigation, one recharge water sample and five groundwater samples were collected and filtered through three levels of ultrafiltration membranes, with pore sizes of 0.45 μm, 100 kDa, and 50 kDa. The field results indicated that the colloid mass concentrations in groundwater retained between membranes with pore sizes of 100 kDa-0.45 μm and 50 kDa-100 kDa were 19 and 62 mg/L, respectively. In recharge water, the colloid mass concentrations retained by 100-kDa-0.45-μm and 50-kDa-100-kDa membranes were 3 and 99 mg/L, respectively. Colloids detected on the ultrafiltration membranes were mainly inorganic between 100 kDa and 0.45 μm, and mainly organic between 50 and 100 kDa. Based on the field colloid investigation results, the organic colloid was chosen in the laboratory experiments to reveal its release behavior under different conditions. Porous media diameter, flux, ionic strength (IS), and ion valence were changed to determine their influences on organic colloid concentration outflow from undisturbed porous media. The experiment's results indicate that decreasing the diameter, and increasing the flux, ionic strength, and the number of divalent cations, can promote organic colloid release. The organic colloid release rate in the early stage was high and is thus likely to affect the quality of groundwater. The results provide a useful scientific basis for minimizing changes to hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions during artificial recharge, thus safeguarding groundwater quality.

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test Conducted on Mir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffmann, Monica I.; Ansari, Rafat R.

1999-01-01

Colloids are tiny (submicron) particles suspended in fluid. Paint, ink, and milk are examples of colloids found in everyday life. The Binary Colloidal Alloy Test (BCAT) is part of an extensive series of experiments planned to investigate the fundamental properties of colloids so that scientists can make colloids more useful for technological applications. Some of the colloids studied in BCAT are made of two different sized particles (binary colloidal alloys) that are very tiny, uniform plastic spheres. Under the proper conditions, these colloids can arrange themselves in a pattern to form crystals. These crystals may form the basis of new classes of light switches, displays, and optical devices. Windows made of liquid crystals are already in the marketplace. These windows change their appearance from transparent to opaque when a weak electric current is applied. In the future, if the colloidal crystals can be made to control the passage of light through them, such products could be made much more cheaply. These experiments require the microgravity environment of space because good quality crystals are difficult to produce on Earth because of sedimentation and convection in the fluid. The BCAT experiment hardware included two separate modules for two different experiments. The "Slow Growth" hardware consisted of a 35-mm camera with a 250- exposure photo film cartridge. The camera was aimed toward the sample module, which contained 10 separate colloid samples. A rack of small lights provided backlighting for the photographs. The BCAT hardware was launched on the shuttle and was operated aboard the Russian space station Mir by American astronauts John Blaha and David Wolf (launched September 1996 and returned January 1997; reflown September 1997 and returned January 1998). To begin the experiment, one of these astronauts would mix the samples to disperse the colloidal particles and break up any crystals that might have already formed. Once the samples were mixed and the experiment was powered on, the hardware operated autonomously, taking photos of the colloidal samples over a 90-day period.

SODI-COLLOID (Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument - Colloid)

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-17

ISS029-E-027431 (17 Oct. 2011) --- In the International Space Station?s Destiny laboratory, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 29 flight engineer, activates the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) in preparation for work with the Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument ? Colloid (SODI-COLLOID) hardware.

SERS Technique for Rapid Bacterial Screening

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study reports the feasibility of citrate-reduced colloidal silver SERS for differentiating E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. FT-Raman and SERS spectra of both silver colloids and colloid-K3PO4 mixtures were collected and analyzed to evaluate the reproducibility and stability of silver colloids...

SODI-COLLOID (Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument - Colloid)

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-17

ISS029-E-027435 (17 Oct. 2011) --- In the International Space Station?s Destiny laboratory, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 29 flight engineer, activates the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) in preparation for work with the Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument ? Colloid (SODI-COLLOID) hardware.

Contributions of nanoscale roughness to anomalous colloid retention and stability behavior

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Expressions were presented to determine the mean interaction energy between a colloid and a solid-water interface (SWI), as well as for colloid-colloid interactions, when both surfaces contain binary nanoscale roughness and chemical heterogeneity. The influence of heterogeneity type, roughness para...

Structural Coloration of a Colloidal Amorphous Array is Intensified by Carbon Nanolayers.

PubMed

Takeoka, Yukikazu; Iwata, Masanori; Seki, Takahiro; Nueangnoraj, Khanin; Nishihara, Hirotomo; Yoshioka, Shinya

2018-04-10

In this study, we introduce the possibility of applying a colloidal amorphous array composed of fine silica particles as a structural-color material to invisible information technology. The appearance of a thick filmlike colloidal amorphous array formed from fine silica particles is considerably influenced by incoherent light scattering across the entire visible region. Therefore, regardless of the diameter of the fine silica particles, the thick colloidal amorphous array exhibits a white color to the naked eye. When carbon is uniformly deposited in the colloidal amorphous array by a pressure-pulsed chemical vapor deposition method, incoherent light scattering in the colloidal amorphous array is suppressed. As a result, coherent light scattering due to the short-range order in the colloidal amorphous array becomes conspicuous and the array exhibits a vivid structural color. As structures, such as letters and pictures, can be drawn using this technology, the colloidal amorphous array as a structural-colored material may also be applicable for invisible information technology.

Precursor-Based Synthesis of Porous Colloidal Particles towards Highly Efficient Catalysts.

PubMed

Zheng, Yun; Geng, Hongbo; Zhang, Yufei; Chen, Libao; Li, Cheng Chao

2018-04-02

In recent years, porous colloidal particles have found promising applications in catalytic fields, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, industrial and automotive byproducts removal, as well as biomass upgrading. These applications are critical for alleviating the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Porous colloidal particles have remarkable specific areas and abundant reactive sites, which can significantly improve the mass/charge transport and reaction rate in catalysis. Precursor-based synthesis is among the most facile and widely-adopted methods to achieve monodisperse and homogeneous porous colloidal particles. In the current review, we briefly introduce the general catalytic applications of porous colloidal particles. The conventional precursor-based methods are reviewed to design state-of-the-art porous colloidal particles as highly efficient catalysts. The recent development of porous colloidal particles derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), glycerates, carbonate precursors, and ion exchange methods are reviewed. In the end, the current concerns and future development of porous colloidal particles are outlined. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of iron solubility and charged surface-active compounds on lipid oxidation in fatty acid ethyl esters containing association colloids.

PubMed

Homma, Rika; Johnson, David R; McClements, D Julian; Decker, Eric A

2016-05-15

The impact of iron compounds with different solubilities on lipid oxidation was studied in the presence and absence of association colloids. Iron (III) sulfate only accelerated lipid oxidation in the presence of association colloids while iron (III) oleate accelerated oxidation in the presence and absence of association colloids. Further, iron (III) oxide retarded lipid oxidation both with and without association colloids. The impact of charged association colloids on lipid oxidation in ethyl oleate was also investigated. Association colloids consisting of the anionic surface-active compound dodecyl sulphosuccinate sodium salt (AOT), cationic surface-active compound hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and nonionic surface-active compound 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol (Triton X-100) retarded, promoted, and had no effect on lipid oxidation rates, respectively. These results indicate that the polarity of metal compounds and the charge of association colloids play a big role in lipid oxidation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Waste Form and Indrift Colloids-Associated Radionuclide Concentrations: Abstraction and Summary

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

R. Aguilar

This Model Report describes the analysis and abstractions of the colloids process model for the waste form and engineered barrier system components of the total system performance assessment calculations to be performed with the Total System Performance Assessment-License Application model. Included in this report is a description of (1) the types and concentrations of colloids that could be generated in the waste package from degradation of waste forms and the corrosion of the waste package materials, (2) types and concentrations of colloids produced from the steel components of the repository and their potential role in radionuclide transport, and (3) typesmore » and concentrations of colloids present in natural waters in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain. Additionally, attachment/detachment characteristics and mechanisms of colloids anticipated in the repository are addressed and discussed. The abstraction of the process model is intended to capture the most important characteristics of radionuclide-colloid behavior for use in predicting the potential impact of colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport on repository performance.« less

Colloid-borne forms of tetravalent actinides: A brief review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zänker, Harald; Hennig, Christoph

2014-02-01

Tetravalent actinides, An(IV), are usually assumed to be little mobile in near-neutral environmental waters because of their low solubility. However, there are certain geochemical scenarios during which mobilization of An(IV) in a colloid-borne (waterborne) form cannot be ruled out. A compilation of colloid-borne forms of tetravalent actinides described so far for laboratory experiments together with several examples of An(IV) colloids observed in field experiments and real-world scenarios are given. They are intended to be a knowledge base and a tool for those who have to interpret actinide behavior under environmental conditions. Synthetic colloids containing structural An(IV) and synthetic colloids carrying adsorbed An(IV) are considered. Their behavior is compared with the behavior of An(IV) colloids observed after the intentional or unintentional release of actinides into the environment. A list of knowledge gaps as to the behavior of An(IV) colloids is provided and items which need further research are highlighted.

A colloidal singularity reveals the crucial role of colloidal stability for nanomaterials in-vitro toxicity testing: nZVI-microalgae colloidal system as a case study.

PubMed

Gonzalo, Soledad; Llaneza, Veronica; Pulido-Reyes, Gerardo; Fernández-Piñas, Francisca; Bonzongo, Jean Claude; Leganes, Francisco; Rosal, Roberto; García-Calvo, Eloy; Rodea-Palomares, Ismael

2014-01-01

Aggregation raises attention in Nanotoxicology due to its methodological implications. Aggregation is a physical symptom of a more general physicochemical condition of colloidal particles, namely, colloidal stability. Colloidal stability is a global indicator of the tendency of a system to reduce its net surface energy, which may be achieved by homo-aggregation or hetero-aggregation, including location at bio-interfaces. However, the role of colloidal stability as a driver of ENM bioactivity has received little consideration thus far. In the present work, which focuses on the toxicity of nanoscaled Fe° nanoparticles (nZVI) towards a model microalga, we demonstrate that colloidal stability is a fundamental driver of ENM bioactivity, comprehensively accounting for otherwise inexplicable differential biological effects. The present work throws light on basic aspects of Nanotoxicology, and reveals a key factor which may reconcile contradictory results on the influence of aggregation in bioactivity of ENMs.

Electrokinetic Particle Aggregation and Flow Instabilities in Non-Dilute Colloidal Suspensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navaneetham, Guru; Posner, Jonathan

2007-11-01

An experimental investigation of electrokinetic particle aggregation and flow instabilities of non-dilute colloidal suspensions in microfabricated channels is presented. The addition of charged colloidal particles can alter the solution's conductivity, permittivity as well as the average particle electrophoretic mobility. In this work, a colloid volume fraction gradient is achieved at the intersection of a Y-shaped PDMS microchannel. The solution conductivity and the particle mobility as a function of the particle (500 nm polystyrene) volume fraction are presented. The critical conditions required for particle aggregation and flow instability are given along with a scaling analysis which shows that the flow becomes unstable at a critical electric Rayleigh number for a wide range of applied electric fields and colloid volume fractions. Electrokinetic particle aggregation and instabilities of non-dilute colloidal suspensions may be important for applications such as the electrophoretic deposition of particles to form micropatterned colloidal assemblies, electrorheological devices, and on-chip, electrokinetic manipulation of colloids.

Equivalence of Brownian dynamics and dynamic Monte Carlo simulations in multicomponent colloidal suspensions.

PubMed

Cuetos, Alejandro; Patti, Alessandro

2015-08-01

We propose a simple but powerful theoretical framework to quantitatively compare Brownian dynamics (BD) and dynamic Monte Carlo (DMC) simulations of multicomponent colloidal suspensions. By extending our previous study focusing on monodisperse systems of rodlike colloids, here we generalize the formalism described there to multicomponent colloidal mixtures and validate it by investigating the dynamics in isotropic and liquid crystalline phases containing spherical and rodlike particles. In order to investigate the dynamics of multicomponent colloidal systems by DMC simulations, it is key to determine the elementary time step of each species and establish a unique timescale. This is crucial to consistently study the dynamics of colloidal particles with different geometry. By analyzing the mean-square displacement, the orientation autocorrelation functions, and the self part of the van Hove correlation functions, we show that DMC simulation is a very convenient and reliable technique to describe the stochastic dynamics of any multicomponent colloidal system. Our theoretical formalism can be easily extended to any colloidal system containing size and/or shape polydisperse particles.

Structure and stability of charged colloid-nanoparticle mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weight, Braden M.; Denton, Alan R.

2018-03-01

Physical properties of colloidal materials can be modified by addition of nanoparticles. Within a model of like-charged mixtures of particles governed by effective electrostatic interactions, we explore the influence of charged nanoparticles on the structure and thermodynamic phase stability of charge-stabilized colloidal suspensions. Focusing on salt-free mixtures of particles of high size and charge asymmetry, interacting via repulsive Yukawa effective pair potentials, we perform molecular dynamics simulations and compute radial distribution functions and static structure factors. Analysis of these structural properties indicates that increasing the charge and concentration of nanoparticles progressively weakens correlations between charged colloids. We show that addition of charged nanoparticles to a suspension of like-charged colloids can induce a colloidal crystal to melt and can facilitate aggregation of a fluid suspension due to attractive van der Waals interactions. We attribute the destabilizing influence of charged nanoparticles to enhanced screening of electrostatic interactions, which weakens repulsion between charged colloids. This interpretation is consistent with recent predictions of an effective interaction theory of charged colloid-nanoparticle mixtures.

Programming Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Patchy Particles into Colloidal Crystals via Colloidal Molecules.

PubMed

Morphew, Daniel; Shaw, James; Avins, Christopher; Chakrabarti, Dwaipayan

2018-03-27

Colloidal self-assembly is a promising bottom-up route to a wide variety of three-dimensional structures, from clusters to crystals. Programming hierarchical self-assembly of colloidal building blocks, which can give rise to structures ordered at multiple levels to rival biological complexity, poses a multiscale design problem. Here we explore a generic design principle that exploits a hierarchy of interaction strengths and employ this design principle in computer simulations to demonstrate the hierarchical self-assembly of triblock patchy colloidal particles into two distinct colloidal crystals. We obtain cubic diamond and body-centered cubic crystals via distinct clusters of uniform size and shape, namely, tetrahedra and octahedra, respectively. Such a conceptual design framework has the potential to reliably encode hierarchical self-assembly of colloidal particles into a high level of sophistication. Moreover, the design framework underpins a bottom-up route to cubic diamond colloidal crystals, which have remained elusive despite being much sought after for their attractive photonic applications.

A Colloidal Singularity Reveals the Crucial Role of Colloidal Stability for Nanomaterials In-Vitro Toxicity Testing: nZVI-Microalgae Colloidal System as a Case Study

PubMed Central

Fernández-Piñas, Francisca; Bonzongo, Jean Claude; Leganes, Francisco; Rosal, Roberto; García-Calvo, Eloy; Rodea-Palomares, Ismael

2014-01-01

Aggregation raises attention in Nanotoxicology due to its methodological implications. Aggregation is a physical symptom of a more general physicochemical condition of colloidal particles, namely, colloidal stability. Colloidal stability is a global indicator of the tendency of a system to reduce its net surface energy, which may be achieved by homo-aggregation or hetero-aggregation, including location at bio-interfaces. However, the role of colloidal stability as a driver of ENM bioactivity has received little consideration thus far. In the present work, which focuses on the toxicity of nanoscaled Fe° nanoparticles (nZVI) towards a model microalga, we demonstrate that colloidal stability is a fundamental driver of ENM bioactivity, comprehensively accounting for otherwise inexplicable differential biological effects. The present work throws light on basic aspects of Nanotoxicology, and reveals a key factor which may reconcile contradictory results on the influence of aggregation in bioactivity of ENMs. PMID:25340509

Correlation between physical structure and magnetic anisotropy of a magnetic nanoparticle colloid.

PubMed

Dennis, C L; Jackson, A J; Borchers, J A; Gruettner, C; Ivkov, R

2018-05-25

We show the effects of a time-invariant magnetic field on the physical structure and magnetic properties of a colloid comprising 44 nm diameter magnetite magnetic nanoparticles, with a 24 nm dextran shell, in water. Structural ordering in this colloid parallel to the magnetic field occurs simultaneously with the onset of a colloidal uniaxial anisotropy. Further increases in the applied magnetic field cause the nanoparticles to order perpendicular to the field, producing unexpected colloidal unidirectional and trigonal anisotropies. This magnetic behavior is distinct from the cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the magnetite and has its origins in the magnetic interactions among the mobile nanoparticles within the colloid. Specifically, these field-induced anisotropies and colloidal rearrangements result from the delicate balance between the magnetostatic and steric forces between magnetic nanoparticles. These magnetic and structural rearrangements are anticipated to influence applications that rely upon time-dependent relaxation of the magnetic colloids and fluid viscosity, such as magnetic hyperthermia and shock absorption.

Biogeochemical Factors Influencing the Transport and Fate of Colloids and Colloid-Associated Contaminants in the Vadose Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradford, S. A.

2016-12-01

The vadose zone exhibits large spatial and temporal variability in many physical, chemical, and biological factors that strongly influence the transport and fate of colloids (e.g., microbes, nanoparticles, clays, and dissolved organic matter) and colloid-associated contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, radionuclides, pesticides, and antibiotics). This presentation highlights our research activities to better understand and predict the influence of specific biogeochemical processes on colloid and colloid-facilitated transport. Results demonstrate the sensitivity of colloid transport, retention, release, and clogging to transients in solution chemistry (e.g., ionic strength, pH, cation and anion type, and surfactants), water velocity and saturation, and preferential flow. Mathematical modeling at interface-, pore-, and continuum-scales is shown to be a critical tool to quantify the relative importance and coupling of these biogeochemical factors on colloid and contaminant transport and fate, which otherwise might be experimentally intractable. Existing gaps in knowledge and model limitations are identified.

Correlation between physical structure and magnetic anisotropy of a magnetic nanoparticle colloid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dennis, C. L.; Jackson, A. J.; Borchers, J. A.; Gruettner, C.; Ivkov, R.

2018-05-01

We show the effects of a time-invariant magnetic field on the physical structure and magnetic properties of a colloid comprising 44 nm diameter magnetite magnetic nanoparticles, with a 24 nm dextran shell, in water. Structural ordering in this colloid parallel to the magnetic field occurs simultaneously with the onset of a colloidal uniaxial anisotropy. Further increases in the applied magnetic field cause the nanoparticles to order perpendicular to the field, producing unexpected colloidal unidirectional and trigonal anisotropies. This magnetic behavior is distinct from the cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the magnetite and has its origins in the magnetic interactions among the mobile nanoparticles within the colloid. Specifically, these field-induced anisotropies and colloidal rearrangements result from the delicate balance between the magnetostatic and steric forces between magnetic nanoparticles. These magnetic and structural rearrangements are anticipated to influence applications that rely upon time-dependent relaxation of the magnetic colloids and fluid viscosity, such as magnetic hyperthermia and shock absorption.

Laboratory investigation of the role of desorption kinetics on americium transport associated with bentonite colloids.

PubMed

Dittrich, Timothy Mark; Boukhalfa, Hakim; Ware, Stuart Douglas; Reimus, Paul William

2015-10-01

Understanding the parameters that control colloid-mediated transport of radionuclides is important for the safe disposal of used nuclear fuel. We report an experimental and reactive transport modeling examination of americium transport in a groundwater-bentonite-fracture fill material system. A series of batch sorption and column transport experiments were conducted to determine the role of desorption kinetics from bentonite colloids in the transport of americium through fracture materials. We used fracture fill material from a shear zone in altered granodiorite collected from the Grimsel Test Site (GTS) in Switzerland and colloidal suspensions generated from FEBEX bentonite, a potential repository backfill material. The colloidal suspension (100 mg L(-1)) was prepared in synthetic groundwater that matched the natural water chemistry at GTS and was spiked with 5.5 × 10(-10) M (241)Am. Batch characterizations indicated that 97% of the americium in the stock suspension was adsorbed to the colloids. Breakthrough experiments conducted by injecting the americium colloidal suspension through three identical columns in series, each with mean residence times of 6 h, show that more than 95% of the bentonite colloids were transported through each of the columns, with modeled colloid filtration rates (k(f)) of 0.01-0.02 h(-1). Am recoveries in each column were 55-60%, and Am desorption rate constants from the colloids, determined from 1-D transport modeling, were 0.96, 0.98, and 0.91 h(-1) in the three columns, respectively. The consistency in Am recoveries and desorption rate constants in each column indicates that the Am was not associated with binding sites of widely-varying strengths on the colloids, as one binding site with fast kinetics represented the system accurately for all three sequential columns. Our data suggest that colloid-mediated transport of Am in a bentonite-fracture fill material system is unlikely to result in transport over long distance scales because of the ability of the fracture materials to rapidly strip Am from the bentonite colloids and the apparent lack of a strong binding site that would keep a fraction of the Am strongly-associated with the colloids. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effects of colloidal nanosilica on the rheological properties of epoxy resins filled with organoclay.

PubMed

Nguyen, Dinh Huong; Song, Gwang Seok; Lee, Dai Soo

2011-05-01

The rheological properties of epoxy resins filled with organoclay and colloidal nanosilica were investigated by employing a parallel plate rheometer in flow mode at 25 degrees C. Shear thickening and shear thinning behaviors were observed in the epoxy resins filled with a mixture of organoclay and colloidal nanosilica. Minima were observed in the relaxation time of the systems consisting of epoxy resins filled with organoclay and colloidal silica as the content of colloidal nanosilica was increased. It seems that the colloidal nanosilica increased the mobility of the filled epoxy resins and reduced the interactions between the silicate layers in the systems.

Strong collective attraction in colloidal clusters on a liquid-air interface.

PubMed

Pergamenshchik, V M

2009-01-01

It is shown that in a cluster of many colloids, trapped at a liquid-air interface, the well-known vertical-force-induced pairwise logarithmic attraction changes to a strongly enhanced power-law attraction. In large two-dimensional clusters, the attraction energy scales as the inverse square of the distance between colloids. The enhancement is given by the ratio eta = (square of the capillary length) / (interface surface area per colloid) and can be as large as 10;{5} . This explains why a very small vertical force on colloids, which is too weak to bring two of them together, can stabilize many-body structures on a liquid-air interface. The profile of a cluster is shown to consist of a large slow collective envelope modulated by a fast low-amplitude perturbation due to individual colloids. A closed equation for the slow envelope, which incorporates an arbitrary power-law repulsion between colloids, is derived. For example, this equation is solved for a large circular cluster with the hard-core colloid repulsion. It is suggested that the predicted effect is responsible for mysterious stabilization of colloidal structures observed in experiments on a surface of isotropic liquid and nematic liquid crystal.

Effect of hydrofracking fluid on colloid transport in the unsaturated zone.

PubMed

Sang, Wenjing; Stoof, Cathelijne R; Zhang, Wei; Morales, Verónica L; Gao, Bin; Kay, Robert W; Liu, Lin; Zhang, Yalei; Steenhuis, Tammo S

2014-07-15

Hydraulic fracturing is expanding rapidly in the US to meet increasing energy demand and requires high volumes of hydrofracking fluid to displace natural gas from shale. Accidental spills and deliberate land application of hydrofracking fluids, which return to the surface during hydrofracking, are common causes of environmental contamination. Since the chemistry of hydrofracking fluids favors transport of colloids and mineral particles through rock cracks, it may also facilitate transport of in situ colloids and associated pollutants in unsaturated soils. We investigated this by subsequently injecting deionized water and flowback fluid at increasing flow rates into unsaturated sand columns containing colloids. Colloid retention and mobilization was measured in the column effluent and visualized in situ with bright field microscopy. While <5% of initial colloids were released by flushing with deionized water, 32-36% were released by flushing with flowback fluid in two distinct breakthrough peaks. These peaks resulted from 1) surface tension reduction and steric repulsion and 2) slow kinetic disaggregation of colloid flocs. Increasing the flow rate of the flowback fluid mobilized an additional 36% of colloids, due to the expansion of water filled pore space. This study suggests that hydrofracking fluid may also indirectly contaminate groundwater by remobilizing existing colloidal pollutants.

COLLOID MOBILIZATION AND TRANSPORT IN CONTAMINANT PLUMES: FILED EXPERIMENTS, LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS, AND MODELING

EPA Science Inventory

The major hypothesis driving this research, that the transport of colloids in a contaminant plume is limited by the advance of the chemical agent causing colloid mobilization, was tested by (1) examining the dependence of colloid transport and mobilization on chemical perturbatio...

Contributions of nanoscale roughness to anomalous colloid retention and stability behavior

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

All natural surfaces exhibit nanoscale roughness (NR) and chemical heterogeneity (CH) to some extent. Expressions were developed to determine the mean interaction energy between a colloid and a solid-water interface (SWI), as well as for colloid-colloid interactions, when both surfaces contain binar...

Association of calcium with colloidal particles and speciation of calcium in the Kalix and Amazon rivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahlqvist, Ralf; Benedetti, Marc F.; Andersson, Karen; Turner, David; Larsson, Tobias; Stolpe, Björn; Ingri, Johan

2004-10-01

A considerable amount of colloidally bound Ca has been detected in water samples from Amazonian rivers and the Kalix River, a sub-arctic boreal river. Fractionation experiments using several analytical techniques and processing tools were conducted in order to elucidate the matter. Results show that on average 84% of the total Ca concentration is present as free Ca. Particulate, colloidal and complexed Ca constitute the remaining 16%, of which the colloidal fraction is significant. Ultrafiltration experiments show that the colloidal fraction in the sampled Amazonian rivers and the Kalix River range between 1% and 25%. In both the Amazonian and the Kalix rivers the technique of cross-flow ultrafiltration was used to isolate particles and colloids. The difference in concentration measured with ICP-AES and a Ca ion-selective electrode in identical samples was used to define the free Ca concentration and thus indirectly the magnitude of the particulate, colloidal and complexed fractions. Results from the Kalix and Amazonian rivers are in excellent agreement. Furthermore, the results show that the colloidal concentrations of Ca can be greatly overestimated (up to 227%) when conventional analysis and calculation of ultrafiltration data is used due to retention of free Ca ions during the ultrafiltration process. Calculation methods for colloidal matter are presented in this work, using complementary data from ISE analysis. In the Kalix River temporal changes in the fractionation of Ca were studied before, during and after a spring-flood event. Changes in the size distribution of colloidally associated Ca was studied using FlFFF (Flow Field-Flow Fractionation) coupled on-line to a HR ICP-MS. The FlFFF-HR ICP-MS fractograms clearly show the colloidal component of Ca, supporting the ultrafiltration findings. During winter conditions the size distribution of colloidally associated Ca has a concentration maximum at ˜5 to 10 nm in diameter, shifting to smaller sizes (<5 nm) during and after the spring flood. This shift in size distribution follows a change in the river during this period from ironoxyhydroxy colloids being the most important colloidal carrier phase to humic substances during and after the spring flood. WHAM and NICA-Donnan models were used to calculate the amount of colloidally bound Ca. The results similar for both models, show that on average 16% of the Ca may be associated to a colloidal phase, which is in broad agreement with the measurements.

Chancellor Water Colloids: Characterization and Radionuclide Associated Transport

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reimus, Paul William; Boukhalfa, Hakim

2014-09-26

Column transport experiments were conducted in which water from the Chancellor nuclear test cavity was transported through crushed volcanic tuff from Pahute Mesa. In one experiment, the cavity water was spiked with solute 137Cs, and in another it was spiked with 239/240Pu(IV) nanocolloids. A third column experiment was conducted with no radionuclide spike at all, although the 137Cs concentrations in the water were still high enough to quantify in the column effluent. The radionuclides strongly partitioned to natural colloids present in the water, which were characterized for size distribution, mass concentration, zeta potential/surface charge, critical coagulation concentration, and qualitative mineralogy.more » In the spiked water experiments, the unanalyzed portion of the high-concentration column effluent samples were combined and re-injected into the respective columns as a second pulse. This procedure was repeated again for a third injection. Measurable filtration of the colloids was observed after each initial injection of the Chancellor water into the columns, but the subsequent injections (spiked water experiments only) exhibited no apparent filtration, suggesting that the colloids that remained mobile after relatively short transport distances were more resistant to filtration than the initial population of colloids. It was also observed that while significant desorption of 137Cs from the colloids occurred after the first injection in both the spiked and unspiked waters, subsequent injections of the spiked water exhibited much less 137Cs desorption (much greater 137Cs colloid-associated transport). This result suggests that the 137Cs that remained associated with colloids during the first injection represented a fraction that was more strongly adsorbed to the mobile colloids than the initial 137Cs associated with the colloids. A greater amount of the 239/240Pu desorbed from the colloids during the second column injection compared to the first injection, but then desorption decreased significantly in the third injection. This result suggests that the Pu(IV) nanocolloids probably at least partially dissolved during and after the first injection, resulting in enhanced desorption from the colloids during the second injection, but by the third injection the Pu started following the same trend that was observed for 137Cs. The experiments suggest a transport scale dependence in which mobile colloids and colloid-associated radionuclides observed at downstream points along a flow path have a greater tendency to remain mobile along the flow path than colloids and radionuclides observed at upstream points. This type of scale dependence may help explain observations of colloid-facilitated Pu transport over distances of up to 2 km at Pahute Mesa.« less

Influence of mineral colloids and humic substances on uranium(VI) transport in water-saturated geologic porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qing; Cheng, Tao; Wu, Yang

2014-12-01

Mineral colloids and humic substances often co-exist in subsurface environment and substantially influence uranium (U) transport. However, the combined effects of mineral colloids and humic substances on U transport are not clear. This study is aimed at quantifying U transport and elucidating geochemical processes that control U transport when both mineral colloids and humic acid (HA) are present. U-spiked solutions/suspensions were injected into water-saturated sand columns, and U and colloid concentrations in column effluent were monitored. We found that HA promoted U transport via (i) formation of aqueous U-HA complexes, and (ii) competition against aqueous U for surface sites on transport media. Illite colloids had no influence on U transport at pH 5 in the absence of HA due to low mobility of the colloids. At pH 9, U desorbed from mobile illite and the presence of illite decreased U transport. At pH 5, high U transport occurred when both illite colloids and HA were present, which was attributed to enhanced U adsorption to illite colloids via formation of ternary illite-HA-U surface complexes, and enhanced illite transport due to HA attachment to illite and transport media. This study demonstrates that the combined effects of mineral colloids and HA on contaminant transport is different from simple addition of the individual effect.

Dynamics of Fractal Cluster Gels with Embedded Active Colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szakasits, Megan E.; Zhang, Wenxuan; Solomon, Michael J.

2017-08-01

We find that embedded active colloids increase the ensemble-averaged mean squared displacement of particles in otherwise passively fluctuating fractal cluster gels. The enhancement in dynamics occurs by a mechanism in which the active colloids contribute to the average dynamics both directly through their own active motion and indirectly through their excitation of neighboring passive colloids in the fractal network. Fractal cluster gels are synthesized by addition of magnesium chloride to an initially stable suspension of 1.0 μ m polystyrene colloids in which a dilute concentration of platinum coated Janus colloids has been dispersed. The Janus colloids are thereby incorporated into the fractal network. We measure the ensemble-averaged mean squared displacement of all colloids in the gel before and after the addition of hydrogen peroxide, a fuel that drives diffusiophoretic motion of the Janus particles. The gel mean squared displacement increases by up to a factor of 3 for an active to passive particle ratio of 1 ∶20 and inputted active energy—defined based on the hydrogen peroxide's effect on colloid swim speed and run length—that is up to 9.5 times thermal energy, on a per particle basis. We model the enhancement in gel particle dynamics as the sum of a direct contribution from the displacement of the Janus particles themselves and an indirect contribution from the strain field that the active colloids induce in the surrounding passive particles.

Sampling silica and ferrihydrite colloids with fiberglass wicks under unsaturated conditions.

PubMed

Shira, Jason M; Williams, Barbara C; Flury, Markus; Czigány, Szabolcs; Tuller, Markus

2006-01-01

The suitability of passive capillary samplers (PCAPS) for collection of representative colloid samples under partially saturated conditions was evaluated by investigating the transport of negatively and positively charged colloids in fiberglass wicks. A synthetic pore water solution was used to suspend silica microspheres (330 nm in diameter) and ferrihydrite (172 nm in diameter) for transport experiments on fiberglass wicks. Breakthrough curves were collected for three unsaturated flow rates with silica microspheres and one unsaturated flow rate with ferrihydrite colloids. A moisture characteristic curve, relating tensiometer measurements of matric potential to moisture content, was developed for the fiberglass wick. Results indicate that retention of the silica and the ferrihydrite on the wick occurred; that is, the wicks did not facilitate quantitative sampling of the colloids. For silica microspheres, 90% of the colloids were transmitted through the wicks. For ferrihydrite, 80 to 90% of the colloids were transmitted. The mechanisms responsible for the retention of the colloids on the fiberglass wicks appeared to be physicochemical attachment and not thin-film, triple-phase entrapment, or mechanical straining. Visualization of pathways by iron staining indicates that flow is preferential at the center of twisted bundles of filaments. Although axial preferential flow in PCAPS may enhance their hydraulic suitability for sampling mobile colloids, we conclude that without specific preparation to reduce attachment or retention, fiberglass wicks should only be used for qualitative sampling of pore water colloids.

Understanding Subsurface Colloid Behavior: A New Visualization Technique and the Application of Geo-Centrifuge Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, J. S.; Culligan, P. J.; Germaine, J. T.

2003-12-01

Subsurface colloid behavior has recently drawn attention because colloids are suspected of enhancing contaminant transport in groundwater systems. To better understand the processes by which colloids move through the subsurface, and in particular the vadose zone, a new technique that enables real-time visualization of colloid particles as they move through a porous medium has been developed. This visualization technique involves the use of laser induced fluorescent particles and digital image processing to directly observe particles moving through a porous medium consisting of soda-lime glass beads and water in a transparent experimental box of 10.0cm\\x9D27.9cm\\x9D2.38cm. Colloid particles are simulated using commercially available micron sized particles that fluoresce under argon-ion laser light. The fluorescent light given off from the particles is captured through a camera filter, which lets through only the emitted wavelength of the colloid particles. The intensity of the emitted light is proportional to the colloid particle concentration. The images of colloid movement are captured by a MagnaFire digital camera; a cooled CCD digital camera produced by Optronics. This camera enables real-time capture of images to a computer, thereby allowing the images to be processed immediately. The images taken by the camera are analyzed by the ImagePro software from Media Cybernetics, which contains a range of counting, sizing, measuring, and image enhancement tools for image processing. Laboratory experiments using the new technique have demonstrated the existence of both irreversible and reversible sites for colloid entrapment during uniform saturated flow in a homogeneous porous medium. These tests have also shown a dependence of colloid entrapment on velocity. Models for colloid transport currently available in the literature have proven to be inadequate predictors for the experimental observations, despite the simplicity of the system studied. To further extend the work, the visualization technique has been developed for use on the geo-centrifuge. The advantage that the geo-centrifuge has for investigating subsurface colloid behavior, is the ability to simulate unsaturated transport mechanisms under well simulated field moisture profiles and in shortened periods of time. A series of tests to investigate colloid transport during uniform saturated flow is being used to examine basic scaling laws for colloid transport under enhanced gravity. The paper will describe the new visualization technique, its use in geo-centrifuge testing and observations on scaling relationships for colloid transport during geo-centrifuge experiments. Although the visualization technique has been developed for investigating subsurface colloid behavior, it does have application in other areas of investigation, including the investigation of microbial behavior in the subsurface.

Supracolloidal Architectures Self-Assembled in Microdroplets.

PubMed

Xu, Xuejiao; Tian, Feng; Liu, Xin; Parker, Richard M; Lan, Yang; Wu, Yuchao; Yu, Ziyi; Scherman, Oren A; Abell, Chris

2015-10-26

We demonstrate a novel method for the formation of a library of structured colloidal assemblies by exploiting the supramolecular heteroternary host-guest interaction between cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and methyl viologen- and naphthalene-functionalised particles. The approach is dependent upon compartmentalisation in microdroplets generated by a microfluidic platform. Though the distribution of colloidal particles encapsulated within each microdroplet followed a Poisson distribution, tuning the concentration of the initial colloidal particle suspensions provided some level of control over the structure of the formed colloidal assemblies. This ability to direct the assembly of complementarily-functionalised colloids through a supramolecular interaction, without the need for complex modification of the colloidal surface or external stimuli, presents an exciting new approach towards the design of structured colloidal materials with the potential to produce many challenging structures. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fe hydroxyphosphate precipitation and Fe(II) oxidation kinetics upon aeration of Fe(II) and phosphate-containing synthetic and natural solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Grift, B.; Behrends, T.; Osté, L. A.; Schot, P. P.; Wassen, M. J.; Griffioen, J.

2016-08-01

Exfiltration of anoxic Fe-rich groundwater into surface water and the concomitant oxidative precipitation of Fe are important processes controlling the transport of phosphate (PO4) from agricultural areas to aquatic systems. Here, we explored the relationship between solution composition, reaction kinetics, and the characteristics of the produced Fe hydroxyphosphate precipitates in a series of aeration experiments with anoxic synthetic water and natural groundwater. A pH stat device was used to maintain constant pH and to record the H+ production during Fe(II) oxidation in the aeration experiments in which the initial aqueous P/Fe ratios ((P/Fe)ini), oxygen concentration and pH were varied. In general, Fe(II) oxidation proceeded slower in the presence of PO4 but the decrease of the PO4 concentration during Fe(II) oxidation due to the formation of Fe hydroxyphosphates caused additional deceleration of the reaction rate. The progress of the reaction could be described using a pseudo-second-order rate law with first-order dependencies on PO4 and Fe(II) concentrations. After PO4 depletion, the Fe(II) oxidation rates increased again and the kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order rate law. The first-order rate constants after PO4 depletion, however, were lower compared to the Fe(II) oxidation in a PO4-free solution. Hence, the initially formed Fe hydroxyphosphates also affect the kinetics of continuing Fe(II) oxidation after PO4 depletion. Presence of aqueous PO4 during oxidation of Fe(II) led to the formation of Fe hydroxyphosphates. The P/Fe ratios of the precipitates ((P/Fe)ppt) and the recorded ratio of H+ production over decrease in dissolved Fe(II) did not change detectably throughout the reaction despite a changing P/Fe ratio in the solution. When (P/Fe)ini was 0.9, precipitates with a (P/Fe)ppt ratio of about 0.6 were formed. In experiments with (P/Fe)ini ratios below 0.6, the (P/Fe)ppt decreased with decreasing (P/Fe)ini and pH value. Aeration experiments with natural groundwater showed no principal differences in Fe(II) oxidation kinetics and in PO4 immobilisation dynamics compared with synthetic solutions with corresponding P/Fe ratio, pH and oxygen pressure. However, aeration of groundwater with relative high DOC concentrations and a low salinity lead to P-rich Fe colloids that were colloidally stable. The formation of a Fe hydroxyphosphate phase with a molar P/Fe ratio of 0.6 can be used for predictive modelling of PO4 immobilisation upon aeration of pH-neutral natural groundwater with an (P/Fe)ini ratio up to 1.5. These findings provide a solid basis for further studies on transport and bioavailability of phosphorus in streams, ditches and channels that receive anoxic Fe-rich groundwater.

Stable colloids in molten inorganic salts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Hao; Dasbiswas, Kinjal; Ludwig, Nicholas B.

2017-02-15

A colloidal solution is a homogeneous dispersion of particles or droplets of one phase (solute) in a second, typically liquid, phase (solvent). Colloids are ubiquitous in biological, chemical and technological processes1, 2, homogenizing highly dissimilar constituents. To stabilize a colloidal system against coalescence and aggregation, the surface of each solute particle is engineered to impose repulsive forces strong enough to overpower van der Waals attraction and keep the particles separated from each other2. Electrostatic stabilization3, 4 of charged solutes works well in solvents with high dielectric constants, such as water (dielectric constant of 80). In contrast, colloidal stabilization in solventsmore » with low polarity, such as hexane (dielectric constant of about 2), can be achieved by decorating the surface of each particle of the solute with molecules (surfactants) containing flexible, brush-like chains2, 5. Here we report a class of colloidal systems in which solute particles (including metals, semiconductors and magnetic materials) form stable colloids in various molten inorganic salts. The stability of such colloids cannot be explained by traditional electrostatic and steric mechanisms. Screening of many solute–solvent combinations shows that colloidal stability can be traced to the strength of chemical bonding at the solute–solvent interface. Theoretical analysis and molecular dynamics modelling suggest that a layer of surface-bound solvent ions produces long-ranged charge-density oscillations in the molten salt around solute particles, preventing their aggregation. Colloids composed of inorganic particles in inorganic melts offer opportunities for introducing colloidal techniques to solid-state science and engineering applications.« less

Feedback Controlled Colloidal Assembly at Fluid Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevan, Michael

The autonomous and reversible assembly of colloidal nano- and micro- scale components into ordered configurations is often suggested as a scalable process capable of manufacturing meta-materials with exotic electromagnetic properties. As a result, there is strong interest in understanding how thermal motion, particle interactions, patterned surfaces, and external fields can be optimally coupled to robustly control the assembly of colloidal components into hierarchically structured functional meta-materials. We approach this problem by directly relating equilibrium and dynamic colloidal microstructures to kT-scale energy landscapes mediated by colloidal forces, physically and chemically patterned surfaces, multiphase fluid interfaces, and electromagnetic fields. 3D colloidal trajectories are measured in real-space and real-time with nanometer resolution using an integrated suite of evanescent wave, video, and confocal microscopy methods. Equilibrium structures are connected to energy landscapes via statistical mechanical models. The dynamic evolution of initially disordered colloidal fluid configurations into colloidal crystals in the presence of tunable interactions (electromagnetic field mediated interactions, particle-interface interactions) is modeled using a novel approach based on fitting the Fokker-Planck equation to experimental microscopy and computer simulated assembly trajectories. This approach is based on the use of reaction coordinates that capture important microstructural features of crystallization processes and quantify both statistical mechanical (free energy) and fluid mechanical (hydrodynamic) contributions. Ultimately, we demonstrate real-time control of assembly, disassembly, and repair of colloidal crystals using both open loop and closed loop control to produce perfectly ordered colloidal microstructures. This approach is demonstrated for close packed colloidal crystals of spherical particles at fluid-solid interfaces and is being extended to anisotropic particles and multiphase fluid interfaces.

Sensitivity analyses of a colloid-facilitated contaminant transport model for unsaturated heterogeneous soil conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Périard, Yann; José Gumiere, Silvio; Rousseau, Alain N.; Caron, Jean

2013-04-01

Certain contaminants may travel faster through soils when they are sorbed to subsurface colloidal particles. Indeed, subsurface colloids may act as carriers of some contaminants accelerating their translocation through the soil into the water table. This phenomenon is known as colloid-facilitated contaminant transport. It plays a significant role in contaminant transport in soils and has been recognized as a source of groundwater contamination. From a mechanistic point of view, the attachment/detachment of the colloidal particles from the soil matrix or from the air-water interface and the straining process may modify the hydraulic properties of the porous media. Šimůnek et al. (2006) developed a model that can simulate the colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in variably saturated porous media. The model is based on the solution of a modified advection-dispersion equation that accounts for several processes, namely: straining, exclusion and attachement/detachement kinetics of colloids through the soil matrix. The solutions of these governing, partial differential equations are obtained using a standard Galerkin-type, linear finite element scheme, implemented in the HYDRUS-2D/3D software (Šimůnek et al., 2012). Modeling colloid transport through the soil and the interaction of colloids with the soil matrix and other contaminants is complex and requires the characterization of many model parameters. In practice, it is very difficult to assess actual transport parameter values, so they are often calibrated. However, before calibration, one needs to know which parameters have the greatest impact on output variables. This kind of information can be obtained through a sensitivity analysis of the model. The main objective of this work is to perform local and global sensitivity analyses of the colloid-facilitated contaminant transport module of HYDRUS. Sensitivity analysis was performed in two steps: (i) we applied a screening method based on Morris' elementary effects and the one-at-a-time approach (O.A.T); and (ii), we applied Sobol's global sensitivity analysis method which is based on variance decompositions. Results illustrate that ψm (maximum sorption rate of mobile colloids), kdmc (solute desorption rate from mobile colloids), and Ks (saturated hydraulic conductivity) are the most sensitive parameters with respect to the contaminant travel time. The analyses indicate that this new module is able to simulate the colloid-facilitated contaminant transport. However, validations under laboratory conditions are needed to confirm the occurrence of the colloid transport phenomenon and to understand model prediction under non-saturated soil conditions. Future work will involve monitoring of the colloidal transport phenomenon through soil column experiments. The anticipated outcome will provide valuable information on the understanding of the dominant mechanisms responsible for colloidal transports, colloid-facilitated contaminant transport and, also, the colloid detachment/deposition processes impacts on soil hydraulic properties. References: Šimůnek, J., C. He, L. Pang, & S. A. Bradford, Colloid-Facilitated Solute Transport in Variably Saturated Porous Media: Numerical Model and Experimental Verification, Vadose Zone Journal, 2006, 5, 1035-1047 Šimůnek, J., M. Šejna, & M. Th. van Genuchten, The C-Ride Module for HYDRUS (2D/3D) Simulating Two-Dimensional Colloid-Facilitated Solute Transport in Variably-Saturated Porous Media, Version 1.0, PC Progress, Prague, Czech Republic, 45 pp., 2012.

Genesis of Middle Miocene Yellowstone hotspot-related bonanza epithermal Au-Ag deposits, Northern Great Basin, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, J. A.; Unger, D. L.; Kamenov, G. D.; Fayek, M.; Hames, W. E.; Utterback, W. C.

2008-09-01

Epithermal deposits with bonanza Au-Ag veins in the northern Great Basin (NGB) are spatially and temporally associated with Middle Miocene bimodal volcanism that was related to a mantle plume that has now migrated to the Yellowstone National Park area. The Au-Ag deposits formed between 16.5 and 14 Ma, but exhibit different mineralogical compositions, the latter due to the nature of the country rocks hosting the deposits. Where host rocks were primarily of meta-sedimentary or granitic origin, adularia-rich gold mineralization formed. Where glassy rhyolitic country rocks host veins, colloidal silica textures and precious metal-colloid aggregation textures resulted. Where basalts are the country rocks, clay-rich mineralization (with silica minerals, adularia, and carbonate) developed. Oxygen isotope data from quartz (originally amorphous silica and gels) from super-high-grade banded ores from the Sleeper deposit show that ore-forming solutions had δ 18O values up to 10‰ heavier than mid-Miocene meteoric water. The geochemical signature of the ores (including their Se-rich nature) is interpreted here to reflect a mantle source for the “epithermal suite” elements (Au, Ag, Se, Te, As, Sb, Hg) and that signature is preserved to shallow crustal levels because of the similar volatility and aqueous geochemical behavior of the “epithermal suite” elements. A mantle source for the gold in the deposits is further supported by the Pb isotopic signature of the gold ores. Apparently the host rocks control the mineralization style and gangue mineralogy of ores. However, all deposits are considered to have derived precious metals and metalloids from mafic magmas related to the initial emergence of the Yellowstone hotspot. Basalt-derived volatiles and metal(loid)s are inferred to have been absorbed by meteoric-water-dominated geothermal systems heated by shallow rhyolitic magma chambers. Episodic discharge of volatiles and metal(loid)s from deep basaltic magmas mixed with heated meteoric water to create precious metal ore-forming fluids. Colloidal nanoparticles of Au-Ag alloy (electrum), naumannite (Ag2Se), silica, and adularia, likely nucleated at depth, traveled upward, and deposited where they grew large enough to aggregate along vein walls. Silica and gold colloids have been reported in hot springs from Yellowstone National Park, suggesting that such processes may continue to some extent to the present. However, it is possible that the initial development of the mantle plume led to a major but short-lived “distillation” process which led to the mid-Miocene bonanza ore-forming event.

Using colloidal silica as isolator, diverter and blocking agent for subsurface geological applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bourcier, William L.; Roberts, Sarah K.; Roberts, Jeffery J.

A system for blocking fast flow paths in geological formations includes preparing a solution of colloidal silica having a nonviscous phase and a solid gel phase. The solution of colloidal silica is injected into the geological formations while the solution of colloidal silica is in the nonviscous phase. The solution of colloidal silica is directed into the fast flow paths and reaches the solid gel phase in the fast flow paths thereby blocking flow of fluid in the fast paths.

Method of treating inflammatory diseases using a radiolabeled ferric hydroxide calloid

DOEpatents

Atcher, Robert W.; Hines, John J.

1992-01-01

A ferric hydroxide colloid having an alpha-emitting radionuclide essentially on the outer surfaces and a method of forming same. The method includes oxidizing a ferrous hydroxide to ferric hydroxide in the presence of a preselected radionuclide to form a colloid having the radionuclide on the outer surface thereof, and thereafter washing the colloid, and suspending the washed colloid in a suitable solution. The labelled colloid is useful in cancer therapy and for the treatment of inflamed joints.

Solar Wind-Magnetosphere Coupling Influences on Pseudo-Breakup Activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fillingim, M. O.; Brittnacher, M.; Parks, G. K.; Germany, G. A.; Spann, J. F.

1998-01-01

Pseudo-breakups are brief, localized aurora[ arc brightening, which do not lead to a global expansion, are historically observed during the growth phase of substorms. Previous studies have demonstrated that phenomenologically there is very little difference between substorm onsets and pseudo-breakups except for the degree of localization and the absence of a global expansion phase. A key open question is what physical mechanism prevents a pseudo-breakup form expanding globally. Using Polar Ultraviolet Imager (UVI) images, we identify periods of pseudo-breakup activity. Foe the data analyzed we find that most pseudo-breakups occur near local midnight, between magnetic local times of 21 and 03, at magnetic latitudes near 70 degrees, through this value may change by several degrees. While often discussed in the context of substorm growth phase events, pseudo-breakups are also shown to occur during prolonged relatively inactive periods. These quiet time pseudo-breakups can occur over a period of several hours without the development of a significant substorm for at least an hour after pseudo-breakup activity stops. In an attempt to understand the cause of quiet time pseudo-breakups, we compute the epsilon parameter as a measure of the efficiency of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling. It is noted that quiet time pseudo-breakups occur typically when epsilon is low; less than about 50 GW. We suggest that quiet time pseudo-breakups are driven by relatively small amounts of energy transferred to the magnetosphere by the solar wind insufficient to initiate a substorm expansion onset.

Flow of colloid particle solution past macroscopic bodies and drag crisis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iordanskii, S. V., E-mail: iordansk@itp.ac.ru

2013-11-15

The motion of colloid particles in a viscous fluid flow is considered. Small sizes of colloid particles as compared to the characteristic scale of the flow make it possible to calculate their velocity relative to the liquid. If the density of a colloid particle is higher than the density of the liquid, the flow splits into regions in which the velocity of colloid particles coincides with the velocity of the liquid and regions of flow stagnation in which the colloid velocity is higher than the velocity of the fluid. This effect is used to explain qualitatively the decrease in themore » drag to the flows past macroscopic bodies and flows in pipes.« less

Light-emitting diodes based on colloidal silicon quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Shuangyi; Liu, Xiangkai; Pi, Xiaodong; Yang, Deren

2018-06-01

Colloidal silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) hold great promise for the development of printed Si electronics. Given their novel electronic and optical properties, colloidal Si QDs have been intensively investigated for optoelectronic applications. Among all kinds of optoelectronic devices based on colloidal Si QDs, QD light-emitting diodes (LEDs) play an important role. It is encouraging that the performance of LEDs based on colloidal Si QDs has been significantly increasing in the past decade. In this review, we discuss the effects of the QD size, QD surface and device structure on the performance of colloidal Si-QD LEDs. The outlook on the further optimization of the device performance is presented at the end.

Pseudo color ghost coding imaging with pseudo thermal light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, De-yang; Xia, Yun-jie

2018-04-01

We present a new pseudo color imaging scheme named pseudo color ghost coding imaging based on ghost imaging but with multiwavelength source modulated by a spatial light modulator. Compared with conventional pseudo color imaging where there is no nondegenerate wavelength spatial correlations resulting in extra monochromatic images, the degenerate wavelength and nondegenerate wavelength spatial correlations between the idle beam and signal beam can be obtained simultaneously. This scheme can obtain more colorful image with higher quality than that in conventional pseudo color coding techniques. More importantly, a significant advantage of the scheme compared to the conventional pseudo color coding imaging techniques is the image with different colors can be obtained without changing the light source and spatial filter.

Autonomous colloidal crystallization in a galvanic microreactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Punckt, Christian; Jan, Linda; Jiang, Peng; Frewen, Thomas A.; Saville, Dudley A.; Kevrekidis, Ioannis G.; Aksay, Ilhan A.

2012-10-01

We report on a technique that utilizes an array of galvanic microreactors to guide the assembly of two-dimensional colloidal crystals with spatial and orientational order. Our system is comprised of an array of copper and gold electrodes in a coplanar arrangement, immersed in a dilute hydrochloric acid solution in which colloidal micro-spheres of polystyrene and silica are suspended. Under optimized conditions, two-dimensional colloidal crystals form at the anodic copper with patterns and crystal orientation governed by the electrode geometry. After the aggregation process, the colloidal particles are cemented to the substrate by co-deposition of reaction products. As we vary the electrode geometry, the dissolution rate of the copper electrodes is altered. This way, we control the colloidal motion as well as the degree of reaction product formation. We show that particle motion is governed by a combination of electrokinetic effects acting directly on the colloidal particles and bulk electrolyte flow generated at the copper-gold interface.

Crystallization of DNA-coated colloids

PubMed Central

Wang, Yu; Wang, Yufeng; Zheng, Xiaolong; Ducrot, Étienne; Yodh, Jeremy S.; Weck, Marcus; Pine, David J.

2015-01-01

DNA-coated colloids hold great promise for self-assembly of programmed heterogeneous microstructures, provided they not only bind when cooled below their melting temperature, but also rearrange so that aggregated particles can anneal into the structure that minimizes the free energy. Unfortunately, DNA-coated colloids generally collide and stick forming kinetically arrested random aggregates when the thickness of the DNA coating is much smaller than the particles. Here we report DNA-coated colloids that can rearrange and anneal, thus enabling the growth of large colloidal crystals from a wide range of micrometre-sized DNA-coated colloids for the first time. The kinetics of aggregation, crystallization and defect formation are followed in real time. The crystallization rate exhibits the familiar maximum for intermediate temperature quenches observed in metallic alloys, but over a temperature range smaller by two orders of magnitude, owing to the highly temperature-sensitive diffusion between aggregated DNA-coated colloids. PMID:26078020

Micro-rheology on (polymer-grafted) colloids using optical tweezers.

PubMed

Gutsche, C; Elmahdy, M M; Kegler, K; Semenov, I; Stangner, T; Otto, O; Ueberschär, O; Keyser, U F; Krueger, M; Rauscher, M; Weeber, R; Harting, J; Kim, Y W; Lobaskin, V; Netz, R R; Kremer, F

2011-05-11

Optical tweezers are experimental tools with extraordinary resolution in positioning (± 1 nm) a micron-sized colloid and in the measurement of forces (± 50 fN) acting on it-without any mechanical contact. This enables one to carry out a multitude of novel experiments in nano- and microfluidics, of which the following will be presented in this review: (i) forces within single pairs of colloids in media of varying concentration and valency of the surrounding ionic solution, (ii) measurements of the electrophoretic mobility of single colloids in different solvents (concentration, valency of the ionic solution and pH), (iii) similar experiments as in (i) with DNA-grafted colloids, (iv) the nonlinear response of single DNA-grafted colloids in shear flow and (v) the drag force on single colloids pulled through a polymer solution. The experiments will be described in detail and their analysis discussed.

Remotely Controlled Mixers for Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Colloid Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurk, Michael A. (Andy)

2015-01-01

Developed by NASA Glenn Research Center, the LMM aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is enabling multiple biomedical science experiments. Techshot, Inc., has developed a series of colloid specialty cell systems (C-SPECS) for use in the colloid science experiment module on the LMM. These low-volume mixing devices will enable uniform particle density and remotely controlled repetition of LMM colloid experiments. By automating the experiment process, C-SPECS allow colloid samples to be processed more quickly. In addition, C-SPECS will minimize the time the crew will need to spend on colloid experiments as well as eliminate the need for multiple and costly colloid samples, which are expended after a single examination. This high-throughput capability will lead to more efficient and productive use of the LMM. As commercial launch vehicles begin routine visits to the ISS, C-SPECS could become a significant means to process larger quantities of high-value materials for commercial customers.

Fractal Aggregates in Tennis Ball Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sabin, J.; Bandin, M.; Prieto, G.; Sarmiento, F.

2009-01-01

We present a new practical exercise to explain the mechanisms of aggregation of some colloids which are otherwise not easy to understand. We have used tennis balls to simulate, in a visual way, the aggregation of colloids under reaction-limited colloid aggregation (RLCA) and diffusion-limited colloid aggregation (DLCA) regimes. We have used the…

COLLOID MOBILIZATION AND TRANSPORT IN CONTAMINANT PLUMES: FIELD EXPERIMENTS, LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS, AND MODELING (EPA/600/S-99/001)

EPA Science Inventory

The major hypothesis driving this research, that the transport of colloids in a contaminant plume is limited by the advance of the chemical agent causing colloid mobilization, was tested by (1) examining the dependence of colloid transport and mobilization on chemical perturbatio...

H51E-1535: Biogeochemical factors influencing the transport and fate of colloids and colloid-associated contaminants in the vadose zone

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The vadose zone exhibits large spatial and temporal variability in many physical, chemical, and biological factors that strongly influence the transport and fate of colloids (e.g., microbes, nanoparticles, clays, and dissolved organic matter) and colloid-associated contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, ...

Get Beyond Limits: From Colloidal Tectonics Concept to the Engineering of Eco-friendly Catalytic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leclercq, Loïc

2018-05-01

The interactions between two or more molecules or colloidal particles can be used to obtain a variety of self-assembled systems called supramolecules or supracolloids. There is a clear, but neglected, convergence between these two fields. Indeed, the packing of molecules into colloidal or supracolloidal particles emerges as a smart solution to build an infinite variety of reversible systems with predictable properties. In this respect, the molecular building blocks are called “tectons” whereas “colloidal tectonics” describes the spontaneous formation of (supra)colloidal structures using tectonic subunits. As a consequence, a bottom-up edification is allowed from tectons into (supra)colloidal particles with higher degrees of organization. These (supra)colloidal systems can be very useful to obtain catalysts with tunable amphiphilic properties. In this perspective, an overview of colloidal tectonics concept is presented as well as its use for the design of new, smart and flexible catalytic systems. Finally, the advantages of these catalytic devices are discussed and the perspective of future developments is addressed especially in the context of “green chemistry”.

Influence of internal viscoelastic modes on the Brownian motion of a λ-DNA coated colloid.

PubMed

Yanagishima, Taiki; Laohakunakorn, Nadanai; Keyser, Ulrich F; Eiser, Erika; Tanaka, Hajime

2014-03-21

We study the influence of grafted polymers on the diffusive behaviour of a colloidal particle. Our work demonstrates how such additional degrees of freedom influence the Brownian motion of the particle, focusing on internal viscoelastic coupling between the polymer and colloid. Specifically, we study the mean-squared displacements (MSDs) of λ-DNA grafted colloids using Brownian dynamics simulation. Our simulations reveal the non-trivial effect of internal modes, which gives rise to a crossover from the short-time viscoelastic to long-time diffusional behaviour. We also show that basic features can be captured by a simple theoretical model considering the relative motion of a colloid to a part of the polymer corona. This model describes well a MSD calculated from an extremely long trajectory of a single λ-DNA coated colloid from experiment and allows characterisation of the λ-DNA hairs. Our study suggests that the access to the internal relaxation modes via the colloid trajectory offers a novel method for the characterisation of soft attachments to a colloid.

Hard X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy to Determine the Element Distribution of Soil Colloids in Aqueous Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleber, S.-C.; Vogt, S.; Niemeyer, J.; Finney, L.; McNulty, I.; Thieme, J.

2011-09-01

A prominent feature of soil colloids is their huge specific surface. It determines colloidal properties such as adsorption capacity or diffusion. The colloidal interactions differ significantly from the behavior of the same materials in a bulk system. Interactions in the colloidal regime are crucial, for example, for the transport and release of nutrients and toxicants in soils, which then influences directly the growth of plants. However, there is still a need for more analytical resources to study those interactions. To reveal the correlation of the particular trace elements and their distribution in correlation to colloidal interactions as well as changing pH values, experiments at the hard x-ray fluorescence microprobe at beamline 2-ID-E of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), were performed with colloidal clay and soil samples in an aqueous environment as naturally relevant. To obtain further spatial information, stereo imaging has been used. To study the dynamical behavior of these colloidal suspensions at changing pH, a wet sample chamber allowing in situ manipulation was developed and utilized.

Live Imaging of Cellular Internalization of Single Colloidal Particle by Combined Label-Free and Fluorescence Total Internal Reflection Microscopy.

PubMed

Byrne, Gerard D; Vllasaliu, Driton; Falcone, Franco H; Somekh, Michael G; Stolnik, Snjezana

2015-11-02

In this work we utilize the combination of label-free total internal reflection microscopy and total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRM/TIRF) microscopy to achieve a simultaneous, live imaging of single, label-free colloidal particle endocytosis by individual cells. The TIRM arm of the microscope enables label free imaging of the colloid and cell membrane features, while the TIRF arm images the dynamics of fluorescent-labeled clathrin (protein involved in endocytosis via clathrin pathway), expressed in transfected 3T3 fibroblasts cells. Using a model polymeric colloid and cells with a fluorescently tagged clathrin endocytosis pathway, we demonstrate that wide field TIRM/TIRF coimaging enables live visualization of the process of colloidal particle interaction with the labeled cell structure, which is valuable for discerning the membrane events and route of colloid internalization by the cell. We further show that 500 nm in diameter model polystyrene colloid associates with clathrin, prior to and during its cellular internalization. This association is not apparent with larger, 1 μm in diameter colloids, indicating an upper particle size limit for clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Metal colloids employed in the SERS of biomolecules: activation when exciting in the visible and near-infrared regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Ramos, J. V.; Sánchez-Cortés, S.

1997-03-01

Silver, gold and copper colloids have been employed in the study of the nucleic bases cytosine, guanine, their alkyl derivatives 1-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, 1,5-dimethylcytosine, 7-methylcytosine and 9-ethylguanosine. Cytidine, 5'-cytidinemonophosphate and 5'-adenosinemonophosphate have been also studied using silver and copper colloids. The interaction and orientation of these compounds on the metal colloids are interpreted on the basis of the SER spectra obtained, and further compared with interactions with the corresponding metallic ions in aqueous solution. Transmission electronic microscopy and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy were also employed to characterize the silver and copper colloids before and after aggregation by 1,5-dimethylcytosine. Information on the aggregation process is presented. The activation effect of chloride, perchlorate and nitrate anions on the silver colloids employed is studied for both the visible and near-infrared regions. An assessment of the effectiveness of each colloid is made at different excitation lines. Finally, an explanation of the mechanism through which these anions exert their activation effect is given on the basis of the morphologies of the particles contained in the colloid.

Structural evolution of Colloidal Gels under Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boromand, Arman; Maia, Joao; Jamali, Safa

Colloidal suspensions are ubiquitous in different industrial applications ranging from cosmetic and food industries to soft robotics and aerospace. Owing to the fact that mechanical properties of colloidal gels are controlled by its microstructure and network topology, we trace the particles in the networks formed under different attraction potentials and try to find a universal behavior in yielding of colloidal gels. Many authors have implemented different simulation techniques such as molecular dynamics (MD) and Brownian dynamics (BD) to capture better picture during phase separation and yielding mechanism in colloidal system with short-ranged attractive force. However, BD neglects multi-body hydrodynamic interactions (HI) which are believed to be responsible for the second yielding of colloidal gels. We envision using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) with modified depletion potential and hydrodynamic interactions, as a coarse-grain model, can provide a robust simulation package to address the gel formation process and yielding in short ranged-attractive colloidal systems. The behavior of colloidal gels with different attraction potentials under flow is examined and structural fingerprints of yielding in these systems will be discussed.

Get Beyond Limits: From Colloidal Tectonics Concept to the Engineering of Eco-Friendly Catalytic Systems

PubMed Central

Leclercq, Loïc

2018-01-01

The interactions between two or more molecules or colloidal particles can be used to obtain a variety of self-assembled systems called supramolecules or supracolloids. There is a clear, but neglected, convergence between these two fields. Indeed, the packing of molecules into colloidal or supracolloidal particles emerges as a smart solution to build an infinite variety of reversible systems with predictable properties. In this respect, the molecular building blocks are called “tectons” whereas “colloidal tectonics” describes the spontaneous formation of (supra)colloidal structures using tectonic subunits. As a consequence, a bottom-up edification is allowed from tectons into (supra)colloidal particles with higher degrees of organization (Graphical Abstract). These (supra)colloidal systems can be very useful to obtain catalysts with tunable amphiphilic properties. In this perspective, an overview of colloidal tectonics concept is presented as well as its use for the design of new, smart, and flexible catalytic systems. Finally, the advantages of these catalytic devices are discussed and the perspective of future developments is addressed especially in the context of “green chemistry.”

Colloidal Material Box: In-situ Observations of Colloidal Self-Assembly and Liquid Crystal Phase Transitions in Microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, WeiBin; Lan, Ding; Sun, ZhiBin; Geng, BaoMing; Wang, XiaoQing; Tian, WeiQian; Zhai, GuangJie; Wang, YuRen

2016-05-01

To study the self-assembly behavior of colloidal spheres in the solid/liquid interface and elucidate the mechanism of liquid crystal phase transition under microgravity, a Colloidal Material Box (CMB) was designed which consists of three modules: (i) colloidal evaporation experimental module, made up of a sample management unit, an injection management unit and an optical observation unit; (ii) liquid crystal phase transition experimental module, including a sample management unit and an optical observation unit; (iii) electronic control module. The following two experimental plans will be performed inside the CMB aboard the SJ-10 satellite in space. (i) Self-assembly of colloidal spheres (with and without Au shell) induced by droplet evaporation, allowing observation of the dynamic process of the colloidal spheres within the droplet and the change of the droplet outer profile during evaporation; (ii) Phase behavior of Mg2Al LDHs suspensions in microgravity. The experimental results will be the first experimental observations of depositing ordered colloidal crystals and their self-assembly behavior under microgravity, and will illustrate the influence of gravity on liquid crystal phase transition.

Colloidal gold-modified optical fiber for chemical and biochemical sensing.

PubMed

Cheng, Shu-Fang; Chau, Lai-Kwan

2003-01-01

A novel class of fiber-optic evanescent-wave sensor was constructed on the basis of modification of the unclad portion of an optical fiber with self-assembled gold colloids. The optical properties and, hence, the attenuated total reflection spectrum of self-assembled gold colloids on the optical fiber changes with different refractive index of the environment near the colloidal gold surface. With sucrose solutions of increasing refractive index, the sensor response decreases linearly. The colloidal gold surface was also functionalized with glycine, succinic acid, or biotin to enhance the selectivity of the sensor. Results show that the sensor response decreases linearly with increasing concentration of each analyte. When the colloidal gold surface was functionalized with biotin, the detection limit of the sensor for streptavidin was 9.8 x 10(-11) M. Using this approach, we demonstrate proof-of-concept of a class of refractive index sensor that is sensitive to the refractive index of the environment near the colloidal gold surface and, hence, is suitable for label-free detection of molecular or biomolecular binding at the surface of gold colloids.

pH Reversible Encapsulation of Oppositely Charged Colloids Mediated by Polyelectrolytes

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We report the first example of reversible encapsulation of micron-sized particles by oppositely charged submicron smaller colloids. The reversibility of this encapsulation process is regulated by pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) present in solution. The competitive adsorption between the small colloids and the poly(acrylic acid) on the surface of the large colloids plays a key role in the encapsulation behavior of the system. pH offers an experimental knob to tune the electrostatic interactions between the two oppositely charged particle species via regulation of the charge density of the poly(acrylic acid). This results in an increased surface coverage of the large colloids by the smaller colloids when decreasing pH. Furthermore, the poly(acrylic acid) also acts as a steric barrier limiting the strength of the attractive forces between the oppositely charged particle species, thereby enabling detachment of the smaller colloids. Finally, based on the pH tunability of the encapsulation behavior and the ability of the small colloids to detach, reversible encapsulation is achieved by cycling pH in the presence of the PAA polyelectrolytes. The role of polyelectrolytes revealed in this work provides a new and facile strategy to control heteroaggregation behavior between oppositely charged colloids, paving the way to prepare sophisticated hierarchical assemblies. PMID:28419800

Effect of Hydrofracking Fluid on Colloid Transport in the Unsaturated Zone

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Hydraulic fracturing is expanding rapidly in the US to meet increasing energy demand and requires high volumes of hydrofracking fluid to displace natural gas from shale. Accidental spills and deliberate land application of hydrofracking fluids, which return to the surface during hydrofracking, are common causes of environmental contamination. Since the chemistry of hydrofracking fluids favors transport of colloids and mineral particles through rock cracks, it may also facilitate transport of in situ colloids and associated pollutants in unsaturated soils. We investigated this by subsequently injecting deionized water and flowback fluid at increasing flow rates into unsaturated sand columns containing colloids. Colloid retention and mobilization was measured in the column effluent and visualized in situ with bright field microscopy. While <5% of initial colloids were released by flushing with deionized water, 32–36% were released by flushing with flowback fluid in two distinct breakthrough peaks. These peaks resulted from 1) surface tension reduction and steric repulsion and 2) slow kinetic disaggregation of colloid flocs. Increasing the flow rate of the flowback fluid mobilized an additional 36% of colloids, due to the expansion of water filled pore space. This study suggests that hydrofracking fluid may also indirectly contaminate groundwater by remobilizing existing colloidal pollutants. PMID:24905470

Colloid formation and metal transport through two mixing zones affected by acid mine drainage near Silverton, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schemel, L.E.; Kimball, B.A.; Bencala, K.E.

2000-01-01

Stream discharges and concentrations of dissolved and colloidal metals (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn), SO4, and dissolved silica were measured to identify chemical transformations and determine mass transports through two mixing zones in the Animas River that receive the inflows from Cement and Mineral Creeks. The creeks were the dominant sources of Al, Cu, Fe, and Pb, whereas the upstream Animas River supplied about half of the Zn. With the exception of Fe, which was present in dissolved and colloidal forms, the metals were dissolved in the acidic, high-SO4 waters of Cement Creek (pH 3.8). Mixing of Cement Creek with the Animas River increased pH to near-neutral values and transformed Al and some additional Fe into colloids which also contained Cu and Pb. Aluminium and Fe colloids had already formed in the mildly acidic conditions in Mineral Creek (pH 6.6) upstream of the confluence with the Animas River. Colloidal Fe continued to form downstream of both mixing zones. The Fe- and Al-rich colloids were important for transport of Cu, Pb, and Zn, which appeared to have sorbed to them. Partitioning of Zn between dissolved and colloidal phases was dependent on pH and colloid concentration. Mass balances showed conservative transports for Ca, Mg, Mn, SO4, and dissolved silica through the two mixing zones and small losses (< 10%) of colloidal Al, Fe and Zn from the water column.

Development and comparison of immunochromatographic strips with three nanomaterial labels: Colloidal gold, nanogold-polyaniline-nanogold microspheres (GPGs) and colloidal carbon for visual detection of salbutamol.

PubMed

Liu, Bing; Wang, Lingling; Tong, Bei; Zhang, Yan; Sheng, Wei; Pan, Mingfei; Wang, Shuo

2016-11-15

In this study, the three nanomaterials: colloidal gold, nanogold-polyaniline-nanogold microspheres (GPGs) and colloidal carbon were respectively labeled with the antibody against salbutamol (SAL). We aimed to develop immunochromatographic strips with these nanomaterial labels and determine their performance in visual detection of SAL. For the colloidal gold-based strip, the detection limit of SAL was 1.0µgL(-1) in standard solution and 5.0µgkg(-1) in meat samples. For the GPG- and colloidal carbon-based strips, the limit of detection was 2.0µgL(-1) in standard solution and 10µgkg(-1) in meat samples. The results obtained using the test strips were found to be highly consistent with those obtained using a commercial kit, indicating the high accuracy of these strips. The three strips were also found to be stable up to 18 weeks under laboratory conditions. In terms of sensitivity, the colloidal gold-based strip was slightly better than the other two. For the GPG- and colloidal carbon-based strips, the difference between the results obtained for different batches was small (high consistency), and the stability was much better than that of the colloidal gold-based one. Our results indicate that colloidal carbon can be used as a label in immunochromatographic tests; it can also help reduce the cost involved and scale-up the production. The use of immunochromatographic test strips labeled with colloidal carbon can be a rapid and inexpensive method for SAL assays in on-site applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organic carbon and nitrogen content associated with colloids and suspended particulates from the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rostad, C.E.; Leenheer, J.A.; Daniel, S.R.

1997-01-01

Suspended material samples were collected at 16 sites along the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries during July-August 1991, October-November 1991, and April-May 1992, and separated into colloid and particulate fractions to determine the organic carbon content of these two fractions of suspended material. Sample collection involved centrifugation to isolate the suspended particulate fraction and ultrafiltration to isolate the colloid fraction. For the first time, particulate and colloid concentrations and organic carbon and nitrogen content were investigated along the entire reach of the Mississippi River from above Minneapolis, Minnesota, to below New Orleans, Louisiana. Organic carbon content of the colloid (15.2 percent) was much higher than organic carbon content of the particulate material (4.8 percent). Carbon/nitrogen ratios of colloid and particulate phases were more similar to ratios for microorganisms than to ratios for soils, humic materials, or plants.Suspended material samples were collected at 16 sites along the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries during July-August 1991, October-November 1991, and April-May 1992, and separated into colloid and particulate fractions to determine the organic carbon content of these two fractions of suspended material. Sample collection involved centrifugation to isolate the suspended particulate fraction and ultrafiltration to isolate the colloid fraction. For the first time, particulate and colloid concentrations and organic carbon and nitrogen content were investigated along the entire reach of the Mississippi River from above Minneapolis, Minnesota, to below New Orleans, Louisiana. Organic carbon content of the colloid (15.2 percent) was much higher than organic carbon content of the particulate material (4.8 percent). Carbon/nitrogen ratios of colloid and particulate phases were more similar to ratios for microorganisms than to ratios for soils, humic materials, or plants.

Partitioning of Dissolved Metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Pb) into Soluble and Colloidal Fractions in Continental Shelf and Offshore Waters, Northern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzsimmons, J. N.; Parker, C.; Sherrell, R. M.

2016-02-01

The physicochemical speciation of trace metals in seawater influences their cycling as essential micronutrients for microorganisms or as tracers of anthropogenic influences on the marine environment. While chemical speciation affects lability, the size of metal complexes influences their ability to be accessed biologically and also influences their fate in the aggregation pathway to marine particles. In this study, we show that multiple trace metals in shelf and open ocean waters off northern California (IRN-BRU cruise, July 2014) have colloidal-sized components. Colloidal fractions were operationally defined using two ultrafiltration methods: a 0.02 µm Anopore membrane and a 10 kDa ( 0.003 µm) cross flow filtration (CFF) system. Together these two methods distinguished small (0.003 - 0.02 µm) and large (0.02 µm - 0.2 µm) colloids. As has been found previously for seawater in other ocean regimes, dissolved Fe had a broad size distribution with 50% soluble (<10 kDa) complexes and both small and large colloidal species. Dissolved Mn had no measurable colloidal component, consistent with its predicted chemical speciation as free Mn(II). Dissolved Cu, which like Fe is thought to be nearly fully organically bound in seawater, was only 25% colloidal, and these colloids were all small. Surprisingly Cd, Ni, and Pb also showed colloidal components (8-20%, 25-40%, and 10-50%) despite their hypothesized low organic speciation. Zn and Pb were nearly completely sorbed onto the Anopore membrane, making CFF the only viable ultrafiltration method for those elements. Zn suffered incomplete recovery ( 50-75%) through the CFF system but showed 30-85% colloidal contribution; thus, verifying a Zn colloidal phase with these methods is challenging. Conclusions will reveal links between the physical and chemical speciation for these metals and what role these metal colloids might have on trace metal exchange between the ocean margin and offshore waters.

Fast microbial reduction of ferrihydrite colloids from a soil effluent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritzsche, Andreas; Bosch, Julian; Rennert, Thilo; Heister, Katja; Braunschweig, Juliane; Meckenstock, Rainer U.; Totsche, Kai U.

2012-01-01

Recent studies on the microbial reduction of synthetic iron oxide colloids showed their superior electron accepting property in comparison to bulk iron oxides. However, natural colloidal iron oxides differ in composition from their synthetic counterparts. Besides a potential effect of colloid size, microbial iron reduction may be accelerated by electron-shuttling dissolved organic matter (DOM) as well as slowed down by inhibitors such as arsenic. We examined the microbial reduction of OM- and arsenic-containing ferrihydrite colloids. Four effluent fractions were collected from a soil column experiment run under water-saturated conditions. Ferrihydrite colloids precipitated from the soil effluent and exhibited stable hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 281 (±146) nm in the effluent fraction that was collected first and 100 (±43) nm in a subsequently obtained effluent fraction. Aliquots of these oxic effluent fractions were added to anoxic low salt medium containing diluted suspensions of Geobacter sulfurreducens. Independent of the initial colloid size, the soil effluent ferrihydrite colloids were quickly and completely reduced. The rates of Fe2+ formation ranged between 1.9 and 3.3 fmol h-1 cell-1, and are in the range of or slightly exceeding previously reported rates of synthetic ferrihydrite colloids (1.3 fmol h-1 cell-1), but greatly exceeding previously known rates of macroaggregate-ferrihydrite reduction (0.07 fmol h-1 cell-1). The inhibition of microbial Fe(III) reduction by arsenic is unlikely or overridden by the concurrent enhancement induced by soil effluent DOM. These organic species may have increased the already high intrinsic reducibility of colloidal ferrihydrite owing to quinone-mediated electron shuttling. Additionally, OM, which is structurally associated with the soil effluent ferrihydrite colloids, may also contribute to the higher reactivity due to increasing solubility and specific surface area of ferrihydrite. In conclusion, ferrihydrite colloids from soil effluents can be considered as highly reactive electron acceptors in anoxic environments.

Adsorption, immobilization, and activity of beta-glucosidase on different soil colloids.

PubMed

Yan, Jinlong; Pan, Genxing; Li, Lianqing; Quan, Guixiang; Ding, Cheng; Luo, Ailan

2010-08-15

For a better understanding of enzyme stabilization and the subsequent catalytic process in a soil environment, the adsorption, immobilization, and activity of beta-glucosidase on various soil colloids from a paddy soil were studied. The calculated parameters maximum adsorption capacity (q(0)) for fine soil colloids ranged from 169.6 to 203.7 microg mg(-1), which was higher than coarse soil colloids in the range of 81.0-94.6 microg mg(-1), but the lower adsorption affinity (K(L)) was found on fine soil colloids. The percentages of beta-glucosidase desorbed from external surfaces of the coarse soil colloids (27.6-28.5%) were higher than those from the fine soil colloids (17.5-20.2%). Beta-glucosidase immobilized on the coarse inorganic and organic soil colloids retained 72.4% and 69.8% of activity, respectively, which indicated the facilitated effect of soil organic matter in the inhibition of enzyme activity. The residual activity for the fine soil clay is 79-81%. After 30 days of storage at 40 degrees C the free beta-glucosidase retained 66.2% of its initial activity, whereas the soil colloidal particle-immobilized enzyme retained 77.1-82.4% of its activity. The half-lives of free beta-glucosidase appeared to be 95.9 and 50.4 days at 25 and 40 degrees C. Immobilization of beta-glucosidase on various soil colloids enhanced the thermal stability at all temperatures, and the thermal stability was greatly affected by the affinity between the beta-glucosidase molecules and the surface of soil colloidal particles. Due to the protective effect of supports, soil colloidal particle-immobilized enzymes were less sensitive to pH and temperature changes than free enzymes. Data obtained in this study are helpful for further research on the enzymatic mechanisms in carbon cycling and soil carbon storage. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pseudo second order kinetics and pseudo isotherms for malachite green onto activated carbon: comparison of linear and non-linear regression methods.

PubMed

Kumar, K Vasanth; Sivanesan, S

2006-08-25

Pseudo second order kinetic expressions of Ho, Sobkowsk and Czerwinski, Blanachard et al. and Ritchie were fitted to the experimental kinetic data of malachite green onto activated carbon by non-linear and linear method. Non-linear method was found to be a better way of obtaining the parameters involved in the second order rate kinetic expressions. Both linear and non-linear regression showed that the Sobkowsk and Czerwinski and Ritchie's pseudo second order model were the same. Non-linear regression analysis showed that both Blanachard et al. and Ho have similar ideas on the pseudo second order model but with different assumptions. The best fit of experimental data in Ho's pseudo second order expression by linear and non-linear regression method showed that Ho pseudo second order model was a better kinetic expression when compared to other pseudo second order kinetic expressions. The amount of dye adsorbed at equilibrium, q(e), was predicted from Ho pseudo second order expression and were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich Peterson expressions by both linear and non-linear method to obtain the pseudo isotherms. The best fitting pseudo isotherm was found to be the Langmuir and Redlich Peterson isotherm. Redlich Peterson is a special case of Langmuir when the constant g equals unity.

Age bimodality in the central region of pseudo-bulges in S0 galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Preetish K.; Barway, Sudhanshu; Wadadekar, Yogesh

2017-11-01

We present evidence for bimodal stellar age distribution of pseudo-bulges of S0 galaxies as probed by the Dn(4000) index. We do not observe any bimodality in age distribution for pseudo-bulges in spiral galaxies. Our sample is flux limited and contains 2067 S0 and 2630 spiral galaxies drawn from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We identify pseudo-bulges in S0 and spiral galaxies, based on the position of the bulge on the Kormendy diagram and their central velocity dispersion. Dividing the pseudo-bulges of S0 galaxies into those containing old and young stellar populations, we study the connection between global star formation and pseudo-bulge age on the u - r colour-mass diagram. We find that most old pseudo-bulges are hosted by passive galaxies while majority of young bulges are hosted by galaxies that are star forming. Dividing our sample of S0 galaxies into early-type S0s and S0/a galaxies, we find that old pseudo-bulges are mainly hosted by early-type S0 galaxies while most of the pseudo-bulges in S0/a galaxies are young. We speculate that morphology plays a strong role in quenching of star formation in the disc of these S0 galaxies, which stops the growth of pseudo-bulges, giving rise to old pseudo-bulges and the observed age bimodality.

Construction of the mathematical concept of pseudo thinking students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anggraini, D.; Kusmayadi, T. A.; Pramudya, I.

2018-05-01

Thinking process is a process that begins with the acceptance of information, information processing and information calling in memory with structural changes that include concepts or knowledges. The concept or knowledge is individually constructed by each individual. While, students construct a mathematical concept, students may experience pseudo thinking. Pseudo thinking is a thinking process that results in an answer to a problem or construction to a concept “that is not true”. Pseudo thinking can be classified into two forms there are true pseudo and false pseudo. The construction of mathematical concepts in students of pseudo thinking should be immediately known because the error will have an impact on the next construction of mathematical concepts and to correct the errors it requires knowledge of the source of the error. Therefore, in this article will be discussed thinking process in constructing of mathematical concepts in students who experience pseudo thinking.

Laboratory investigation of the role of desorption kinetics on americium transport associated with bentonite colloids

DOE PAGES

Dittrich, Timothy Mark; Boukhalfa, Hakim; Ware, Stuart Douglas; ...

2015-07-13

Understanding the parameters that control colloid-mediated transport of radionuclides is important for the safe disposal of used nuclear fuel. We report an experimental and reactive transport modeling examination of americium transport in a groundwater–bentonite–fracture fill material system. A series of batch sorption and column transport experiments were conducted to determine the role of desorption kinetics from bentonite colloids in the transport of americium through fracture materials. We used fracture fill material from a shear zone in altered granodiorite collected from the Grimsel Test Site (GTS) in Switzerland and colloidal suspensions generated from FEBEX bentonite, a potential repository backfill material. Themore » colloidal suspension (100 mg L –1) was prepared in synthetic groundwater that matched the natural water chemistry at GTS and was spiked with 5.5 × 10 –10 M 241Am. Batch characterizations indicated that 97% of the americium in the stock suspension was adsorbed to the colloids. Breakthrough experiments conducted by injecting the americium colloidal suspension through three identical columns in series, each with mean residence times of 6 h, show that more than 95% of the bentonite colloids were transported through each of the columns, with modeled colloid filtration rates (k f) of 0.01–0.02 h –1. Am recoveries in each column were 55–60%, and Am desorption rate constants from the colloids, determined from 1-D transport modeling, were 0.96, 0.98, and 0.91 h –1 in the three columns, respectively. The consistency in Am recoveries and desorption rate constants in each column indicates that the Am was not associated with binding sites of widely-varying strengths on the colloids, as one binding site with fast kinetics represented the system accurately for all three sequential columns. As a result, our data suggest that colloid-mediated transport of Am in a bentonite-fracture fill material system is unlikely to result in transport over long distance scales because of the ability of the fracture materials to rapidly strip Am from the bentonite colloids and the apparent lack of a strong binding site that would keep a fraction of the Am strongly-associated with the colloids.« less

Surface preparation of substances for continuous convective assembly of fine particles

DOEpatents

Rossi, Robert

2003-01-01

A method for producing periodic nanometer-scale arrays of metal or semiconductor junctions on a clean semiconductor substrate surface is provided comprising the steps of: etching the substrate surface to make it hydrophilic, forming, under an inert atmosphere, a crystalline colloid layer on the substrate surface, depositing a metal or semiconductor material through the colloid layer onto the surface of the substrate, and removing the colloid from the substrate surface. The colloid layer is grown on the clean semiconductor surface by withdrawing the semiconductor substrate from a sol of colloid particles.

Automated video-microscopic imaging and data acquisition system for colloid deposition measurements

DOEpatents

Abdel-Fattah, Amr I.; Reimus, Paul W.

2004-12-28

A video microscopic visualization system and image processing and data extraction and processing method for in situ detailed quantification of the deposition of sub-micrometer particles onto an arbitrary surface and determination of their concentration across the bulk suspension. The extracted data includes (a) surface concentration and flux of deposited, attached and detached colloids, (b) surface concentration and flux of arriving and departing colloids, (c) distribution of colloids in the bulk suspension in the direction perpendicular to the deposition surface, and (d) spatial and temporal distributions of deposited colloids.

Three-particle correlation functions of quasi-two-dimensional one-component and binary colloid suspensions.

PubMed

Ho, Hau My; Lin, Binhua; Rice, Stuart A

2006-11-14

We report the results of experimental determinations of the triplet correlation functions of quasi-two-dimensional one-component and binary colloid suspensions in which the colloid-colloid interaction is short ranged. The suspensions studied range in density from modestly dilute to solid. The triplet correlation function of the one-component colloid system reveals extensive ordering deep in the liquid phase. At the same density the ordering of the larger diameter component in a binary colloid system is greatly diminished by a very small amount of the smaller diameter component. The possible utilization of information contained in the triplet correlation function in the theory of melting of a quasi-two-dimensional system is briefly discussed.

Curvature capillary migration of microspheres.

PubMed

Sharifi-Mood, Nima; Liu, Iris B; Stebe, Kathleen J

2015-09-14

We address the question: how does capillarity propel microspheres along curvature gradients? For a particle on a fluid interface, there are two conditions that can apply at the three phase contact line: either the contact line adopts an equilibrium contact angle, or it can be pinned by kinetic trapping, e.g. at chemical heterogeneities, asperities, or other pinning sites on the particle surface. We formulate the curvature capillary energy for both scenarios for particles smaller than the capillary length and far from any pinning boundaries. The scale and range of the distortion made by the particle are set by the particle radius; we use singular perturbation methods to find the distortions and to rigorously evaluate the associated capillary energies. For particles with equilibrium contact angles, contrary to the literature, we find that the capillary energy is negligible, with the first contribution bounded to fourth order in the product of the particle radius and the deviatoric curvature of the host interface. For pinned contact lines, we find curvature capillary energies that are finite, with a functional form investigated previously by us for disks and microcylinders on curved interfaces. In experiments, we show microspheres migrate along deterministic trajectories toward regions of maximum deviatoric curvature with curvature capillary energies ranging from 6 × 10(3)-5 × 10(4)kBT. These data agree with the curvature capillary energy for the case of pinned contact lines. The underlying physics of this migration is a coupling of the interface deviatoric curvature with the quadrupolar mode of nanometric disturbances in the interface owing to the particle's contact line undulations. This work is an example of the major implications of nanometric roughness and contact line pinning for colloidal dynamics.

Application of Stereolithographic Custom Models for Studying the Impact of Biofilms and Mineral Precipitation on Fluid Flow

PubMed Central

Stoner, D. L.; Watson, S. M.; Stedtfeld, R. D.; Meakin, P.; Griffel, L. K.; Tyler, T. L.; Pegram, L. M.; Barnes, J. M.; Deason, V. A.

2005-01-01

Here we introduce the use of transparent experimental models fabricated by stereolithography for studying the impacts of biomass accumulation, minerals precipitation, and physical configuration of flow paths on liquid flow in fracture apertures. The internal configuration of the models ranged in complexity from simple geometric shapes to those that incorporate replicated surfaces of natural fractures and computationally derived fracture surfaces. High-resolution digital time-lapse imaging was employed to qualitatively observe the migration of colloidal and soluble dyes through the flow models. In this study, a Sphingomonas sp. and Sporosarcina (Bacillus) pasteurii influenced the fluid dynamics by physically altering flow paths. Microbial colonization and calcite deposition enhanced the stagnant regions adjacent to solid boundaries. Microbial growth and calcite precipitation occurred to a greater extent in areas behind the fabricated obstacles and less in high-velocity orifices. PMID:16332867

Application of stereolithographic custom models for studying the impact of biofilms and mineral precipitation on fluid flow.

PubMed

Stoner, D L; Watson, S M; Stedtfeld, R D; Meakin, P; Griffel, L K; Tyler, T L; Pegram, L M; Barnes, J M; Deason, V A

2005-12-01

Here we introduce the use of transparent experimental models fabricated by stereolithography for studying the impacts of biomass accumulation, minerals precipitation, and physical configuration of flow paths on liquid flow in fracture apertures. The internal configuration of the models ranged in complexity from simple geometric shapes to those that incorporate replicated surfaces of natural fractures and computationally derived fracture surfaces. High-resolution digital time-lapse imaging was employed to qualitatively observe the migration of colloidal and soluble dyes through the flow models. In this study, a Sphingomonas sp. and Sporosarcina (Bacillus) pasteurii influenced the fluid dynamics by physically altering flow paths. Microbial colonization and calcite deposition enhanced the stagnant regions adjacent to solid boundaries. Microbial growth and calcite precipitation occurred to a greater extent in areas behind the fabricated obstacles and less in high-velocity orifices.

Application of Stereolithographic Custom Models for Studying the Impact of Biofilms and Mineral Precipitation on Fluid Flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D. L. Stoner; S. M. Watson; R. D. Stedtfeld

Here we introduce the use of transparent experimental models fabricated by stereolithography for studying the impacts of biomass accumulation, minerals precipitation, and physical configuration of flow paths on liquid flow in fracture apertures. The internal configuration of the models ranged in complexity from simple geometric shapes to those that incorporate replicated surfaces of natural fractures and computationally derived fracture surfaces. High-resolution digital time-lapse imaging was employed to qualitatively observe the migration of colloidal and soluble dyes through the flow models. In this study, a Sphingomonas sp. and Sporosarcina (Bacillus) pasteurii influenced the fluid dynamics by physically altering flow paths. Microbialmore » colonization and calcite deposition enhanced the stagnant regions adjacent to solid boundaries. Microbial growth and calcite precipitation occurred to a greater extent in areas behind the fabricated obstacles and less in high-velocity orifices.« less

Characterization and disinfection by-product formation potential of natural organic matter in surface and ground waters from Northern Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rostad, C.E.; Leenheer, J.A.; Katz, B.; Martin, B.S.; Noyes, T.I.

2000-01-01

Streamwaters in northern Florida have large concentrations of natural organic matter (NOM), and commonly flow directly into the ground water system through karst features, such as sinkholes. In this study NOM from northern Florida stream and ground waters was fractionated, the fractions characterized by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and then chlorinated to investigate their disinfection by-product (DBP) formation potential (FP). As the NOM character changed (as quantified by changes in NOM distribution in various fractions, such as hydrophilic acids or hydrophobic neutrals) due to migration through the aquifer, the total organic halide (TOX)-FP and trihalomethane (THM)-FP yield of each of these fractions varied also. In surface waters, the greatest DBP yields were produced by the colloid fraction. In ground waters, DBP yield of the hydrophobic acid fraction (the greatest in terms of mass) decreased during infiltration.

1- and 2-particle Microrheology of Hyaluronic Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagan, Austin; Kearns, Sarah; Ross, David; Das, Moumita; Thurston, George; Franklin, Scott

2015-03-01

Hyaluronic acid (also called HA or Hyaluronan) is a high molecular weight polysaccaride ubiquitous in the extracellular matrix of soft tissue such as cartilage, skin, the eye's vitreous gel and synovial fluid. It has been shown to play an important role in mechanotransduction, cell migration and proliferation, and in tissue morphodynamics. We present a confocal microrheology study of hyaluronic acid of varying concentrations. The mean squared displacement (MSD) of sub-micron colloidal tracer particles is tracked in two dimensions and shows a transition from diffusive motion at low concentrations to small-time trapping by the protein network as the concentration increases. Correlations between particle motion can be used to determine an effective mean-squared displacement which deviates from the single-particle MSD as the fluid becomes less homogeneous. The real and effective mean-squared displacements are used to probe the local and space-averaged frequency dependent rheological properties of the fluid as the concentration changes.

[Effect of humic acids on migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N in saturated aquifer].

PubMed

Meng, Qing-Jun; Zhang, Yan; Feng, Qi-Yan; Zhang, Shuang-Sheng

2011-11-01

Isothermal adsorption experiment was used to study the adsorbing process of NH4(+) -N in quartz sands under the conditions with and without humic acid; the Langmuir and Freundlich equations were used to fit the absorption result and the maximum adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N by quarts sands was calculated. Through the soil column experiments, the concentration of NH4(+) -N, NO3(-) -N and NO2(-) -N in effluent water in the tested soil column was investigated, and the effect of humic acid on migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N in saturated aquifer was analyzed, and Pseudo-second-order Kinetics Equation and Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equation were applied to fit the kinetic processes. The results showed that both Langmuir and Freundlich models can well describe the isothermal adsorption process of NH4(+) -N on the surface of quartz sands, which means that NH4(+) -N adsorbed by the quartz sand was mainly in the form of monolayer adsorption. The humic acid could increase the adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N on quartz sand, and the saturated adsorption capacity was 0.354 mg x g(-1) under the condition with humic acid and 0.205 mg x g(-1) with the absence of humic acid. The experiment indicated that humic acid increased the adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N on the surface of quartz sand by increasing adsorption space in the initial stage. After saturation, humic acid influenced the migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N to NO3(-) -N and NO2(-) -N probably through providing carbon source and energy for microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria and then resulting in lower NH4(+) -N concentration in effluent water. Both Pseudo-second-order Kinetics Equation and Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equations can well describe the process of NH4(+) -N adsorption kinetics on quartz sand (R2 = 0.997 7 and R2 = 0.998 1 with humic acid; R2 = 0.992 3 and R2 = 0.994 4 without humic acid), indicating that this process was chemical adsorption. By comparing the adsorption rate coefficient of Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equation k3 (0.247 and 0.143, respectively) and k4 (0.006 27 and 0.001 7) between the treatments with and without humic acid, it can be referred that NH4(+) -N was non-orientated adsorption on active points of the quartz sand at the initial stage, and the humic acid could increase the equilibrium adsorption quantity(q(e)) of NH4(+) -N on quartz sands.

Colloid Mobilization in a Fractured Soil: Effect of Pore-Water Exchange between Preferential Flow Paths and Soil Matrix.

PubMed

Mohanty, Sanjay K; Saiers, James E; Ryan, Joseph N

2016-03-01

Exchange of water and solutes between contaminated soil matrix and bulk solution in preferential flow paths has been shown to contribute to the long-term release of dissolved contaminants in the subsurface, but whether and how this exchange can affect the release of colloids in a soil are unclear. To examine this, we applied rainfall solutions of different ionic strength on an intact soil core and compared the resulting changes in effluent colloid concentration through multiple sampling ports. The exchange of water between soil matrix and the preferential flow paths leading to each port was characterized on the basis of the bromide (conservative tracer) breakthrough time at the port. At individual ports, two rainfalls of a certain ionic strength mobilized different amounts of colloids when the soil was pre-exposed to a solution of lower or higher ionic strength. This result indicates that colloid mobilization depended on rainfall solution history, which is referred as colloid mobilization hysteresis. The extent of hysteresis was increased with increases in exchange of pore water and solutes between preferential flow paths and matrix. The results indicate that the soil matrix exchanged the old water from the previous infiltration with new infiltrating water during successive infiltration and changed the pore water chemistry in the preferential flow paths, which in turn affected the release of soil colloids. Therefore, rainfall solution history and soil heterogeneity must be considered to assess colloid mobilization in the subsurface. These findings have implications for the release of colloids, colloid-associated contaminants, and pathogens from soils.

The influence of colloids on the geochemical behavior of metals in polluted water using as an example Yongdingxin River, Tianjin, China.

PubMed

Ren, Huimin; Liu, Huijuan; Qu, Jiuhui; Berg, Michael; Qi, Weixiao; Xu, Wei

2010-01-01

The role of colloids in estuarine and marine systems has been studied extensively in recent years, whereas less is known about the polluted freshwater system. Yongdingxin River is one of the major recipients of industrial effluents in Tianjin. This article evaluates the role of colloids in controlling geochemical behavior of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Hg and Cr at the confluences between Yongdingxin River and its major tributaries Beijing Drainage River, Jinzhong River and Beitang Drainage River. Based on the distribution of metal partitioning among particulate (>0.22mum), colloidal (1kDa to 0.22mum) and truly dissolved (<1kDa) fractions, the metals can be assigned to the following groups: Group 1 - organic colloidal pool-borne elements Cu and Cr; Group 2 - inorganic colloidal pool-borne metals Fe and Mn; Group 3 - Zn and Hg characterized by varying complexation patterns. The distribution of metal partitioning among particulate, colloidal and truly dissolved fractions was influenced by anthropogenic input. In addition, the theoretical concentrations of elements in case of conservative mixing between the waters of Yongdingxin River and the waters of its tributaries were compared with the measured values to evaluate the geochemical role of colloids. The result showed that all of the metals presented a non-conservative mixing behavior. Addition of colloids resulted in the removal of metals from the water column to bed sediment during river water mixing, which was furthermore confirmed by the similar partition coefficient of metal concentration between colloid and sediment. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reconfigurable interactions and three-dimensional patterning of colloidal particles and defects in lamellar soft media

PubMed Central

Trivedi, Rahul P.; Klevets, Ivan I.; Senyuk, Bohdan; Lee, Taewoo; Smalyukh, Ivan I.

2012-01-01

Colloidal systems find important applications ranging from fabrication of photonic crystals to direct probing of phenomena typically encountered in atomic crystals and glasses. New applications—such as nanoantennas, plasmonic sensors, and nanocircuits—pose a challenge of achieving sparse colloidal assemblies with tunable interparticle separations that can be controlled at will. We demonstrate reconfigurable multiscale interactions and assembly of colloids mediated by defects in cholesteric liquid crystals that are probed by means of laser manipulation and three-dimensional imaging. We find that colloids attract via distance-independent elastic interactions when pinned to the ends of cholesteric oily streaks, line defects at which one or more layers are interrupted. However, dislocations and oily streaks can also be optically manipulated to induce kinks, allowing one to lock them into the desired configurations that are stabilized by elastic energy barriers for structural transformation of the particle-connecting defects. Under the influence of elastic energy landscape due to these defects, sublamellar-sized colloids self-assemble into structures mimicking the cores of dislocations and oily streaks. Interactions between these defect-embedded colloids can be varied from attractive to repulsive by optically introducing dislocation kinks. The reconfigurable nature of defect–particle interactions allows for patterning of defects by manipulation of colloids and, in turn, patterning of particles by these defects, thus achieving desired colloidal configurations on scales ranging from the size of defect core to the sample size. This defect-colloidal sculpturing may be extended to other lamellar media, providing the means for optically guided self-assembly of mesoscopic composites with predesigned properties. PMID:22411822

A mass-balance model to separate and quantify colloidal and solute redistributions in soil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bern, C.R.; Chadwick, O.A.; Hartshorn, A.S.; Khomo, L.M.; Chorover, J.

2011-01-01

Studies of weathering and pedogenesis have long used calculations based upon low solubility index elements to determine mass gains and losses in open systems. One of the questions currently unanswered in these settings is the degree to which mass is transferred in solution (solutes) versus suspension (colloids). Here we show that differential mobility of the low solubility, high field strength (HFS) elements Ti and Zr can trace colloidal redistribution, and we present a model for distinguishing between mass transfer in suspension and solution. The model is tested on a well-differentiated granitic catena located in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Ti and Zr ratios from parent material, soil and colloidal material are substituted into a mixing equation to quantify colloidal movement. The results show zones of both colloid removal and augmentation along the catena. Colloidal losses of 110kgm-2 (-5% relative to parent material) are calculated for one eluviated soil profile. A downslope illuviated profile has gained 169kgm-2 (10%) colloidal material. Elemental losses by mobilization in true solution are ubiquitous across the catena, even in zones of colloidal accumulation, and range from 1418kgm-2 (-46%) for an eluviated profile to 195kgm-2 (-23%) at the bottom of the catena. Quantification of simultaneous mass transfers in solution and suspension provide greater specificity on processes within soils and across hillslopes. Additionally, because colloids include both HFS and other elements, the ability to quantify their redistribution has implications for standard calculations of soil mass balances using such index elements. ?? 2011.

Plutonium partitioning in three-phase systems with water, granite grains, and different colloids.

PubMed

Xie, Jinchuan; Lin, Jianfeng; Zhou, Xiaohua; Li, Mei; Zhou, Guoqing

2014-01-01

Low-solubility contaminants with high affinity for colloid surfaces may form colloid-associated species. The mobile characteristics of this species are, however, ignored by the traditional sorption/distribution experiments in which colloidal species contributed to the immobile fraction of the contaminants retained on the solids as a result of centrifugation or ultrafiltration procedures. The mobility of the contaminants in subsurface environments might be underestimated accordingly. Our results show that colloidal species of (239)Pu in three-phase systems remained the highest percentages in comparison to both the dissolved species and the immobile species retained on the granite grains (solid phase), although the relative fraction of these three species depended on the colloid types. The real solid/liquid distribution coefficients (K s/d) experimentally determined were generally smaller than the traditional K s/d (i.e., the K s+c/d in this study) by ~1,000 mL/g for the three-phase systems with the mineral colloids (granite particle, soil colloid, or kaolinite colloid). For the humic acid system, the traditional K s/d was 140 mL/g, whereas the real K s/d was approximately zero. The deviations from the real solid/liquid K s/d were caused by the artificially increased immobile fraction of Pu. One has to be cautious in using K s/d-based transport models to predict the fate and transport of Pu in the environment.

Insights into the sonochemical synthesis and properties of salt-free intrinsic plutonium colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalodière, Elodie; Virot, Matthieu; Morosini, Vincent; Chave, Tony; Dumas, Thomas; Hennig, Christoph; Wiss, Thierry; Dieste Blanco, Oliver; Shuh, David K.; Tyliszcak, Tolek; Venault, Laurent; Moisy, Philippe; Nikitenko, Sergey I.

2017-03-01

Fundamental knowledge on intrinsic plutonium colloids is important for the prediction of plutonium behaviour in the geosphere and in engineered systems. The first synthetic route to obtain salt-free intrinsic plutonium colloids by ultrasonic treatment of PuO2 suspensions in pure water is reported. Kinetics showed that both chemical and mechanical effects of ultrasound contribute to the mechanism of Pu colloid formation. In the first stage, fragmentation of initial PuO2 particles provides larger surface contact between cavitation bubbles and solids. Furthermore, hydrogen formed during sonochemical water splitting enables reduction of Pu(IV) to more soluble Pu(III), which then re-oxidizes yielding Pu(IV) colloid. A comparative study of nanostructured PuO2 and Pu colloids produced by sonochemical and hydrolytic methods, has been conducted using HRTEM, Pu LIII-edge XAS, and O K-edge NEXAFS/STXM. Characterization of Pu colloids revealed a correlation between the number of Pu-O and Pu-Pu contacts and the atomic surface-to-volume ratio of the PuO2 nanoparticles. NEXAFS indicated that oxygen state in hydrolytic Pu colloid is influenced by hydrolysed Pu(IV) species to a greater extent than in sonochemical PuO2 nanoparticles. In general, hydrolytic and sonochemical Pu colloids can be described as core-shell nanoparticles composed of quasi-stoichiometric PuO2 cores and hydrolyzed Pu(IV) moieties at the surface shell.

Insights into the sonochemical synthesis and properties of salt-free intrinsic plutonium colloids

PubMed Central

Dalodière, Elodie; Virot, Matthieu; Morosini, Vincent; Chave, Tony; Dumas, Thomas; Hennig, Christoph; Wiss, Thierry; Dieste Blanco, Oliver; Shuh, David K.; Tyliszcak, Tolek; Venault, Laurent; Moisy, Philippe; Nikitenko, Sergey I.

2017-01-01

Fundamental knowledge on intrinsic plutonium colloids is important for the prediction of plutonium behaviour in the geosphere and in engineered systems. The first synthetic route to obtain salt-free intrinsic plutonium colloids by ultrasonic treatment of PuO2 suspensions in pure water is reported. Kinetics showed that both chemical and mechanical effects of ultrasound contribute to the mechanism of Pu colloid formation. In the first stage, fragmentation of initial PuO2 particles provides larger surface contact between cavitation bubbles and solids. Furthermore, hydrogen formed during sonochemical water splitting enables reduction of Pu(IV) to more soluble Pu(III), which then re-oxidizes yielding Pu(IV) colloid. A comparative study of nanostructured PuO2 and Pu colloids produced by sonochemical and hydrolytic methods, has been conducted using HRTEM, Pu LIII-edge XAS, and O K-edge NEXAFS/STXM. Characterization of Pu colloids revealed a correlation between the number of Pu-O and Pu-Pu contacts and the atomic surface-to-volume ratio of the PuO2 nanoparticles. NEXAFS indicated that oxygen state in hydrolytic Pu colloid is influenced by hydrolysed Pu(IV) species to a greater extent than in sonochemical PuO2 nanoparticles. In general, hydrolytic and sonochemical Pu colloids can be described as core-shell nanoparticles composed of quasi-stoichiometric PuO2 cores and hydrolyzed Pu(IV) moieties at the surface shell. PMID:28256635

Mathematical Basis and Test Cases for Colloid-Facilitated Radionuclide Transport Modeling in GDSA-PFLOTRAN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reimus, Paul William

This report provides documentation of the mathematical basis for a colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport modeling capability that can be incorporated into GDSA-PFLOTRAN. It also provides numerous test cases against which the modeling capability can be benchmarked once the model is implemented numerically in GDSA-PFLOTRAN. The test cases were run using a 1-D numerical model developed by the author, and the inputs and outputs from the 1-D model are provided in an electronic spreadsheet supplement to this report so that all cases can be reproduced in GDSA-PFLOTRAN, and the outputs can be directly compared with the 1-D model. The cases include examplesmore » of all potential scenarios in which colloid-facilitated transport could result in the accelerated transport of a radionuclide relative to its transport in the absence of colloids. Although it cannot be claimed that all the model features that are described in the mathematical basis were rigorously exercised in the test cases, the goal was to test the features that matter the most for colloid-facilitated transport; i.e., slow desorption of radionuclides from colloids, slow filtration of colloids, and equilibrium radionuclide partitioning to colloids that is strongly favored over partitioning to immobile surfaces, resulting in a substantial fraction of radionuclide mass being associated with mobile colloids.« less

Insights into the sonochemical synthesis and properties of salt-free intrinsic plutonium colloids

DOE PAGES

Dalodière, Elodie; Virot, Matthieu; Morosini, Vincent; ...

2017-03-03

Fundamental knowledge on intrinsic plutonium colloids is important for the prediction of plutonium behaviour in the geosphere and in engineered systems. The first synthetic route to obtain salt-free intrinsic plutonium colloids by ultrasonic treatment of PuO 2 suspensions in pure water is reported. Kinetics showed that both chemical and mechanical effects of ultrasound contribute to the mechanism of Pu colloid formation. In the first stage, fragmentation of initial PuO 2 particles provides larger surface contact between cavitation bubbles and solids. Furthermore, hydrogen formed during sonochemical water splitting enables reduction of Pu(IV) to more soluble Pu(III), which then re-oxidizes yielding Pu(IV)more » colloid. A comparative study of nanostructured PuO 2 and Pu colloids produced by sonochemical and hydrolytic methods, has been conducted using HRTEM, Pu LIII-edge XAS, and O K-edge NEXAFS/STXM. Characterization of Pu colloids revealed a correlation between the number of Pu-O and Pu-Pu contacts and the atomic surface-to-volume ratio of the PuO 2 nanoparticles. NEXAFS indicated that oxygen state in hydrolytic Pu colloid is influenced by hydrolysed Pu(IV) species to a greater extent than in sonochemical PuO 2 nanoparticles. In general, hydrolytic and sonochemical Pu colloids can be described as core-shell nanoparticles composed of quasi-stoichiometric PuO 2 cores and hydrolyzed Pu(IV) moieties at the surface shell.« less

Plasma Synthesis and Sintering of Advanced Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-15

CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES iv OBJECTIVES 1 COLLOIDAL PLASMA PROCESSING: CONCEPTS 1 BACKGROUND 2 Ultrafine Particles 2 Colloidal Plasma 3 Particle...colloidal plasma processing of ceramics. COLLOIDAL PLASMA PROCESSING: CONCEPTS It is well known that ultrafine particles prepared in gas plasmas agglomerate...BACKGROUND Ultrafine Particles . There are well recognized advantages to using small particles in ceramic processing. The instantaneous densification

Chemical colloids versus biological colloids: a comparative study for the elucidation of the mechanism of protein fiber formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Shaohua; Wu, David; Arnsdorf, Morton; Johnson, Robert; Getz, Godfrey S.; Cabana, Veneracion G.

2005-01-01

Fiber formation from murine serum amyloid A1 (SAA) was compared to the linear aggregation and fiber formation of colloidal gold particles. Here we report the similarities of these processes. Upon incubation with acetic acid, SAA misfolds and adopts a new conformation, which we termed saa. saa apparently is less soluble than SAA in aqueous solution; it aggregates and forms nucleation units and then fibers. The fibers appear as a string of the nucleation units. Additionally, an external electric field promotes saa fiber formation. These properties of saa are reminiscent of colloidal gold formation from gold ions and one-dimensional aggregation of the gold colloids. Colloidal gold particles were also found to be capable of aggregating one-dimensionally under an electric field or in the presence of polylysine. These gold fibers resembled in structure that of saa fibers. In summary, protein aggregation and formation of fibers appear to follow the generalized principles derived in colloidal science for the aggregation of atoms and molecules, including polymers such as polypeptides. The analysis of colloidal gold formation and of one-dimensional aggregation provides a simple model system for the elucidation of some aspects of protein fiber formation.

Chemical factors influencing colloid-facilitated transport of contaminants in porous media

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roy, Sujoy B.; Dzombak, David A.

1997-01-01

The effects of colloids on the transport of two strongly sorbing solutesa hydrophobic organic compound, phenanthrene, and a metal ion, Ni2+were studied in sand-packed laboratory columns under different pH and ionic strength conditions. Two types of column experiments were performed as follows:  (i) sorption/mobilization experiments where the contaminant was first sorbed in the column under conditions where no colloids were released and mobilized under conditions where colloids were released as a result of ionic strength reduction in the influent; and (ii) transport experiments where the contaminant, dissolved or sorbed on colloids, was injected into columns packed with a strongly sorbing porous medium. In the first type of experiment, contaminant mobilization was significant only when all releasable colloids were flushed from the column. In all other cases, although high colloid particle concentrations were encountered, there was no marked effect on total contaminant concentrations. In the second type of experiment, colloid deposition efficiencies were shown to control the enhancement of transport. The deposition efficiency was a function of the pH (for a high organic content sand) and of the contaminant concentration (for a charged species such as Ni2+).

Mobilization of natural colloids from an iron oxide-coated sand aquifer--Effect of pH and ionic strength

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bunn, Rebecca A.; Magelky, Robin D.; Ryan, Joseph N.; Elimelech, Menachem

2002-01-01

Field and laboratory column experiments were performed to assess the effect of elevated pH and reduced ionic strength on the mobilization of natural colloids in a ferric oxyhydroxide-coated aquifer sediment. The field experiments were conducted as natural gradient injections of groundwater amended by sodium hydroxide additions. The laboratory experiments were conducted in columns of undisturbed, oriented sediments and disturbed, disoriented sediments. In the field, the breakthrough of released colloids coincided with the pH pulse breakthrough and lagged the bromide tracer breakthrough. The breakthrough behavior suggested that the progress of the elevated pH front controlled the transport of the mobilized colloids. In the laboratory, about twice as much colloid release occurred in the disturbed sediments as in the undisturbed sediments. The field and laboratory experiments both showed that the total mass of colloid release increased with increasing pH until the concurrent increase in ionic strength limited release. A decrease in ionic strength did not mobilize significant amounts of colloids in the field. The amount of colloids released normalized to the mass of the sediments was similar for the field and the undisturbed laboratory experiments.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF INCISOR PSEUDO-ODONTOMAS IN PRAIRIE DOGS (CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS).

PubMed

Pelizzone, Igor; Di Ianni, Francesco; Volta, Antonella; Gnudi, Giacomo; Manfredi, Sabrina; Bertocchi, Mara; Parmigiani, Enrico

2017-05-01

Maxillary incisor pseudo-odontomas are common in pet prairie dogs and can cause progressive respiratory obstruction, while mandibular pseudo-odontomas are rarely clinically significant. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to describe CT features of maxillary and mandibular incisor pseudo-odontomas vs. normal incisors in a group of pet prairie dogs. All pet prairie dogs with head CT scans acquired during the period of 2013-2015 were included. A veterinary radiologist who was aware of final diagnosis reviewed CT scans and recorded qualitative features of affected and normal incisors. Mean density values for the pulp cavity and palatal and buccal dentin were also recorded. A total of 16 prairie dogs were sampled (12 normal maxillary incisors, 20 confirmed maxillary incisor pseudo-odontomas, 20 normal mandibular incisors, 12 presumed mandibular incisor pseudo-odontomas). Maxillary incisors with confirmed pseudo-odontomas had a significantly hyperattenuating pulp and dentin in the reserve crown and apical zone, when compared to normal maxillary incisors. Pseudo-odontomas appeared as enlargements of the apical zone with a globular/multilobular hyperattenuating mass formation haphazardly arranged, encroaching on midline and growing caudally and ventrally. Presumed mandibular incisor pseudo-odontomas had similar CT characteristics. In 60% of prairie dogs with maxillary incisor pseudo-odontomas, the hard palate was deformed and the mass bulged into the oral cavity causing loss of the palatine bone. The common nasal meatus was partially or totally obliterated in 81.8% of prairie dogs with maxillary pseudo-odontomas. Findings supported the use of CT for characterizing extent of involvement and surgical planning in prairie dogs with pseudo-odontomas. © 2017 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Nucleation and growth of sodium colloids in NaCl under irradiation: theory and experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubinko, V. I.; Turkin, A. A.; Abyzov, A. S.; Sugonyako, A. V.; Vainshtein, D. I.; den Hartog, H. W.

2005-01-01

A mechanism of radiation-induced emission of Schottky defects from extended defects proposed originally for metals has recently been applied to ionic crystals, where it is based on interactions of excitons with extended defects such as dislocations and colloids. Exciton trapping and decay at colloids may result in the emission of F centers and consequent shrinkage of the colloid. In the present paper, the radiation-induced emission of F centers is taken into account in the modeling of nucleation and growth of sodium colloids and chlorine bubbles in NaCl exposed to electron or gamma irradiation. The evolution of colloid and bubble number densities and volume fractions with increasing irradiation dose is modeled in the framework of a modified rate theory and compared with experimental data. Experimental values of the colloid volume fractions and number densities have been estimated on the basis of latent heat of melting of metallic Na obtained with combined differential scanning calorimetry experiments and atomic force microscopy investigations of metallic clusters.

Depletion interaction between colloids mediated by an athermal polymer blend

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chervanyov, A. I.

2018-03-01

We calculate the immersion energy of a colloid and the potential of the depletion interaction (DI) acting between colloids immersed in an athermal polymer blend. The developed theory has no limitations with respect to the polymer-to-colloid size ratios and polymer densities, covering, in particular, dense polymer blends. We demonstrate that in addition to the standard compressibility-induced mechanism of the DI there exists the mechanism relying on the correlations between compositional fluctuations specific to polymer blends. We quantitatively investigate this "compositional" mechanism of the DI and demonstrate that it causes significant contributions to the effective force acting between colloids. Further we show that relative significance of the contributions to the colloid immersion energy and the depletion potential caused by the above compositional mechanism strongly depends on the mass fractions of the polymer species and their size ratio. We find out that these contributions strongly affect the range of the DI, thus causing a significant increase in the absolute value of the second virial coefficient of the effective potential acting between colloids.

Physics of Colloids in Space-2 (PCS-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sankaran, Subramanian; Gasser, Urs; Manley, Suliana; Valentine, Megan; Prasad, Vikram; Rudhardt, Daniel; Bailey, Arthur; Dinsmore, Anthony; Segre, Phil; Doherty, Michael P.

2001-01-01

The Physics of Colloids-2 (PCS-2) experiment is aimed at investigating the basic physical properties of several types of colloidal suspensions. The three broad classes of colloidal systems of interest are binary colloids, colloid-polymer mixtures, and fractal gels. The objective is to understand their phase behavior as well as the kinetics of the phase transitions in the absence of gravity. The nucleation, growth, and morphology characteristics of the crystals and gels that form would be studied using confocal microscopy. These will be observed directly with excellent time resolution, and therefore extensive information about the different phases and their growth mechanisms will be gained. With the laser tweezers, it will be possible to measure the strength of these structures and to modify them in a controlled way, and the spectrophotometer will provide the possibility to probe their optical properties. We believe that this experiment will provide the basis for future 'colloid engineering' in which complicated structures with novel properties (e.g., photonic crystals) will be grown by controlled self-assembly.

Self-replication with magnetic dipolar colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dempster, Joshua M.; Zhang, Rui; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica

2015-10-01

Colloidal self-replication represents an exciting research frontier in soft matter physics. Currently, all reported self-replication schemes involve coating colloidal particles with stimuli-responsive molecules to allow switchable interactions. In this paper, we introduce a scheme using ferromagnetic dipolar colloids and preprogrammed external magnetic fields to create an autonomous self-replication system. Interparticle dipole-dipole forces and periodically varying weak-strong magnetic fields cooperate to drive colloid monomers from the solute onto templates, bind them into replicas, and dissolve template complexes. We present three general design principles for autonomous linear replicators, derived from a focused study of a minimalist sphere-dimer magnetic system in which single binding sites allow formation of dimeric templates. We show via statistical models and computer simulations that our system exhibits nonlinear growth of templates and produces nearly exponential growth (low error rate) upon adding an optimized competing electrostatic potential. We devise experimental strategies for constructing the required magnetic colloids based on documented laboratory techniques. We also present qualitative ideas about building more complex self-replicating structures utilizing magnetic colloids.

Post-traumatic hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm combined with subphrenic liver abscess treated with embolization

PubMed Central

Sun, Long; Guan, Yong-Song; Wu, Hua; Pan, Wei-Min; Li, Xiao; He, Qing; Liu, Yuan

2006-01-01

A 23-year-old man with post-traumatic hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm and subphrenic liver abscess was admitted. He underwent coil embolization of hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm. The pseudo-aneurysm was successfully obstructed and subphrenic liver abscess was controlled. Super-selective trans-catheter coil embolization may represent an effective treatment for hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm combined with subphrenic liver abscess in the absence of other therapeutic alternatives. PMID:16718774

Post-traumatic hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm combined with subphrenic liver abscess treated with embolization.

PubMed

Sun, Long; Guan, Yong-Song; Wu, Hua; Pan, Wei-Min; Li, Xiao; He, Qing; Liu, Yuan

2006-05-07

A 23-year-old man with post-traumatic hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm and subphrenic liver abscess was admitted. He underwent coil embolization of hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm. The pseudo-aneurysm was successfully obstructed and subphrenic liver abscess was controlled. Super-selective trans-catheter coil embolization may represent an effective treatment for hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm combined with subphrenic liver abscess in the absence of other therapeutic alternatives.

Einstein's osmotic equilibrium of colloidal suspensions in conservative force fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Jinxin; Ou-Yang, H. Daniel

2014-09-01

Predicted by Einstein in his 1905 paper on Brownian motion, colloidal particles in suspension reach osmotic equilibrium under gravity. The idea was demonstrated by J.B. Perrin to win Nobel Prize in Physics in 1926. We show Einstein's equation for osmotic equilibrium can be applied to colloids in a conservative force field generated by optical gradient forces. We measure the osmotic equation of state of 100nm Polystyrene latex particles in the presence of KCl salt and PEG polymer. We also obtain the osmotic compressibility, which is important for determining colloidal stability and the internal chemical potential, which is useful for predicting the phase transition of colloidal systems. This generalization allows for the use of any conservative force fields for systems ranging from colloidal systems to macromolecular solutions.

Interactions in charged colloidal suspensions: A molecular dynamics simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padidela, Uday Kumar; Behera, Raghu Nath

2017-07-01

Colloidal suspensions are extensively used in everyday life and find several applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food industries, etc. We present the classical molecular dynamics simulation results of the structural and transport properties of charged colloidal suspensions as a function of its size, charge and concentration. The system is viewed as a two-component (colloids and counterions) primitive model consisting of spherical colloid particle (macroion) and the counterions (micro-particles), which are treated explicitly. The solvent is treated as dielectric continuum. A systematic trend in the radial distribution functions g(r), potential of mean force W(r), different thermodynamic properties and diffusion coefficients is obtained as a function of colloid charge, size and concentration. An attractive minimum in W(r) is obtained at short interparticle distance.

A Colloidal Route to Detection of Organic Molecules Based on Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using Nanostructured Substrate Derived from Aerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gen, Masao; Kakuta, Hideo; Kamimoto, Yoshihito; Wuled Lenggoro, I.

2011-06-01

A detection method based on the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active substrate derived from aerosol nanoparticles and a colloidal suspension for detecting organic molecules of a model analyte (a pesticide) is proposed. This approach can detect the molecules of the derived from its solution with the concentration levels of ppb. For substrate fabrication, a gas-phase method is used to directly deposit Ag nanoparticles on to a silicon substrate having pyramidal structures. By mixing the target analyte with a suspension of Ag colloids purchased in advance, clotianidin analyte on Ag colloid can exist in junctions of co-aggregated Ag colloids. Using (i) a nanostructured substrate made from aerosol nanoparticles and (ii) colloidal suspension can increase the number of activity spots.

Incorporation of additives into polymers

DOEpatents

McCleskey, T. Mark; Yates, Matthew Z.

2003-07-29

There has been invented a method for incorporating additives into polymers comprising: (a) forming an aqueous or alcohol-based colloidal system of the polymer; (b) emulsifying the colloidal system with a compressed fluid; and (c) contacting the colloidal polymer with the additive in the presence of the compressed fluid. The colloidal polymer can be contacted with the additive by having the additive in the compressed fluid used for emulsification or by adding the additive to the colloidal system before or after emulsification with the compressed fluid. The invention process can be carried out either as a batch process or as a continuous on-line process.

Isochoric structural recovery in molecular glasses and its analog in colloidal glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banik, Sourya; McKenna, Gregory B.

2018-06-01

Concentrated colloidal dispersions have been regarded as models for molecular glasses. One of the many ways to compare the behavior in these two different systems is by comparing the structural recovery or the physical aging behavior. However, recent investigations from our group to examine structural recovery in thermosensitive colloidal dispersions have shown contrasting results between the colloidal and the molecular glasses. The differences in the behaviors of the two systems have led us to pose this question: Is structural recovery behavior in colloidal glasses truly distinct from that of molecular glasses or is the conventional experimental condition (isobaric temperature-jumps) in determining the structural recovery in molecular glasses different from the experimental condition in the colloidal experiments (concentration- or volume fraction-jumps); i.e., are colloidal glasses inherently different from molecular glasses or not? To address the question, we resort to model calculations of structural recovery in a molecular glass under constant volume (isochoric) conditions following temperature only- and simultaneous volume- and temperature-jumps, which are closer to the volume fraction-jump conditions used in the thermosensitive-colloidal experiments. The current model predictions are then compared with the signatures of structural recovery under the conventional isobaric state in a molecular glass and with structural recovery behavior in colloidal glasses following volume fraction-jumps. We show that the results obtained from the experiments conducted by our group were contrasting to classical molecular glass behavior because the basis of our comparisons were incorrect (the histories were not analogous). The present calculations (with analogous histories) are qualitatively closer to the colloidal behavior. The signatures of "intrinsic isotherms" and "asymmetry of approach" in the current isochoric model predictions are quite different from those in the classical isobaric conditions while the "memory" signatures remain essentially the same. While there are qualitative similarities between the current isochoric model predictions and results from colloidal glasses, it appears from the calculations that the origins of these are different. The isochoric histories in the molecular glasses have compensating effects of pressure and departure from equilibrium which determines the structure dependence on mobility of the molecules. On the other hand, in the colloids it simply appears that the volume fraction-jump conditions simply do not exhibit such structure mobility dependence. The determining interplay of thermodynamic phase variables in colloidal and molecular systems might be very different or at least their correlations are yet to be ascertained. This topic requires further investigation to bring the similarities and differences between molecular and colloidal glass formers into fuller clarity.

Anions adsorption onto nanoparticles: effects on colloid stability and mobility in the environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Missana, Tiziana; Benedicto, Ana; Mayordomo, Natalia; Alonso, Ursula

2013-04-01

Nanoparticles and colloids can enhance the contaminant transport in groundwater, if the contaminant is irreversibly adsorbed onto their surface; additionally colloids must be stable and mobile under the chemical conditions of the environment of interest. Colloid stability and mobility are factors directly related to the chemistry of the water, which determines the charge and size of the particles, but these colloidal properties can also be affected by the contaminant adsorption. This last point, which is potentially very relevant on the overall colloid-driven transport, is scarcely investigated. The evaluation of the stability of a colloidal system is generally carried out by measuring the aggregation kinetic after the change of a specific chemical condition, mainly pH or ionic strength of the aqueous solution. The effect of anion adsorption onto the stability of colloidal systems is mostly neglected. Parameters of the nanoparticles,as the point of zero charge (pH PCZ) or the isoelectric point (pH IEP) are determined with "inert" electrolytes and this might not be representative of their real behavior in natural systems. In this work, the effects of the Se(IV) (selenite) adsorption on alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles have been analyzed. Selenite adsorption was studied in a wide range of pH (2-12) and ionic strengths (0.0005 - 0.1 M in NaClO4) and the effect of the adsorption on the main properties of the colloids (size and charge) were analyzed. Se adsorption on Al2O3 is almost independent of the ionic strength and decreases with increasing pH; sorption data were successfully fit by surface complexation modeling. Selenite adsorption (at medium-high surface occupancies) clearly affected the stability of Al2O3 colloids, with a clear shift of the isoelectric point towards more acid pH and enhancing colloid aggregation when the ionic strength increases. Considering the obtained results, the effect of anions in the chemical composition of natural water, frequently not accounted for in stability studies, will be discussed, as well as their implications on possible colloid-driven selenite transport in the environment.

Sedimentation of iron deposits in Nagahama Bay, Satsuma Iwo-jima Island:Precipitation behavior of colloidal particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harada, T.; Kiyokawa, S.; Ikehara, M.

2016-12-01

Satsuma Iwo-Jima Island, with volcanic activities, is located about 40km south of Kyushu Island, Japan. This island is one of the best places to observe a shallow water hydrothermal system. Nagahama Bay, in the south of Satsuma Iwo-Jima Island, is partly separated from open sea. The seawater appears dark reddish brown color due to colloidal iron hydroxide by the mixing of volcanic fluids (pH=5.5, 50-60 degree Celsius) and oceanic water (Ninomiya & kiyokawa, 2009; Kiyokawa et al., 2012; Ueshiba & kiyokawa, 2012). Very high deposition rate (33 cm per year) of iron-rich sediments was observed in the bay (Kiyokawa et al., 2012). However, precipitation behavior of colloidal iron hydroxide has not been clarified. In this study, I report the results of analysis of deposition experiments of the colloidal particles at the Nagahama bay. Since the size of the colloidal particles is 1nm 1μm, single particle cannot be precipitated. This arise from precipitation of the particles in the viscous fluid is according to the Stokes' law. Colloidal iron hydroxide has the property of having the electric charges on the surface. The charge on the colloids is affected by pH of its surrounding seawater and can become more positively or negatively charged due to the gain or loss, respectively, of protons (H+) in the seawater. This property affects the stability of the colloidal dispersion. FE-SEM observation shows that the suspended particles consist of colloidal iron hydroxide (about 0.2μm), on the other hand, the iron-rich sediments are composed of bigger one (>1 μm). This indicates the colloidal iron hydroxide is precipitated by flocculation. We examined the precipitation amount of colloidal iron hydroxide under the various pH environments. The precipitation amount of pH=7.8 seawater 10% higher than that of pH=7.2. This result is roughly follows the theoretical value.

Prediction of Nanoparticle and Colloid Attachment on Unfavorable Mineral Surfaces Using Representative Discrete Heterogeneity.

PubMed

Trauscht, Jacob; Pazmino, Eddy; Johnson, William P

2015-09-01

Despite several decades of research there currently exists no mechanistic theory to predict colloid attachment in porous media under environmental conditions where colloid-collector repulsion exists (unfavorable conditions for attachment). It has long been inferred that nano- to microscale surface heterogeneity (herein called discrete heterogeneity) drives colloid attachment under unfavorable conditions. Incorporating discrete heterogeneity into colloid-collector interaction calculations in particle trajectory simulations predicts colloid attachment under unfavorable conditions. As yet, discrete heterogeneity cannot be independently measured by spectroscopic or other approaches in ways directly relevant to colloid-surface interaction. This, combined with the fact that a given discrete heterogeneity representation will interact differently with differently sized colloids as well as different ionic strengths for a given sized colloid, suggests a strategy to back out representative discrete heterogeneity by a comparison of simulations to experiments performed across a range of colloid size, solution IS, and fluid velocity. This has recently been performed for interaction of carboxylate-modified polystyrene latex (CML) microsphere attachment to soda lime glass at pH 6.7 with NaCl electrolyte. However, extension to other surfaces, pH values, and electrolytes is needed. For this reason, the attachment of CML (0.25, 1.1, and 2.0 μm diameters) from aqueous suspension onto a variety of unfavorable mineral surfaces (soda lime glass, muscovite, and albite) was examined for pH values of 6.7 and 8.0), fluid velocities (1.71 × 10(-3) and 5.94 × 10(-3) m s(-1)), IS (6.0 and 20 mM), and electrolytes (NaCl, CaSO4, and multivalent mixtures). The resulting representative heterogeneities (heterodomain size and surface coverage, where heterodomain refers to nano- to microscale attractive domains) yielded colloid attachment predictions that were compared to predictions from existing applicable semiempirical expressions in order to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the discrete heterogeneity approach and opportunities for improvement.

[AgBr colloids prepared by electrolysis and their SERS activity research].

PubMed

Si, Min-Zhen; Fang, Yan; Dong, Gang; Zhang, Peng-Xiang

2008-01-01

Ivory-white AgBr colloids were prepared by means of electrolysis. Two silver rods 1.0 cm in diameter and 10.0 cm long were respectively used as the negative and positive electrodes, the aqueous solution of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide was used as the electrolyte, and a 7 V direct current was applied on the silver rods for three hours. The obtained AgBr colloids were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and SERS using a 514. 5 nm laser line on Renishaw 2000 Raman spectrometer. These particles are about nanometer size and their shapes are as spherical or elliptic, with a slight degree of particle aggregation. The UV-Vis spectra exhibit a large plasmon resonance band at about 292.5 nm, similar to that reported in the literature. The AgBr colloids were very stable at room temperature for months. In order to test if these AgBr colloids can be used for SERS research, methyl orange, Sudan red and pyridine were used. It was found that AgBr colloids have SERS activity to these three molicules. For methyl orange, the intense Raman peaks are at 1 123, 1 146, 1 392, 1 448 and 1 594 cm(-1); for Sudan red, the intense Raman peaks are at 1 141, 1 179, 1 433 and 1 590 cm(-1); and for pyridine, the intense Raman peaks are at 1 003, 1 034 and 1 121 cm(-1). It is noticeable that SERS of methyl orange was observed on AgBr colloids, but not on the gray and yellow silver colloids prepared by traditional means. The possible reason was explained. One major advantage of this means is the absence of the spectral interference such as citrate, BH4- arising from reaction products of the colloids formation process. On AgBr colloids, one can get some molecular SERS impossible to get on the gray and yellow silver colloids.

Roughness Versus Charge Contributions to Representative Discrete Heterogeneity Underlying Mechanistic Prediction of Colloid Attachment, Detachment and Breakthrough-Elution Behavior Under Environmental Conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, William; Farnsworth, Anna; Vanness, Kurt; Hilpert, Markus

2017-04-01

The key element of a mechanistic theory to predict colloid attachment in porous media under environmental conditions where colloid-collector repulsion exists (unfavorable conditions for attachment) is representation of the nano-scale surface heterogeneity (herein called discrete heterogeneity) that drives colloid attachment under unfavorable conditions. The observed modes of colloid attachment under unfavorable conditions emerge from simulations that incorporate discrete heterogeneity. Quantitative prediction of attachment (and detachment) requires capturing the sizes, spatial frequencies, and other properties of roughness asperities and charge heterodomains in discrete heterogeneity representations of different surfaces. The fact that a given discrete heterogeneity representation will interact differently with different-sized colloids as well as different ionic strengths for a given sized colloid allows backing out representative discrete heterogeneity via comparison of simulations to experiments performed across a range of colloid size, solution IS, and fluid velocity. This has been achieved on unfavorable smooth surfaces yielding quantitative prediction of attachment, and qualitative prediction of detachment in response to ionic strength or flow perturbations. Extending this treatment to rough surfaces, and representing the contributions of nanoscale roughness as well as charge heterogeneity is a focus of this talk. Another focus of this talk is the upscaling the pore scale simulations to produce contrasting breakthrough-elution behaviors at the continuum (column) scale that are observed, for example, for different-sized colloids, or same-sized colloids under different ionic strength conditions. The outcome of mechanistic pore scale simulations incorporating discrete heterogeneity and subsequent upscaling is that temporal processes such as blocking and ripening will emerge organically from these simulations, since these processes fundamentally stem from the limited sites available for attachment as represented in discrete heterogeneity.

Quantification of colloidal and aqueous element transfer in soils: The dual-phase mass balance model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bern, Carleton R.; Thompson, Aaron; Chadwick, Oliver A.

2015-01-01

Mass balance models have become standard tools for characterizing element gains and losses and volumetric change during weathering and soil development. However, they rely on the assumption of complete immobility for an index element such as Ti or Zr. Here we describe a dual-phase mass balance model that eliminates the need for an assumption of immobility and in the process quantifies the contribution of aqueous versus colloidal element transfer. In the model, the high field strength elements Ti and Zr are assumed to be mobile only as suspended solids (colloids) and can therefore be used to distinguish elemental redistribution via colloids from redistribution via dissolved aqueous solutes. Calculations are based upon element concentrations in soil, parent material, and colloids dispersed from soil in the laboratory. We illustrate the utility of this model using a catena in South Africa. Traditional mass balance models systematically distort elemental gains and losses and changes in soil volume in this catena due to significant redistribution of Zr-bearing colloids. Applying the dual-phase model accounts for this colloidal redistribution and we find that the process accounts for a substantial portion of the major element (e.g., Al, Fe and Si) loss from eluvial soil. In addition, we find that in illuvial soils along this catena, gains of colloidal material significantly offset aqueous elemental loss. In other settings, processes such as accumulation of exogenous dust can mimic the geochemical effects of colloid redistribution and we suggest strategies for distinguishing between the two. The movement of clays and colloidal material is a major process in weathering and pedogenesis; the mass balance model presented here is a tool for quantifying effects of that process over time scales of soil development.

Passive colloids work together to become Active

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandula, Hima Nagamanasa; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Jie; Wu, Huanxin; Han, Ming; Luijten, Erik; Granick, Steve

In recent years there is growing body of research to design self-propelled colloids to gain insights into non-equilibrium systems including living matter. While most active colloids developed hitherto entail prefabrication of Janus colloids and possess single fixed active site, we present one simple system where active colloids are formed in-situ naturally with multiple active sites and are reversible as well as reconfigurable. A binary mixture of Brownian colloids which have opposite polarizations when subjected to an AC electric field spontaneously assemble into clusters which are propelled by asymmetric induced charge electro osmosis. We find that tuning the relative sizes of the two species allows for the control over the number of active sites. More interestingly, the patches are dynamic enabling reconfiguration of the active cluster. Consequently, the clusters are active not only in motion but also in their structure.

Study of adsorption process of iron colloid substances on activated carbon by ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machekhina, K. I.; Shiyan, L. N.; Yurmazova, T. A.; Voyno, D. A.

2015-04-01

The paper reports on the adsorption of iron colloid substances on activated carbon (PAC) Norit SA UF with using ultrasound. It is found that time of adsorption is equal to three hours. High-frequency electrical oscillation is 35 kHz. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon was determined and it is equal to about 0.25 mg iron colloid substances /mg PAC. The iron colloid substances size ranging from 30 to 360 nm was determined. The zeta potential of iron colloid substances which consists of iron (III) hydroxide, silicon compounds and natural organic substances is about (-38mV). The process of destruction iron colloid substances occurs with subsequent formation of a precipitate in the form of Fe(OH)3 as a result of the removal of organic substances from the model solution.

Effect of synthetic iron colloids on the microbiological NH(4)(+) removal process during groundwater purification.

PubMed

Wolthoorn, Anke; Temminghoff, Erwin J M; van Riemsdijk, Willem H

2004-04-01

Subsurface aeration is used to oxidise Fe in situ in groundwater that is used to make drinking water potable. In a groundwater system with pH>7 subsurface aeration results in non-mobile Fe precipitate and mobile Fe colloids. Since originally the goal of subsurface aeration is to remove iron in situ, the formation of non-mobile iron precipitate, which facilitates the metal's removal, is the desired result. In addition to this intended effect, subsurface aeration may also strongly enhance the microbiological removal of ammonium (NH(4)(+)) in the purification station. Mobile iron colloids could be the link between subsurface aeration and the positive effect on the NH(4)(+) removal process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess whether synthetic iron colloids could improve the NH(4)(+) removal process. The effect of synthetic iron colloids on the NH(4)(+) removal process was studied using an artificial purification set-up on a laboratory scale. Columns that purified groundwater with or without added synthetic iron colloids were set up in duplicate. The results showed that the NH(4)(+) removal was significantly ( alpha = 0.05 ) increased in columns treated with the synthetic iron colloids. Cumulative after 4 months about 10% more NH(4)(+) was nitrified in the columns that was treated with the groundwater containing synthetic iron colloids. The results support the hypothesis that mobile iron colloids could be the link between subsurface aeration and the positive effect on the NH(4)(+) removal process.

Column experiments to investigate transport of colloidal humic acid through porous media during managed aquifer recharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dan; Zhou, Jingjing; Zhang, Wenjing; Huan, Ying; Yu, Xipeng; Li, Fulin; Chen, Xuequn

2017-01-01

Colloids act as vectors for pollutants in groundwater, thereby creating a series of environmental problems. While managed aquifer recharge plays an important role in protecting groundwater resources and controlling land subsidence, it has a significant effect on the transport of colloids. In this study, particle size and zeta potential of colloidal humic acid (HA) have been measured to determine the effects of different hydrochemistry conditions. Column experiments were conducted to examine the effects on the transport of colloidal HA under varying conditions of pH (5, 7, 9), ionic strength (<0.0005, 0.02, 0.05 M), cation valence (Na+, Ca2+) and flow rate (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 ml/min) through collectors (glass beads) to model the properties and quality of artificial recharge water and changes in the hydrodynamic field. Breakthrough curves showed that the behavior of colloidal HA being transported varied depending on the conditions. Colloid transport was strongly influenced by hydrochemical and hydrodynamic conditions. With decreasing pH or increasing ionic strength, a decrease in the peak effluent concentration of colloidal HA and increase in deposition could be clearly seen. Comparison of different cation valence tests indicated that changes in transport and deposition were more pronounced with divalent Ca2+ than with monovalent Na+. Changes in hydrodynamic field (flow rate) also had an impact on transportation of colloidal HA. The results of this study highlight the need for further research in this area.

Physics of Colloids in Space: Flight Hardware Operations on ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doherty, Michael P.; Bailey, Arthur E.; Jankovsky, Amy L.; Lorik, Tibor

2002-01-01

The Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS) experiment was launched on Space Shuttle STS-100 in April 2001 and integrated into EXpedite the PRocess of Experiments to Space Station Rack 2 on the International Space Station (ISS). This microgravity fluid physics investigation is being conducted in the ISS U.S. Lab 'Destiny' Module over a period of approximately thirteen months during the ISS assembly period from flight 6A through flight 9A. PCS is gathering data on the basic physical properties of simple colloidal suspensions by studying the structures that form. A colloid is a micron or submicron particle, be it solid, liquid, or gas. A colloidal suspension consists of these fine particles suspended in another medium. Common colloidal suspensions include paints, milk, salad dressings, cosmetics, and aerosols. Though these products are routinely produced and used, we still have much to learn about their behavior as well as the underlying properties of colloids in general. The long-term goal of the PCS investigation is to learn how to steer the growth of colloidal structures to create new materials. This experiment is the first part of a two-stage investigation conceived by Professor David Weitz of Harvard University (the Principal Investigator) along with Professor Peter Pusey of the University of Edinburgh (the Co-Investigator). This paper describes the flight hardware, experiment operations, and initial science findings of the first fluid physics payload to be conducted on ISS: The Physics of Colloids in Space.

Length-scale dependent transport properties of colloidal and protein solutions for prediction of crystal nucleation rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalwarczyk, Tomasz; Sozanski, Krzysztof; Jakiela, Slawomir; Wisniewska, Agnieszka; Kalwarczyk, Ewelina; Kryszczuk, Katarzyna; Hou, Sen; Holyst, Robert

2014-08-01

We propose a scaling equation describing transport properties (diffusion and viscosity) in the solutions of colloidal particles. We apply the equation to 23 different systems including colloids and proteins differing in size (range of diameters: 4 nm to 1 μm), and volume fractions (10-3-0.56). In solutions under study colloids/proteins interact via steric, hydrodynamic, van der Waals and/or electrostatic interactions. We implement contribution of those interactions into the scaling law. Finally we use our scaling law together with the literature values of the barrier for nucleation to predict crystal nucleation rates of hard-sphere like colloids. The resulting crystal nucleation rates agree with existing experimental data.We propose a scaling equation describing transport properties (diffusion and viscosity) in the solutions of colloidal particles. We apply the equation to 23 different systems including colloids and proteins differing in size (range of diameters: 4 nm to 1 μm), and volume fractions (10-3-0.56). In solutions under study colloids/proteins interact via steric, hydrodynamic, van der Waals and/or electrostatic interactions. We implement contribution of those interactions into the scaling law. Finally we use our scaling law together with the literature values of the barrier for nucleation to predict crystal nucleation rates of hard-sphere like colloids. The resulting crystal nucleation rates agree with existing experimental data. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental and some analysis details. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00647j

Influences on physicians' choices of intravenous colloids.

PubMed

Miletin, Michael S; Stewart, Thomas E; Norton, Peter G

2002-07-01

Controversy over the optimal intravenous fluid for volume resuscitation continues unabated. Our objectives were to characterize the demographics of physicians who prescribe intravenous colloids and determine factors that enter into their decision to choose a colloid. Questionnaire with 61 items. Ten percent ( n = 364) of frequent intravenous fluid prescribers in the province of Ontario, Canada. The response rate was 74%. Colloid use in the past year was reported by 79% of the responding physicians. Important reasons for choosing a colloid included blood loss and manipulation of oncotic pressure. Physicians tended to prefer either albumin or pentastarch, but no important reasons were found for choosing between the two. Albumin with or without crystalloid was preferred in 5/13 scenarios by more than 50% of the respondents, whereas pentastarch was not favored by more than 50% of respondents in any scenario. Physicians practising in critical care areas and teaching hospitals generally preferred pentastarch to albumin. Physicians reporting pentastarch as representing greater than 90% of total colloid use were more likely to have been visited by a drug detailer for pentastarch than those who used less synthetic colloid (54 vs 22%, p < 0.001). The majority of physicians surveyed prescribe colloid products and the reported use of albumin and pentastarch has a bimodal distribution. Although albumin appeared to be preferred in more clinical niches, most physicians did not state reasons for choosing between products. Marketing, specialty, location of practice and clinical scenario appear to play significant roles in the utilization of colloid products.

Microalgal mediation of ripple mobility.

PubMed

Friend, P L; Lucas, C H; Holligan, P M; Collins, M B

2008-01-01

The interaction between physical and biological factors responsible for the cessation of ripple migration on a sandy intertidal flat was examined during a microalgal bloom period in late winter/early spring, as part of a wider study into the biostabilisation of intertidal sediments. Ripple positions and ripple geometry were monitored, and surface sediment was sampled, at weekly intervals over a 5-week period. Ripples remained in the same position for at least 4 weeks, during which time there was a progressive reduction in bedform height (smoothing) and deposition of some 1.5 cm sediment, mainly in the ripple troughs (surface levelling). The mean chlorophyll a (chl a) sediment content was 6.0 microg gDW(-1) (DW: dry weight) (0-1 mm depth fraction), with a maximum value of 7.4 microg gDW(-1) half way through the bloom. Mean colloidal-S carbohydrate (S: saline extraction) content was 131 microg GE gDW(-1) (GE: glucose equivalent) (0-1 mm), with a maximum of 261 microg GE gDW(-1 )towards the end of the bloom. Important accessory pigments were peridinin (indicative of dinophytes) and fucoxanthin (diatoms). Stepwise multiple regression showed that peridinin was the best predictor of chl a. For the first time, in situ evidence for the mediation of (wave) ripple migration by microalgae is provided. Results indicate that diatoms, and quite possibly dinophytes, can have a significant effect on intertidal flat ripple mobility on a temporal scale of weeks. In addition, microalgal effects appear capable of effecting a reduction in bed roughness on a spatial scale of up to 10(-2 )m, with a subsequent reduction in bottom stress and bed erodability. It is suggested that a unique combination of environmental conditions, in conjunction with the microalgal bloom(s), promoted the initial cessation of ripple movement, and that stationary-phase, diatom-derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (and possibly dinophyte-derived EPS) may have prolonged the condition. It is reasonable to suppose that ripple stabilisation by similar processes may have contributed to ripple mark preservation in the geological record. A conceptual model of sandy intertidal flat processes is presented, illustrating two conditions: (i) a low EPS/microalgae sediment content with low ripple stabilisation and preservation potential; and (ii) a high EPS/microalgae content with higher preservation potential.

Glyphosate transport through weathered granite soils under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions--Barcelona, Spain.

PubMed

Candela, Lucila; Caballero, Juan; Ronen, Daniel

2010-05-15

The transport of Glyphosate ([N-phosphonomethyl] glycine), AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid, CH(6)NO(3)P), and Bromide (Br(-)) has been studied, in the Mediterranean Maresme area of Spain, north of Barcelona, where groundwater is located at a depth of 5.5m. The unsaturated zone of weathered - granite soils was characterized in adjacent irrigated and non-irrigated experimental plots where 11 and 10 boreholes were drilled, respectively. At the non irrigated plot, the first half of the period was affected by a persistent and intense rainfall. After 69 days of application residues of Glyphosate up to 73.6 microgg(-1) were detected till a depth of 0.5m under irrigated conditions, AMPA, analyzed only in the irrigated plot was detected till a depth of 0.5m. According to the retardation coefficient of Glyphosate as compared to that of Br(-) for the topsoil and subsoil (80 and 83, respectively) and the maximum observed migration depth of Br(-) (2.9 m) Glyphosate and AMPA should have been detected till a depth of 0.05 m only. Such migration could be related to the low content of organic matter and clays in the soils; recharge generated by irrigation and heavy rain, and possible preferential solute transport and/or colloidal mediated transport. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harris, J.M.

Chemical phenomena occurring at boundaries between insulating solids and liquids (adsorption, partition, monolayer self-assembly, catalysis, and chemical reactions) are important to energy-related analytical chemistry. These phenomena are central to chromatography, solid-phase extraction, immobilized analytical reagents, and optical sensors. Chemical interactions in these processes cannot generally be identified solely by equilibrium surface concentrations, since the steady-state behavior does not reveal the mechanism or rates of surface reactions. Goal therefore is to develop surface-sensitive spectroscopies by which chemical kinetics at liquid/solid interfaces can be observed on time-scales from nanoseconds to seconds. In the first year, we have used Joule-discharge heating kinetics tomore » study pore structure of silica gels; effects of pore diameter, particle size, and chemical modification on pore connectivity were investigated. Temperature-jump relaxation measurements of sorption/desorption kinetics at liquid/solid interfaces were also carried out using Joule heating; kinetic barriers to sorption of ions from solution were found for both C18 and Cl surfaces. Through a collaboration with Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin, we were able to acquire laser temperature-jump data on kinetics at liquid/solid interfaces using a colloidal sample. We also quantified the rate of migration of covalently attached ligands on silica surfaces; from the temperature dependence, the large energy barrier to migration was estimated. A review of applications of electronic spectroscopy (absorption and fluorescence) to reversed-phase chromatographic interfaces was published.« less

In situ clay formation : evaluation of a proposed new technology for stable containment barriers.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagy, Kathryn L.; DiGiovanni, Anthony Albert; Fredrich, Joanne T.

2004-03-01

Containment of chemical wastes in near-surface and repository environments is accomplished by designing engineered barriers to fluid flow. Containment barrier technologies such as clay liners, soil/bentonite slurry walls, soil/plastic walls, artificially grouted sediments and soils, and colloidal gelling materials are intended to stop fluid transport and prevent plume migration. However, despite their effectiveness in the short-term, all of these barriers exhibit geochemical or geomechanical instability over the long-term resulting in degradation of the barrier and its ability to contain waste. No technologically practical or economically affordable technologies or methods exist at present for accomplishing total remediation, contaminant removal, or destruction-degradationmore » in situ. A new type of containment barrier with a potentially broad range of environmental stability and longevity could result in significant cost-savings. This report documents a research program designed to establish the viability of a proposed new type of containment barrier derived from in situ precipitation of clays in the pore space of contaminated soils or sediments. The concept builds upon technologies that exist for colloidal or gel stabilization. Clays have the advantages of being geologically compatible with the near-surface environment and naturally sorptive for a range of contaminants, and further, the precipitation of clays could result in reduced permeability and hydraulic conductivity, and increased mechanical stability through cementation of soil particles. While limited success was achieved under certain controlled laboratory conditions, the results did not warrant continuation to the field stage for multiple reasons, and the research program was thus concluded with Phase 2.« less

Binodal Colloidal Aggregation Test - 4: Polydispersion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chaikin, Paul M.

2008-01-01

Binodal Colloidal Aggregation Test - 4: Polydispersion (BCAT-4-Poly) will use model hard-spheres to explore seeded colloidal crystal nucleation and the effects of polydispersity, providing insight into how nature brings order out of disorder. Crewmembers photograph samples of polymer and colloidal particles (tiny nanoscale spheres suspended in liquid) that model liquid/gas phase changes. Results will help scientists develop fundamental physics concepts previously cloaked by the effects of gravity.

Effect of attractive interactions between polymers on the effective force acting between colloids immersed in a polymer system: Analytic liquid-state theory.

PubMed

Chervanyov, A I

2016-12-28

By making use of the polymer reference interaction site model, we analytically study the effect of attractive interactions between polymers on the effective forces acting between colloids immersed in a polymer system. The performed theoretical analysis has no restrictions with respect to the polymer density and relative sizes of the colloids and polymers. The polymer mediated (PM) potential acting between colloids is shown to significantly depend on the strength and range of the polymer-polymer interactions. In the nano-particle limit, where the colloid radius is much smaller than the polymer gyration radius, the presence of attractive polymer-polymer interactions causes only quantitative changes to the PM potential. In the opposite limit of relatively large colloids, the polymer-polymer interactions revert the sign of the total effective force acting between colloids so that this force becomes attractive at sufficiently large polymer densities. With the objective to study an intricate interplay between the attractive PM forces and steric repulsion in different polymer density regimes, we calculate the second virial coefficient B of the total effective potential acting between colloids. The dependence of B on the polymer density is discussed in detail, revealing several novel features of the PM interactions caused by the presence of attractive polymer-polymer interactions.

Attachment of micro- and nano-particles on tipless cantilevers for colloidal probe microscopy.

PubMed

D'Sa, Dexter J; Chan, Hak-Kim; Chrzanowski, Wojciech

2014-07-15

Current colloidal probe preparation techniques face several challenges in the production of functional probes using particles ⩽5 μm. Challenges include: glue encapsulated particles, glue altered particle properties, improper particle or agglomerate attachment, and lengthy procedures. We present a method to rapidly and reproducibly produce functional micro and nano-colloidal probes. Using a six-step procedure, cantilevers mounted on a custom designed 45° holder were used to approach and obtain a minimal amount of epoxy resin (viscosity of ∼14,000 cP) followed by a single micron/nano particle on the apex of a tipless cantilever. The epoxy and particles were prepared on individual glass slides and subsequently affixed to a 10× or 40× optical microscope lens using another custom designed holder. Scanning electron microscopy and comparative glue-colloidal probe measurements were used to confirm colloidal probe functionality. The method presented allowed rapid and reproducible production of functional colloidal probes (80% success). Single nano-particles were prominently affixed to the apex of the cantilever, unaffected by the epoxy. Nano-colloidal probes were used to conduct topographical, instantaneous force, and adhesive force mapping measurements in dry and liquid media conveying their versatility and functionality in studying nano-colloidal systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using data from colloid transport experiments to parameterize filtration model parameters for favorable conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamai, Tamir; Nassar, Mohamed K.; Nelson, Kirk E.; Ginn, Timothy R.

2017-04-01

Colloid filtration in porous media spans across many disciplines and includes scenarios such as in-situ bioremediation, colloid-facilitated transport, water treatment of suspended particles and pathogenic bacteria, and transport of natural and engineered nanoparticles in the environment. Transport and deposition of colloid particles in porous media are determined by a combination of complex processes and forces. Given the convoluted physical, chemical, and biological processes involved, and the complexity of porous media in natural settings, it should not come as surprise that colloid filtration theory does not always sufficiently predict colloidal transport, and that there is still a pressing need for improved predictive capabilities. Here, instead of developing the macroscopic equation from pore-scale models, we parametrize the different terms in the macroscopic collection equation through fitting it to experimental data, by optimizing the parameters in the different terms of the equation. This way we combine a mechanistically-based filtration-equation with empirical evidence. The impact of different properties of colloids and porous media are studied by comparing experimental properties with different terms of the correlation equation. This comparison enables insight about different processes that occur during colloid transport and retention under in porous media under favorable conditions, and provides directions for future theoretical developments.

Bead-Based Microfluidic Sediment Analogues: Fabrication and Colloid Transport.

PubMed

Guo, Yang; Huang, Jingwei; Xiao, Feng; Yin, Xiaolong; Chun, Jaehun; Um, Wooyong; Neeves, Keith B; Wu, Ning

2016-09-13

Mobile colloids can act as carriers for low-solubility contaminants in the environment. However, the dominant mechanism for this colloid-facilitated transport of chemicals is unclear. Therefore, we developed a bead-based microfluidic platform of sediment analogues and measured both single and population transport of model colloids. The porous medium is assembled through a bead-by-bead injection method. This approach has the versatility to build both electrostatically homogeneous and heterogeneous media at the pore scale. A T-junction at the exit also allowed for encapsulation and enumeration of colloids effluent at single particle resolution to give population dynamics. Tortuosity calculated from pore-scale trajectory analysis and its comparison with lattice Boltzmann simulations revealed that transport of colloids was influenced by the size exclusion effect. The porous media packed by positively and negatively charged beads into two layers showed distinctive colloidal particle retention and significant remobilization and re-adsorption of particles during water flushing. We demonstrated the potential of our method to fabricate porous media with surface heterogeneities at the pore scale. With both single and population dynamics measurement, our platform has the potential to connect pore-scale and macroscale colloid transport on a lab scale and to quantify the impact of grain surface heterogeneities that are natural in the subsurface environment.

Anti-iridescent colloidal photonic nanostructure from thermal gradients and polymeric brush effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung Yeol; Kim, Hyoungsoo; Kim, Shin-Hyun; Stone, Howard

2017-11-01

Colloidal nanostructures induced by self-assembly are important in reflective displays, plasmonic or photonic sensors, and color pigments. During the evaporation of droplets of colloidal suspension, due to the non-uniform evaporation rate along the droplet interface, a radially outward flow is created and it carries colloidal particles to the pinned contact line of the droplet. We document that the packing at the contact line is a face-center-cubic (fcc) colloidal nanostructure in a ring shape. The fcc structure of the colloidal nanoparticles exhibits angle-dependent color. In particular, we introduce a novel method to suppress the familiar coffee-ring effect and modify colloidal nanostructures to exhibit angle-independent optical properties. A suspension of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-coated silica nanoparticles dispersed in ethanol-water mixture is prepared. The droplet containing the nanoparticles dries on a heated substrate, which creates a thermal gradient along the interface of the droplet. This thermal gradient induces thermal-Marangoni stresses that suppress the coffee-ring effects. PEO adsorbed on the surface of silica nanoparticles produces an additional interaction between colloidal nanoparticles, which makes the final structure disordered. The disordered photonic nanostructures in our experiments exhibit angle-independent structural color. This technique can be applied to printing or optical filtering systems.

EFFECT OF NONCLASSICAL POLARIZATION OF Na+ AND K+ ON THE STABILITY OF SOIL COLLOIDAL PARTICLES IN SUSPENSION

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu-Quan, Ding; Jia-Hong, He; Lei, Wang; Xin-Min, Liu; Hang, Li

The study of soil colloids is essential because the stability of soil colloidal particles are important processes of interest to researchers in environmental fields. The strong nonclassical polarization of the adsorbed cations (Na+ and K+) decreased the electric field and the electrostatic repulsion between adjacent colloidal particles. The decrease of the absolute values of surface potential was greater for K+ than for Na+. The lower the concentration of Na+ and K+ in soil colloids, the greater the electrostatic repulsion between adjacent colloidal particles. The net pressure and the electrostatic repulsion was greater for Na+ than for K+ at the same ion concentration. For K+ and Na+ concentrations higher than 50mmol L-1 or 100 mmol L-1, there was a net negative (or attractive) pressure between two adjacent soil particles. The increasing total average aggregation (TAA) rate of soil colloids with increasing Na+ and K+ concentrations exhibited two stages: the growth rates of TAA increased rapidly at first and then increased slowly and eventually almost negligibly. The critical coagulation concentrations of soil colloids in Na+ and K+ were 91.6mmol L-1 and 47.8mmol L-1, respectively, and these were similar to the concentrations at the net negative pressure.

Thermal diffusion behavior of hard-sphere suspensions.

PubMed

Ning, Hui; Buitenhuis, Johan; Dhont, Jan K G; Wiegand, Simone

2006-11-28

We studied the thermal diffusion behavior of octadecyl coated silica particles (R(h)=27 nm) in toluene between 15.0 and 50.0 degrees C in a volume fraction range of 1%-30% by means of thermal diffusion forced Rayleigh scattering. The colloidal particles behave like hard spheres at high temperatures and as sticky spheres at low temperatures. With increasing temperature, the obtained Soret coefficient S(T) of the silica particles changed sign from negative to positive, which implies that the colloidal particles move to the warm side at low temperatures, whereas they move to the cold side at high temperatures. Additionally, we observed also a sign change of the Soret coefficient from positive to negative with increasing volume fraction. This is the first colloidal system for which a sign change with temperature and volume fraction has been observed. The concentration dependence of the thermal diffusion coefficient of the colloidal spheres is related to the colloid-colloid interactions, and will be compared with an existing theoretical description for interacting spherical particles. To characterize the particle-particle interaction parameters, we performed static and dynamic light scattering experiments. The temperature dependence of the thermal diffusion coefficient is predominantly determined by single colloidal particle properties, which are related to colloid-solvent molecule interactions.

A new method to prepare colloids of size-controlled clusters from a matrix assembly cluster source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Rongsheng; Jian, Nan; Murphy, Shane; Bauer, Karl; Palmer, Richard E.

2017-05-01

A new method for the production of colloidal suspensions of physically deposited clusters is demonstrated. A cluster source has been used to deposit size-controlled clusters onto water-soluble polymer films, which are then dissolved to produce colloidal suspensions of clusters encapsulated with polymer molecules. This process has been demonstrated using different cluster materials (Au and Ag) and polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol). Scanning transmission electron microscopy of the clusters before and after colloidal dispersion confirms that the polymers act as stabilizing agents. We propose that this method is suitable for the production of biocompatible colloids of ultraprecise clusters.

Nanocrystal/sol-gel nanocomposites

DOEpatents

Klimov, Victor L.; Petruska, Melissa A.

2010-05-25

The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a solid composite having colloidal nanocrystals dispersed within a sol-gel matrix, the process including admixing colloidal nanocrystals with an amphiphilic polymer including hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of --COOH, --OH, --SO.sub.3H, --NH.sub.2, and --PO.sub.3H.sub.2 within a solvent to form an alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex, admixing the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complex and a sol-gel precursor material, and, forming the solid composite from the admixture. The present invention is also directed to the resultant solid composites and to the alcohol-soluble colloidal nanocrystal-polymer complexes.

Pseudo-simple heteroclinic cycles in R4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chossat, Pascal; Lohse, Alexander; Podvigina, Olga

2018-06-01

We study pseudo-simple heteroclinic cycles for a Γ-equivariant system in R4 with finite Γ ⊂ O(4) , and their nearby dynamics. In particular, in a first step towards a full classification - analogous to that which exists already for the class of simple cycles - we identify all finite subgroups of O(4) admitting pseudo-simple cycles. To this end we introduce a constructive method to build equivariant dynamical systems possessing a robust heteroclinic cycle. Extending a previous study we also investigate the existence of periodic orbits close to a pseudo-simple cycle, which depends on the symmetry groups of equilibria in the cycle. Moreover, we identify subgroups Γ ⊂ O(4) , Γ ⊄ SO(4) , admitting fragmentarily asymptotically stable pseudo-simple heteroclinic cycles. (It has been previously shown that for Γ ⊂ SO(4) pseudo-simple cycles generically are completely unstable.) Finally, we study a generalized heteroclinic cycle, which involves a pseudo-simple cycle as a subset.

Pseudo-set framing.

PubMed

Barasz, Kate; John, Leslie K; Keenan, Elizabeth A; Norton, Michael I

2017-10-01

Pseudo-set framing-arbitrarily grouping items or tasks together as part of an apparent "set"-motivates people to reach perceived completion points. Pseudo-set framing changes gambling choices (Study 1), effort (Studies 2 and 3), giving behavior (Field Data and Study 4), and purchase decisions (Study 5). These effects persist in the absence of any reward, when a cost must be incurred, and after participants are explicitly informed of the arbitrariness of the set. Drawing on Gestalt psychology, we develop a conceptual account that predicts what will-and will not-act as a pseudo-set, and defines the psychological process through which these pseudo-sets affect behavior: over and above typical reference points, pseudo-set framing alters perceptions of (in)completeness, making intermediate progress seem less complete. In turn, these feelings of incompleteness motivate people to persist until the pseudo-set has been fulfilled. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Rapid Production of Internally Structured Colloids by Flash Nanoprecipitation of Block Copolymer Blends.

PubMed

Grundy, Lorena S; Lee, Victoria E; Li, Nannan; Sosa, Chris; Mulhearn, William D; Liu, Rui; Register, Richard A; Nikoubashman, Arash; Prud'homme, Robert K; Panagiotopoulos, Athanassios Z; Priestley, Rodney D

2018-05-08

Colloids with internally structured geometries have shown great promise in applications ranging from biosensors to optics to drug delivery, where the internal particle structure is paramount to performance. The growing demand for such nanomaterials necessitates the development of a scalable processing platform for their production. Flash nanoprecipitation (FNP), a rapid and inherently scalable colloid precipitation technology, is used to prepare internally structured colloids from blends of block copolymers and homopolymers. As revealed by a combination of experiments and simulations, colloids prepared from different molecular weight diblock copolymers adopt either an ordered lamellar morphology consisting of concentric shells or a disordered lamellar morphology when chain dynamics are sufficiently slow to prevent defect annealing during solvent exchange. Blends of homopolymer and block copolymer in the feed stream generate more complex internally structured colloids, such as those with hierarchically structured Janus and patchy morphologies, due to additional phase separation and kinetic trapping effects. The ability of the FNP process to generate such a wide range of morphologies using a simple and scalable setup provides a pathway to manufacturing internally structured colloids on an industrial scale.

Colloids Versus Albumin in Large Volume Paracentesis to Prevent Circulatory Dysfunction: Evidence-based Case Report.

PubMed

Widjaja, Felix F; Khairan, Paramita; Kamelia, Telly; Hasan, Irsan

2016-04-01

Large volume paracentesis may cause paracentesis induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD). Albumin is recommended to prevent this abnormality. Meanwhile, the price of albumin is too expensive and there should be another alternative that may prevent PICD. This report aimed to compare albumin to colloids in preventing PICD. Search strategy was done using PubMed, Scopus, Proquest, dan Academic Health Complete from EBSCO with keywords of "ascites", "albumin", "colloid", "dextran", "hydroxyethyl starch", "gelatin", and "paracentesis induced circulatory dysfunction". Articles was limited to randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis with clinical question of "In hepatic cirrhotic patient undergone large volume paracentesis, whether colloids were similar to albumin to prevent PICD". We found one meta-analysis and four randomized clinical trials (RCT). A meta analysis showed that albumin was still superior of which odds ratio 0.34 (0.23-0.51). Three RCTs showed the same results and one RCT showed albumin was not superior than colloids. We conclude that colloids could not constitute albumin to prevent PICD, but colloids still have a role in patient who undergone paracentesis less than five liters.

Colloids with high-definition surface structures

PubMed Central

Chen, Hsien-Yeh; Rouillard, Jean-Marie; Gulari, Erdogan; Lahann, Joerg

2007-01-01

Compared with the well equipped arsenal of surface modification methods for flat surfaces, techniques that are applicable to curved, colloidal surfaces are still in their infancy. This technological gap exists because spin-coating techniques used in traditional photolithographic processes are not applicable to the curved surfaces of spherical objects. By replacing spin-coated photoresist with a vapor-deposited, photodefinable polymer coating, we have now fabricated microstructured colloids with a wide range of surface patterns, including asymmetric and chiral surface structures, that so far were typically reserved for flat substrates. This high-throughput method can yield surface-structured colloidal particles at a rate of ≈107 to 108 particles per operator per day. Equipped with spatially defined binding pockets, microstructured colloids can engage in programmable interactions, which can lead to directed self-assembly. The ability to create a wide range of colloids with both simple and complex surface patterns may contribute to the genesis of previously unknown colloidal structures and may have important technological implications in a range of different applications, including photonic and phononic materials or chemical sensors. PMID:17592149

Dynamic self-assembly and directed flow of rotating colloids in microchannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Götze, Ingo O.; Gompper, Gerhard

2011-09-01

Nonequilibrium structure formation and dynamics in suspensions of superparamagnetic colloids driven by an external rotating magnetic field are studied by particle-based mesoscale hydrodynamics simulations in confined geometry. We address the fundamental question how the rotation of the colloids about their own axes can be converted into a translational motion by breaking the symmetry of the confining geometry. We study a two-dimensional system of colloids with short-range repulsive interactions, which mimics flow in shallow microchannels. In straight channels, we observe a two-way traffic but—for symmetry reasons—no net transport. However, by keeping some colloids fixed near one of the two walls, net transport can be achieved. This approach allows the control and switchability of the flow in complex microchannel networks. A minimal geometry that fulfills the requirement of broken symmetry are ring channels. We determine the translational velocity of the spinning colloids and study its dependence on the channel width for various median radii. We conclude that spinning colloids present a promising alternative for flow generation and control in microfluidic devices.

Rapid electrostatics-assisted layer-by-layer assembly of near-infrared-active colloidal photonic crystals.

PubMed

Askar, Khalid; Leo, Sin-Yen; Xu, Can; Liu, Danielle; Jiang, Peng

2016-11-15

Here we report a rapid and scalable bottom-up technique for layer-by-layer (LBL) assembling near-infrared-active colloidal photonic crystals consisting of large (⩾1μm) silica microspheres. By combining a new electrostatics-assisted colloidal transferring approach with spontaneous colloidal crystallization at an air/water interface, we have demonstrated that the crystal transfer speed of traditional Langmuir-Blodgett-based colloidal assembly technologies can be enhanced by nearly 2 orders of magnitude. Importantly, the crystalline quality of the resultant photonic crystals is not compromised by this rapid colloidal assembly approach. They exhibit thickness-dependent near-infrared stop bands and well-defined Fabry-Perot fringes in the specular transmission and reflection spectra, which match well with the theoretical calculations using a scalar-wave approximation model and Fabry-Perot analysis. This simple yet scalable bottom-up technology can significantly improve the throughput in assembling large-area, multilayer colloidal crystals, which are of great technological importance in a variety of optical and non-optical applications ranging from all-optical integrated circuits to tissue engineering. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental evidence of colloids and nanoparticles presence from 25 waste leachates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hennebert, Pierre, E-mail: pierre.hennebert@ineris.fr; Avellan, Astrid; Yan, Junfang

Highlights: • This work is the first assessment of colloids in waste leachates. • Analytical methods are proposed and discussed. • All the waste have at least one element in colloidal form, and some elements are always colloidal. • Man-made nanoparticles are observed. • It can change the interpretation of leachate elemental concentration. - Abstract: The potential colloids release from a large panel of 25 solid industrial and municipal waste leachates, contaminated soil, contaminated sediments and landfill leachates was studied. Standardized leaching, cascade filtrations and measurement of element concentrations in the microfiltrate (MF) and ultrafiltrate (UF) fraction were used tomore » easily detect colloids potentially released by waste. Precautions against CO{sub 2} capture by alkaline leachates, or bacterial re-growth in leachates from wastes containing organic matter should be taken. Most of the colloidal particles were visible by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectrometry (TEM–EDS) if their elemental MF concentration is greater than 200 μg l{sup −1}. If the samples are dried during the preparation for microscopy, neoformation of particles can occur from the soluble part of the element. Size distribution analysis measured by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) were frequently unvalid, particularly due to polydispersity and/or too low concentrations in the leachates. A low sensitivity device is required, and further improvement is desirable in that field. For some waste leachates, particles had a zeta potential strong enough to remain in suspension. Mn, As, Co, Pb, Sn, Zn had always a colloidal form (MF concentration/UF concentration > 1.5) and total organic carbon (TOC), Fe, P, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni are partly colloidal for more than half of the samples). Nearly all the micro-pollutants (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, V and Zn) were found at least once in colloidal form greater than 100 μg l{sup −1}. In particular, the colloidal forms of Zn were always by far more concentrated than its dissolved form. The TEM–EDS method showed various particles, including manufactured nanoparticles (organic polymer, TiO{sub 2}, particles with Sr, La, Ce, Nd). All the waste had at least one element detected as colloidal. The solid waste leachates contained significant amount of colloids different in elemental composition from natural ones. The majority of the elements were in colloidal form for wastes of packaging (3), a steel slag, a sludge from hydrometallurgy, composts (2), a dredged sediment (#18), an As contaminated soil and two active landfill leachates. These results showed that cascade filtration and ICP elemental analysis seems valid methods in this field, and that electronic microscopy with elemental detection allows to identify particles. Particles can be formed from dissolved elements during TEM sample preparation and cross-checking with MF and UF composition by ICP is useful. The colloidal fraction of leachate of waste seems to be a significant source term, and should be taken into account in studies of emission and transfer of contaminants in the environment. Standardized cross-filtration method could be amended for the presence of colloids in waste leachates.« less

Sorption/Desorption Interactions of Plutonium with Montmorillonite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begg, J.; Zavarin, M.; Zhao, P.; Kersting, A. B.

2012-12-01

Plutonium (Pu) release to the environment through nuclear weapon development and the nuclear fuel cycle is an unfortunate legacy of the nuclear age. In part due to public health concerns over the risk of Pu contamination of drinking water, predicting the behavior of Pu in both surface and sub-surface water is a topic of continued interest. Typically it was assumed that Pu mobility in groundwater would be severely restricted, as laboratory adsorption studies commonly show that naturally occurring minerals can effectively remove plutonium from solution. However, evidence for the transport of Pu over significant distances at field sites highlights a relative lack of understanding of the fundamental processes controlling plutonium behavior in natural systems. At several field locations, enhanced mobility is due to Pu association with colloidal particles that serve to increase the transport of sorbed contaminants (Kersting et al., 1999; Santschi et al., 2002, Novikov et al., 2006). The ability for mineral colloids to transport Pu is in part controlled by its oxidation state and the rate of plutonium adsorption to, and desorption from, the mineral surface. Previously we have investigated the adsorption affinity of Pu for montmorillonite colloids, finding affinities to be similar over a wide range of Pu concentrations. In the present study we examine the stability of adsorbed Pu on the mineral surface. Pu(IV) at an initial concentration of 10-10 M was pre-equilibrated with montmorillonite in a background electrolyte at pH values of 4, 6 and 8. Following equilibration, aliquots of the suspensions were placed in a flow cell and Pu-free background electrolyte at the relevant pH was passed through the system. Flow rates were varied in order to investigate the kinetics of desorption and hence gain a mechanistic understanding of the desorption process. The flow cell experiments demonstrate that desorption of Pu from the montmorillonite surface cannot be modeled as a simple first order process. Furthermore, a pH dependence was observed, with less desorbed at pH 4 compared to pH 8. We suggest the pH dependence is likely controlled by reoxidation of Pu(IV) to Pu(V) and aqueous speciation. We will present models used to describe desorption behavior and discuss the implications for Pu transport. References: Kersting, A.B.; Efurd, D.W.; Finnegan, D.L.; Rokop, D.J.; Smith, D.K.; Thompson J.L. (1999) Migration of plutonium in groundwater at the Nevada Test Site, Nature, 397, 56-59. Novikov A.P.; Kalmykov, S.N.; Utsunomiya, S.; Ewing, R.C.; Horreard, F.; Merkulov, A.; Clark, S.B.; Tkachev, V.V.; Myasoedov, B.F. (2006) Colloid transport of plutonium in the far-field of the Mayak Production Association, Russia, Science, 314, 638-641. Santschi, P.H.; Roberts, K.; Guo, L. (2002) The organic nature of colloidal actinides transported in surface water environments. Environ. Sci. Technol., 36, 3711-3719. This work was funded by U. S. DOE Office of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Subsurface Biogeochemistry Research Program, and performed under the auspices of the U. S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL-ABS-570161

Fractal aggregates in tennis ball systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabin, J.; Bandín, M.; Prieto, G.; Sarmiento, F.

2009-09-01

We present a new practical exercise to explain the mechanisms of aggregation of some colloids which are otherwise not easy to understand. We have used tennis balls to simulate, in a visual way, the aggregation of colloids under reaction-limited colloid aggregation (RLCA) and diffusion-limited colloid aggregation (DLCA) regimes. We have used the images of the cluster of balls, following Forrest and Witten's pioneering studies on the aggregation of smoke particles, to estimate their fractal dimension.

Colloidal heat engines: a review.

PubMed

Martínez, Ignacio A; Roldán, Édgar; Dinis, Luis; Rica, Raúl A

2016-12-21

Stochastic heat engines can be built using colloidal particles trapped using optical tweezers. Here we review recent experimental realizations of microscopic heat engines. We first revisit the theoretical framework of stochastic thermodynamics that allows to describe the fluctuating behavior of the energy fluxes that occur at mesoscopic scales, and then discuss recent implementations of the colloidal equivalents to the macroscopic Stirling, Carnot and steam engines. These small-scale motors exhibit unique features in terms of power and efficiency fluctuations that have no equivalent in the macroscopic world. We also consider a second pathway for work extraction from colloidal engines operating between active bacterial reservoirs at different temperatures, which could significantly boost the performance of passive heat engines at the mesoscale. Finally, we provide some guidance on how the work extracted from colloidal heat engines can be used to generate net particle or energy currents, proposing a new generation of experiments with colloidal systems.

Hybrid Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle Colloidal Gels are Injectable Fillers for Bone Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Gu, Zhen; Jamal, Syed; Detamore, Michael S.

2013-01-01

Injectable bone fillers have emerged as an alternative to the invasive surgery often required to treat bone defects. Current bone fillers may benefit from improvements in dynamic properties such as shear thinning during injection and recovery of material stiffness after placement. Negatively charged inorganic hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles (NPs) were assembled with positively charged organic poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs to create a cohesive colloidal gel. This material is held together by electrostatic forces that may be disrupted by shear to facilitate extrusion, molding, or injection. Scanning electron micrographs of the dried colloidal gels showed a well-organized, three-dimensional porous structure. Rheology tests revealed that certain colloidal gels could recover after being sheared. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were also highly viable when seeded on the colloidal gels. HAp/PLGA NP colloidal gels offer an attractive scheme for injectable filling and regeneration of bone tissue. PMID:23815275

Spectrum of antimicrobial activity associated with ionic colloidal silver.

PubMed

Morrill, Kira; May, Kathleen; Leek, Daniel; Langland, Nicole; Jeane, La Deana; Ventura, Jose; Skubisz, Corey; Scherer, Sean; Lopez, Eric; Crocker, Ephraim; Peters, Rachel; Oertle, John; Nguyen, Krystine; Just, Scott; Orian, Michael; Humphrey, Meaghan; Payne, David; Jacobs, Bertram; Waters, Robert; Langland, Jeffrey

2013-03-01

Silver has historically and extensively been used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. However, the Food and Drug Administration currently does not recognize colloidal silver as a safe and effective antimicrobial agent. The goal of this study was to further evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of colloidal silver. Several strains of bacteria, fungi, and viruses were grown under multicycle growth conditions in the presence or absence of ionic colloidal silver in order to assess the antimicrobial activity. For bacteria grown under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, significant growth inhibition was observed, although multiple treatments were typically required. For fungal cultures, the effects of ionic colloidal silver varied significantly between different genera. No viral growth inhibition was observed with any strains tested. The study data support ionic colloidal silver as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, while having a more limited and specific spectrum of activity against fungi.

Colloidal characterization of silicon nitride and silicon carbide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feke, Donald L.

1986-01-01

The colloidal behavior of aqueous ceramic slips strongly affects the forming and sintering behavior and the ultimate mechanical strength of the final ceramic product. The colloidal behavior of these materials, which is dominated by electrical interactions between the particles, is complex due to the strong interaction of the solids with the processing fluids. A surface titration methodology, modified to account for this interaction, was developed and used to provide fundamental insights into the interfacial chemistry of these systems. Various powder pretreatment strategies were explored to differentiate between true surface chemistry and artifacts due to exposure history. The colloidal behavior of both silicon nitride and carbide is dominated by silanol groups on the powder surfaces. However, the colloid chemistry of silicon nitride is apparently influenced by an additional amine group. With the proper powder treatments, silicon nitride and carbide powder can be made to appear colloidally equivalent. The impact of these results on processing control will be discussed.

Nonlinear machine learning and design of reconfigurable digital colloids.

PubMed

Long, Andrew W; Phillips, Carolyn L; Jankowksi, Eric; Ferguson, Andrew L

2016-09-14

Digital colloids, a cluster of freely rotating "halo" particles tethered to the surface of a central particle, were recently proposed as ultra-high density memory elements for information storage. Rational design of these digital colloids for memory storage applications requires a quantitative understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of the configurational states within which information is stored. We apply nonlinear machine learning to Brownian dynamics simulations of these digital colloids to extract the low-dimensional intrinsic manifold governing digital colloid morphology, thermodynamics, and kinetics. By modulating the relative size ratio between halo particles and central particles, we investigate the size-dependent configurational stability and transition kinetics for the 2-state tetrahedral (N = 4) and 30-state octahedral (N = 6) digital colloids. We demonstrate the use of this framework to guide the rational design of a memory storage element to hold a block of text that trades off the competing design criteria of memory addressability and volatility.

Colloidal layers in magnetic fields and under shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Löwen, H.; Messina, R.; Hoffmann, N.; Likos, C. N.; Eisenmann, C.; Keim, P.; Gasser, U.; Maret, G.; Goldberg, R.; Palberg, T.

2005-11-01

The behaviour of colloidal mono- and bilayers in external magnetic fields and under shear is discussed and recent progress is summarized. Superparamagnetic colloidal particles form monolayers when they are confined to a air-water interface in a hanging water droplet. An external magnetic field allows us to tune the strength of the mutual dipole-dipole interaction between the colloids and the anisotropy of the interaction can be controlled by the tilt angle of the magnetic field relative to the surface normal of the air-water interface. For sufficiently large magnetic field strength crystalline monolayers are found. The role of fluctuations in these two-dimensional crystals is discussed. Furthermore, clustering phenomena in binary mixtures of superparamagnetic particles forming fluid monolayers are predicted. Finally, we address sheared colloidal bilayers and find that the orientation of confined colloidal crystals can be tailored by a previously applied shear direction.

Modeling particle-facilitated solute transport using the C-Ride module of HYDRUS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simunek, Jiri; Bradford, Scott A.

2017-04-01

Strongly sorbing chemicals (e.g., heavy metals, radionuclides, pharmaceuticals, and/or explosives) in soils are associated predominantly with the solid phase, which is commonly assumed to be stationary. However, recent field- and laboratory-scale observations have shown that, in the presence of mobile colloidal particles (e.g., microbes, humic substances, clays and metal oxides), the colloids could act as pollutant carriers and thus provide a rapid transport pathway for strongly sorbing contaminants. Such transport can be further accelerated since these colloidal particles may travel through interconnected larger pores where the water velocity is relatively high. Additionally, colloidal particles have a considerable adsorption capacity for other species present in water because of their large specific surface areas and their high concentrations in soil-water and groundwater. As a result, the transport of contaminants can be significantly, sometimes dramatically, enhanced when they are adsorbed to mobile colloids. To address this problem, we have developed the C-Ride module for HYDRUS-1D. This one-dimensional numerical module is based on the HYDRUS-1D software package and incorporates mechanisms associated with colloid and colloid-facilitated solute transport in variably saturated porous media. This numerical model accounts for both colloid and solute movement due to convection, diffusion, and dispersion in variably-saturated soils, as well as for solute movement facilitated by colloid transport. The colloids transport module additionally considers processes of attachment/detachment to/from the solid phase, straining, and/or size exclusion. Various blocking and depth dependent functions can be used to modify the attachment and straining coefficients. The module additionally considers the effects of changes in the water content on colloid/bacteria transport and attachment/detachment to/from solid-water and air-water interfaces. For example, when the air-water interface disappears during imbibition, particles residing on this interface are released into the liquid phase. Similarly, during drainage, particles residing at the solid-water interface may be detached from this interface by capillary forces and released into the liquid phase or become attached to the air-water interface. The solute transport module uses the concept of two-site sorption to describe nonequilibrium adsorption-desorption reactions to the solid phase. The module further assumes that the contaminant can be sorbed onto surfaces of both deposited and mobile colloids, fully accounting for the dynamics of colloids movement between different phases. We will demonstrate the use of the module using selected datasets and numerical examples.

Colloidal silver: a novel treatment for Staphylococcus aureus biofilms?

PubMed

Goggin, Rachel; Jardeleza, Camille; Wormald, Peter-John; Vreugde, Sarah

2014-03-01

Colloidal silver is an alternative medicine consisting of silver particles suspended in water. After using this solution as a nasal spray, the symptoms of a previously recalcitrant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-infected chronic rhinosinusitis patient were observed to have improved markedly. The aim of this study was to determine whether colloidal silver has any direct bactericidal effects on these biofilms in vitro. S. aureus biofilms were grown from the ATCC 25923 reference strain on Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) device pegs, and treated with colloidal silver. Concentrations tested ranged from 10 to 150 μL colloidal silver diluted to 200 μL with sterile water in 50 μL cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) broth. Control pegs were exposed to equivalent volumes of CSF broth and sterile water. The sample size was 4 biomass values per treatment or control group. Confocal scanning laser microscopy and COMSTAT software were used to quantify biofilms 24 hours after treatment. Significant differences from control were found for all concentrations tested bar the lowest of 10 μL colloidal silver in 200 μL. At 20 μL colloidal silver, the reduction in biomass was 98.9% (mean difference between control and treatment = -4.0317 μm(3) /μm(2) , p < 0.0001). A maximum biomass reduction of 99.8% was reached at both 100 and 150 μL colloidal silver (mean differences = -4.0681 and -4.0675μm(3) /μm(2) , respectively, p < 0.0001). Colloidal silver directly attenuates in vitro S. aureus biofilms. © 2014 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

A Binomial Modeling Approach for Upscaling Colloid Transport Under Unfavorable Attachment Conditions: Emergent Prediction of Nonmonotonic Retention Profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilpert, Markus; Johnson, William P.

2018-01-01

We used a recently developed simple mathematical network model to upscale pore-scale colloid transport information determined under unfavorable attachment conditions. Classical log-linear and nonmonotonic retention profiles, both well-reported under favorable and unfavorable attachment conditions, respectively, emerged from our upscaling. The primary attribute of the network is colloid transfer between bulk pore fluid, the near-surface fluid domain (NSFD), and attachment (treated as irreversible). The network model accounts for colloid transfer to the NSFD of downgradient grains and for reentrainment to bulk pore fluid via diffusion or via expulsion at rear flow stagnation zones (RFSZs). The model describes colloid transport by a sequence of random trials in a one-dimensional (1-D) network of Happel cells, which contain a grain and a pore. Using combinatorial analysis that capitalizes on the binomial coefficient, we derived from the pore-scale information the theoretical residence time distribution of colloids in the network. The transition from log-linear to nonmonotonic retention profiles occurs when the conditions underlying classical filtration theory are not fulfilled, i.e., when an NSFD colloid population is maintained. Then, nonmonotonic retention profiles result potentially both for attached and NSFD colloids. The concentration maxima shift downgradient depending on specific parameter choice. The concentration maxima were also shown to shift downgradient temporally (with continued elution) under conditions where attachment is negligible, explaining experimentally observed downgradient transport of retained concentration maxima of adhesion-deficient bacteria. For the case of zero reentrainment, we develop closed-form, analytical expressions for the shape, and the maximum of the colloid retention profile.

Partitioning of total mercury and methylmercury to the colloidal phase in freshwaters.

PubMed

Babiarz, C L; Hurley, J P; Hoffmann, S R; Andren, A W; Shafer, M M; Armstrong, D E

2001-12-15

Using tangential flow ultrafiltration, total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in the colloidal phase (0.4 microm-10 kDa) were determined for 15 freshwaters located in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin) and the Southern United States (Georgia and Florida). Unfiltered concentrations were typical of those reported for freshwater and ranged from 0.9 to 27.1 ng L(-1) HgT and from 0.08 to 0.86 ng L(-1) MeHg. For some rivers, HgT and MeHg in the colloidal phase comprised up to 72% of the respective unfiltered concentration. On average, however, HgT and MeHg concentrations were evenly distributed between the particulate (>0.4 microm), colloidal, and dissolved (<10 kDa) phases. The pool of Hg in the colloidal phase decreased with increasing specific conductance. Results from experiments on freshwaters with artificially elevated specific conductance suggest that HgT and MeHg may partition to different subfractions of colloidal material. The colloidal-phase HgT correlation with filtered organic carbon (OC(F)) was generally poor (r2 < 0.14; p > 0.07), but the regression of MeHg with OC(F) was strong, especially in the upper Midwest (r2 = 0.78; p < 0.01). On a mass basis, colloidal-phase Hg concentrations were similar to those of unimpacted sediments in the Midwest. Mercury to carbon ratios averaged 352 pg of HgT/mg of C and 25 pg of MeHg/mg of C and were not correlated to ionic strength. The log of the partition coefficient (log K(D)) for HgT and MeHg ranged from 3.7 to 6.4 and was typical of freshwater values determined using a 0.4 microm cutoff between the particulate phase and the dissolved phase. Log K(D) calculated using the <10 kDa fraction as "dissolved" ranged from 4.3 to 6.6 and had a smaller standard deviation about the mean. In addition, our data support the "particle concentration effect" (PCE) hypothesis that the association of Hg with colloids in the filter-passing fraction can lower the observed log K(D). The similarity between colloidal and particulate-phase partition coefficients suggests that colloidal mass and not preferential colloidal partitioning drives the PCE.

Humic Acid Effects on the Transport of Colloidal Particles in Unsaturated Porous Media: Humic Acid Dosage, pH, and Ionic Strength Dependence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales, V. L.; Gao, B.; Steenhuis, T. S.

2008-12-01

Soil colloids and biocolloids can facilitate contaminant transport within the soil profile through the complexation of pollutants previously thought to have limited mobility. Dissolved organic substances are qualitatively known to alter the behavior of colloids and surface chemistry of soil particles in aquatic environments when adsorbed to their surfaces. Specifically, it has been observed that even small amounts of adsorbed humic acids result in a pronounced increase in colloid mobility in saturated porous systems, presumably by a combination of electrostatic and steric stabilization. However, the degree to which adsorbed humic acids stabilize colloidal suspension is highly sensitive to the system's solution chemistry; mainly in terms of pH, ionic strength, and metal ions present. The objective of this study is to expound quantitatively on the role that combined stabilizing and destabilizing solution chemistry components have on humic acid-colloid transport in unsaturated media by isolating experimentally some underlying mechanisms that regulate colloid transport in realistic aquatic systems. We hypothesize that in chemically heterogeneous porous media, with ionic strength values above 0 and pH ranges from 4 to 9, the effect of humic acid on colloid suspensions cannot be simply characterized by increased stability and mobility. That a critical salt concentration must exists for a given humic acid concentration and pH, above which the network of humic acid collapses by forming coordination complexes with other suspended or adsorbed humic acids, thus increasing greatly the retention of colloids in the porous medium by sweep flocculation. In addition, capillary forces in unsaturated media may contribute further to overcome repulsive forces that prevent flocculation of humic acid-colloid complexes. The experimental work in this study will include: jar tests to determine critical solution concentration combinations for desired coagulation/flocculation rates, column experiments to obtain effluent breakthrough data, in-situ visualization of internal processes with bright field microscopy, batch adsorption measurements, and changes in hydrophobic interaction energy of colloid and media surfaces for realistic aqueous ionic strength and pH ranges. Such experimental results are expected to provide sufficient evidence to corroborate our speculations that under natural soil water conditions, humic acids may greatly contribute to the immobilization of colloidal particles.

Colloidal alloys with preassembled clusters and spheres.

PubMed

Ducrot, Étienne; He, Mingxin; Yi, Gi-Ra; Pine, David J

2017-06-01

Self-assembly is a powerful approach for constructing colloidal crystals, where spheres, rods or faceted particles can build up a myriad of structures. Nevertheless, many complex or low-coordination architectures, such as diamond, pyrochlore and other sought-after lattices, have eluded self-assembly. Here we introduce a new design principle based on preassembled components of the desired superstructure and programmed nearest-neighbour DNA-mediated interactions, which allows the formation of otherwise unattainable structures. We demonstrate the approach using preassembled colloidal tetrahedra and spheres, obtaining a class of colloidal superstructures, including cubic and tetragonal colloidal crystals, with no known atomic analogues, as well as percolating low-coordination diamond and pyrochlore sublattices never assembled before.

Bright and multicolor luminescent colloidal Si nanocrystals prepared by pulsed laser irradiation in liquid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakamura, Toshihiro, E-mail: nakamura@el.gunma-u.ac.jp; Watanabe, Kanta; Adachi, Sadao

2016-01-11

We reported the preparation of bright and multicolor luminescent colloidal Si nanocrystal (Si-nc) by pulsed UV laser irradiation to porous Si (PSi) in an organic solvent. The different-luminescence-color (different-sized) colloidal Si-nc was produced by the pulsed laser-induced fragmentation of different-sized porous nanostructures. The colloidal Si-nc samples were found to have higher photoluminescence quantum efficiencies (20%–23%) than the PSi samples (1%–3%). The brighter emission of the colloidal Si-nc was attributed to an enhanced radiative band-to-band transition rate due to the presence of a surface organic layer formed by UV laser-induced hydrosilylation.

Colloids and the Microcirculation.

PubMed

He, Huaiwu; Liu, Dawei; Ince, Can

2018-05-01

Colloid solutions have been advocated for use in treating hypovolemia due to their expected effect on improving intravascular retention compared with crystalloid solutions. Because the ultimate desired effect of fluid resuscitation is the improvement of microcirculatory perfusion and tissue oxygenation, it is of interest to study the effects of colloids and crystalloids at the level of microcirculation under conditions of shock and fluid resuscitation, and to explore the potential benefits of using colloids in terms of recruiting the microcirculation under conditions of hypovolemia. This article reviews the physiochemical properties of the various types of colloid solutions (eg, gelatin, dextrans, hydroxyethyl starches, and albumin) and the effects that they have under various conditions of hypovolemia in experimental and clinical scenarios.

[Bactericidal activity of colloidal silver against grampositive and gramnegative bacteria].

PubMed

Afonina, I A; Kraeva, L A; Tseneva, G Ia

2010-01-01

It was shown that colloidal silver solution prepared in cooperation with the A. F. Ioffe Physical Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, had significant bactericidal activity. Stable bactericidal effect on gramnegative microorganisms was observed after their 2-hour exposition in the solution of colloidal silver at a concentration of 10 ppm. Grampositive capsule-forming microorganisms were less susceptible to the colloidal silver solution: their death was observed after the 4-hour exposition in the solution.

Photoinduced charge separation in a colloidal system of exfoliated layered semiconductor controlled by coexisting aluminosilicate clay.

PubMed

Nakato, Teruyuki; Yamada, Yoshimi; Miyamoto, Nobuyoshi

2009-02-05

We investigated photoinduced charge separation occurring in a multicomponent colloidal system composed of oxide nanosheets of photocatalytically active niobate and photochemically inert clay and electron accepting methylviologen dications (MV2+). The inorganic nanosheets were obtained by exfoliation of layered hexaniobate and hectorite clay. The niobate and clay nanosheets were spatially separated in the colloidally dispersed state, and the MV2+ molecules were selectively adsorbed on the clay platelets. UV irradiation of the colloids led to electron transfer from the niobate nanosheets to the MV2+ molecules adsorbed on clay. The photoinduced electron transfer produced methylviologen radical cations (MV*+), which was characterized by high yield and long lifetime. The yield and stability of the MV*+ species were found to depend strongly on the clay content of the colloid: from a few mol % to approximately 70 mol % of the yield and several tens of minutes to more than 40 h of the lifetime. The contents of the niobate nanosheets and MV2+ molecules and the aging of the colloid also affected the photoinduced charge separation. In the absence of MV2+ molecules in the colloid, UV irradiation induced electron accumulation in the niobate nanosheets. The stability of the electron-accumulated state also depended on the clay content. The variation in the photochemical behavior is discussed in relation to the viscosity of the colloid.

Effect of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin-Gelatin Colloidal Complexes on Stability and in Vitro Digestion of Fish Oil Emulsions.

PubMed

Su, Yu-Ru; Tsai, Yi-Chin; Hsu, Chun-Hua; Chao, An-Chong; Lin, Cheng-Wei; Tsai, Min-Lang; Mi, Fwu-Long

2015-11-25

The colloidal complexes composed of grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) and gelatin (GLT), as natural antioxidants to improve stability and inhibit lipid oxidation in menhaden fish oil emulsions, were evaluated. The interactions between GSP and GLT, and the chemical structures of GSP/GLT self-assembled colloidal complexes, were characterized by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) studies. Fish oil was emulsified with GLT to obtain an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion. After formation of the emulsion, GLT was fixed by GSP to obtain the GSP/GLT colloidal complexes stabilized fish oil emulsion. Menhaden oil emulsified by GSP/GLT(0.4 wt %) colloidal complexes yielded an emulsion with smaller particles and higher emulsion stability as compared to its GLT emulsified counterpart. The GSP/GLT colloidal complexes inhibited the lipid oxidation in fish oil emulsions more effectively than free GLT because the emulsified fish oil was surrounded by the antioxidant GSP/GLT colloidal complexes. The digestion rate of the fish oil emulsified with the GSP/GLT colloidal complexes was reduced as compared to that emulsified with free GLT. The extent of free fatty acids released from the GSP/GLT complexes stabilized fish oil emulsions was 63.3% under simulated digestion condition, indicating that the fish oil emulsion was considerably hydrolyzed with lipase.

Active colloids in the context of chemical kinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oshanin, G.; Popescu, M. N.; Dietrich, S.

2017-03-01

We study a mesoscopic model of a chemically active colloidal particle which on certain parts of its surface promotes chemical reactions in the surrounding solution. For reasons of simplicity and conceptual clarity, we focus on the case in which only electrically neutral species are present in the solution and on chemical reactions which are described by first order kinetics. Within a self-consistent approach we explicitly determine the steady state product and reactant number density fields around the colloid as functionals of the interaction potentials of the various molecular species in solution with the colloid. By using a reciprocal theorem, this allows us to compute and to interpret—in a transparent way in terms of the classical Smoluchowski theory of chemical kinetics—the external force needed to keep such a catalytically active colloid at rest (stall force) or, equivalently, the corresponding velocity of the colloid if it is free to move. We use the particular case of triangular-well interaction potentials as a benchmark example for applying the general theoretical framework developed here. For this latter case, we derive explicit expressions for the dependences of the quantities of interest on the diffusion coefficients of the chemical species, the reaction rate constant, the coverage by catalyst, the size of the colloid, as well as on the parameters of the interaction potentials. These expressions provide a detailed picture of the phenomenology associated with catalytically-active colloids and self-diffusiophoresis.

[MAXIMUM SINGLE DOSE OF COLLOIDAL SILVER NEGATIVELY AFFECTS ERYTHROPOIESIS IN VITRO].

PubMed

Tishevskayal, N V; Zakharovl, Y M; Bolotovl, A A; Arkhipenko, Yu V; Sazontova, T G

2015-01-01

Erythroblastic islets (EI) of rat bone marrow were cultured for 24 h in the presence of silver nanoparticles (1.07 · 10(-4) mg/ml; 1.07 · 10(-3) mg/ml; and 1.07 · 10(-2) mg/mL). The colloidal silver at 1.07 · 10(-3) mg/ml concentration inhibited the formation of new Elby disrupting contacts of bone marrow macrophages with CFU-E (erythropoiesis de novo) by 65.3% (p < 0.05). Colloidal silver nanoparticles suppressed the reconstruction of erythropoiesis and inhibited the formation of new EI by disrupting contacts of CFU-E and central macrophages with matured erythroidal "crown" (erythropoiesis de repeto). The colloidal silver concentration of 1.07 · 10(-3) mg/ml in the culture medium also reduced the number of self-reconstructing EI by 67.5% (p <0.05), whereas 1.07 · 10(-2) mg/ml colloidal silver reduced this value by 93.7% (p < 0.05). Silver nanoparticles retarded maturation of erythroid cells at the stage of oxiphylic normoblast denucleation: 1.07 · 10(-3) mg/ml colloidal silver increased the number of mature El by 53% (p < 0.05). The retardation of erythropoiesis by colloidal silver in concentration equivalent to the maximum single dose is related to the effect of silver nanoparticles rather than glycerol present in the colloidal suspension.

Noninvasive quantitative measurement of colloid transport in mesoscale porous media using time lapse fluorescence imaging.

PubMed

Bridge, Jonathan W; Banwart, Steven A; Heathwaite, A Louise

2006-10-01

We demonstrate noninvasive quantitative imaging of colloid and solute transport at millimeter to decimeter (meso-) scale. Ultraviolet (UV) excited fluorescent solute and colloid tracers were independently measured simultaneously during co-advection through saturated quartz sand. Pulse-input experiments were conducted at constant flow rates and ionic strengths 10(-3), 10(-2) and 10(-1) M NaCl. Tracers were 1.9 microm carboxylate latex microspheres and disodium fluorescein. Spatial moments analysis was used to quantify relative changes in mass distribution of the colloid and solute tracers over time. The solute advected through the sand at a constant velocity proportional to flow rate and was described well by a conservative transport model (CXTFIT). In unfavorable deposition conditions increasing ionic strength produced significant reduction in colloid center of mass transport velocity over time. Velocity trends correlated with the increasing fraction of colloid mass retained along the flowpath. Attachment efficiencies (defined by colloid filtration theory) calculated from nondestructive retained mass data were 0.013 +/- 0.03, 0.09 +/- 0.02, and 0.22 +/- 0.05 at 10(-3), 10(-2), and 10(-1) M ionic strength, respectively, which compared well with previously published data from breakthrough curves and destructive sampling. Mesoscale imaging of colloid mass dynamics can quantify key deposition and transport parameters based on noninvasive, nondestructive, spatially high-resolution data.

In house development of (99m)Tc-Rhenium sulfide colloidal nanoparticles for sentinel lymph node detection.

PubMed

Dar, Ume-Kalsoom; Khan, Irfanullah; Javed, Muhammad; Ali, Muhammad; Hyder, Syed Waqar; Murad, Sohail; Anwar, Jamil

2013-03-01

In this study, rhenium sulfide colloidal nanoparticles were developed as radiopharmaceutical for sentinel lymph node detection. We directly used rhenium sulfide as a starting material for the preparation of colloidal nanoparticles. UV-visible spectrophotometry was used for characterization of in house developed colloidal particles. The size distribution of radioactive particles was studied by using membrane filtration method. The percentage of radiolabeled colloidal nanoparticles was determined by paper chromatography (PC). The study also includes in vitro stability, protein binding in human blood and bioevaluation in a rabbit model. The results indicate that 77.27 ± 3.26 % particles of size less than 20nm (suitable for lymphoscintigraphy) were radiolabeled. (99m)Tc labeled rhenium sulfide labeling efficacy with the radiometal is 98.5 ± 0.5%, which remains considerably stable beyond 5h at room temperature. Furthermore, it was observed that 70.2 ± 1.3% radiolabeled colloid complex showed binding with the blood protein. Bioevaluation results show the remarkable achievement of our radiopharmaceutical. The in house prepared (99m)Tc labeled rhenium sulfide colloidal nanoparticles reached the sentinel node within 15 min of post injection. These results indicate that (99m)Tc labeled rhenium sulfide colloid nanoparticles kit produced by a novel procedure seems of significant potential as a feasible candidate for further development to be used in clinical practice.

Magnetic and optical holonomic manipulation of colloids, structures and topological defects in liquid crystals for characterization of mesoscale self-assembly and dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varney, Michael C. M.

Colloidal systems find important applications ranging from fabrication of photonic crystals to direct probing of phenomena encountered in atomic crystals and glasses; topics of great interest for physicists exploring a broad range of scientific, industrial and biomedical fields. The ability to accurately control particles of mesoscale size in various liquid host media is usually accomplished through optical trapping methods, which suffer limitations intrinsic to trap laser intensity and force generation. Other limitations are due to colloid properties, such as optical absorptivity, and host properties, such as viscosity, opacity and structure. Therefore, alternative and/or novel methods of colloidal manipulation are of utmost importance in order to advance the state of the art in technical applications and fundamental science. In this thesis, I demonstrate a magnetic-optical holonomic control system to manipulate magnetic and optical colloids in liquid crystals and show that the elastic structure inherent to nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals may be used to assist in tweezing of particles in a manner impossible in other media. Furthermore, I demonstrate the utility of this manipulation in characterizing the structure and microrheology of liquid crystals, and elucidating the energetics and dynamics of colloids interacting with these structures. I also demonstrate the utility of liquid crystal systems as a table top model system to probe topological defects in a manner that may lead to insights into topologically related phenomena in other fields, such as early universe cosmology, sub-atomic and high energy systems, or Skrymionic structures. I explore the interaction of colloid surface anchoring with the structure inherent in cholesteric liquid crystals, and how this affects the periodic dynamics and localization metastability of spherical colloids undergoing a "falling" motion within the sample. These so called "metastable states" cause colloidal dynamics to deviate from Stokes-like behavior at very low Reynolds numbers and is understood by accounting for periodic landscapes of elastic interaction potential between the particle and cholesteric host medium due to surface anchoring. This work extends our understanding of how colloids interact with liquid crystals and topological defects, and introduces a powerful method of colloidal manipulation with many potential applications.

Automated preparation method for colloidal crystal arrays of monodisperse and binary colloid mixtures by contact printing with a pintool plotter.

PubMed

Burkert, Klaus; Neumann, Thomas; Wang, Jianjun; Jonas, Ulrich; Knoll, Wolfgang; Ottleben, Holger

2007-03-13

Photonic crystals and photonic band gap materials with periodic variation of the dielectric constant in the submicrometer range exhibit unique optical properties such as opalescence, optical stop bands, and photonic band gaps. As such, they represent attractive materials for the active elements in sensor arrays. Colloidal crystals, which are 3D gratings leading to Bragg diffraction, are one potential precursor of such optical materials. They have gained particular interest in many technological areas as a result of their specific properties and ease of fabrication. Although basic techniques for the preparation of regular patterns of colloidal crystals on structured substrates by self-assembly of mesoscopic particles are known, the efficient fabrication of colloidal crystal arrays by simple contact printing has not yet been reported. In this article, we present a spotting technique used to produce a microarray comprising up to 9600 single addressable sensor fields of colloidal crystal structures with dimensions down to 100 mum on a microfabricated substrate in different formats. Both monodisperse colloidal crystals and binary colloidal crystal systems were prepared by contact printing of polystyrene particles in aqueous suspension. The array morphology was characterized by optical light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which revealed regularly ordered crystalline structures for both systems. In the case of binary crystals, the influence of the concentration ratio of the large and small particles in the printing suspension on the obtained crystal structure was investigated. The optical properties of the colloidal crystal arrays were characterized by reflection spectroscopy. To examine the stop bands of the colloidal crystal arrays in a high-throughput fashion, an optical setup based on a CCD camera was realized that allowed the simultaneous readout of all of the reflection spectra of several thousand sensor fields per array in parallel. In agreement with Bragg's relation, the investigated arrays exhibited strong opalescence and stop bands in the expected wavelength range, confirming the successful formation of highly ordered colloidal crystals. Furthermore, a narrow distribution of wavelength-dependent stop bands across the sensor array was achieved, demonstrating the capability of producing highly reproducible crystal spots by the contact printing method with a pintool plotter.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor-CXCR4 Receptor Interactions

PubMed Central

Rajasekaran, Deepa; Gröning, Sabine; Schmitz, Corinna; Zierow, Swen; Drucker, Natalie; Bakou, Maria; Kohl, Kristian; Mertens, André; Lue, Hongqi; Weber, Christian; Xiao, Annie; Luker, Gary; Kapurniotu, Aphrodite; Lolis, Elias; Bernhagen, Jürgen

2016-01-01

An emerging number of non-chemokine mediators are found to bind to classical chemokine receptors and to elicit critical biological responses. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine that exhibits chemokine-like activities through non-cognate interactions with the chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4, in addition to activating the type II receptor CD74. Activation of the MIF-CXCR2 and -CXCR4 axes promotes leukocyte recruitment, mediating the exacerbating role of MIF in atherosclerosis and contributing to the wealth of other MIF biological activities. Although the structural basis of the MIF-CXCR2 interaction has been well studied and was found to engage a pseudo-ELR and an N-like loop motif, nothing is known about the regions of CXCR4 and MIF that are involved in binding to each other. Using a genetic strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that expresses a functional CXCR4 receptor, site-specific mutagenesis, hybrid CXCR3/CXCR4 receptors, pharmacological reagents, peptide array analysis, chemotaxis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism, we provide novel molecular information about the structural elements that govern the interaction between MIF and CXCR4. The data identify similarities with classical chemokine-receptor interactions but also provide evidence for a partial allosteric agonist compared with CXCL12 that is possible due to the two binding sites of CXCR4. PMID:27226569

SURFACE CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON COLLOID STABILITY AND TRANSPORT THROUGH NATURAL POROUS MEDIA

EPA Science Inventory

Surface chemical effects on colloidal stability and transport through porous media were investigated using laboratory column techniques. Approximately 100 nm diameter, spherical, iron oxide particles were synthesized as the mobile colloidal phase. The column packing material was ...

Roles of Reversible and Irreversible Aggregation in Sugar Processing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Colloids (1-1000 nm particles) in sugar cane/beet juice originate from non-sucrose impurities (polyphenolic colorants, residual soil, polysaccharides) of the plant materials; additional colloids form during the high temperature processing. Colloids are reactive towards aggregation, sorption, desorp...

Thermodynamics of the pseudo-knot in helix 18 of 16S ribosomal RNA.

PubMed

Wojciechowska, Monika; Dudek, Marta; Trylska, Joanna

2018-04-01

A fragment of E. coli 16S rRNA formed by nucleotides 500 to 545 is termed helix 18. Nucleotides 505-507 and 524-526 form a pseudo-knot and its distortion affects ribosome function. Helix 18 isolated from the ribosome context is thus an interesting fragment to investigate the structural properties and folding of RNA with pseudo-knots. With all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, spectroscopic and gel electrophoresis experiments, we investigated thermodynamics of helix 18, with a focus on its pseudo-knot. In solution studies at ambient conditions we observed dimerization of helix 18. We proposed that the loop, containing nucleotides forming the pseudo-knot, interacts with another monomer of helix 18. The native dimer is difficult to break but introducing mutations in the pseudo-knot indeed assured a monomeric form of helix 18. Molecular dynamics simulations at 310 K confirmed the stability of the pseudo-knot but at elevated temperatures this pseudo-knot was the first part of helix 18 to lose the hydrogen bond pattern. To further determine helix 18 stability, we analyzed the interactions of helix 18 with short oligomers complementary to a nucleotide stretch containing the pseudo-knot. The formation of higher-order structures by helix 18 impacts hybridization efficiency of peptide nucleic acid and 2'-O methyl RNA oligomers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution, Computer Program and its Applications to Time-Frequency Domain Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-01

representation is needed to characterize such signature. Pseudo Wigner - Ville distribution is ideally suited for portraying non-stationary signal in the...features jointly in time and frequency. 14, SUBJECT TERIMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES Pseudo Wigner - Ville Distribution , Analytic Signal, 83 Hilbert Transform...D U C T IO N ............................................................................ . 1 II. PSEUDO WIGNER - VILLE DISTRIBUTION

Method for controlling a vehicle with two or more independently steered wheels

DOEpatents

Reister, D.B.; Unseren, M.A.

1995-03-28

A method is described for independently controlling each steerable drive wheel of a vehicle with two or more such wheels. An instantaneous center of rotation target and a tangential velocity target are inputs to a wheel target system which sends the velocity target and a steering angle target for each drive wheel to a pseudo-velocity target system. The pseudo-velocity target system determines a pseudo-velocity target which is compared to a current pseudo-velocity to determine a pseudo-velocity error. The steering angle targets and the steering angles are inputs to a steering angle control system which outputs to the steering angle encoders, which measure the steering angles. The pseudo-velocity error, the rate of change of the pseudo-velocity error, and the wheel slip between each pair of drive wheels are used to calculate intermediate control variables which, along with the steering angle targets are used to calculate the torque to be applied at each wheel. The current distance traveled for each wheel is then calculated. The current wheel velocities and steering angle targets are used to calculate the cumulative and instantaneous wheel slip and the current pseudo-velocity. 6 figures.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Use of In-House Prepared Low-Cost Radiopharmaceutical Versus Commercial Radiopharmaceutical for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients with Early Stage Invasive Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Agarwal, Gaurav; Rajan, Sendhil; Mayilvaganan, Sabaretnam; Mishra, Anjali; Krishnani, Narendra; Gambhir, Sanjay

2018-05-01

The current standard-of-care for surgical staging of the axilla in clinically node-negative (N0) early breast cancers is sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), which requires expensive radiopharmaceuticals for efficacious results. In-house produced low-cost radiopharmaceuticals may be the solution and have shown efficacy in earlier observational/pilot studies. We compared SLNB using in-house prepared radiopharmaceutical ( 99m Tc-Antimony-colloid) versus commercially marketed radiopharmaceutical ( 99m Tc-Sulphur-colloid) in this prospective randomized study. 78 clinically N0 early breast cancer patients (T1/2, N0 stages), undergoing primary surgery were prospectively randomized 1:1 into two groups; to receive SLNB using methylene blue, and either 99m Tc-Antimony colloid (Group-1) or   99m Tc-Sulphur colloid (Group-2). Completion axillary dissection was done in all (validation SLNB). SLNB indices were compared between the groups. The groups were comparable with regard to age, stage, tumour size, hormone receptors and HER2neu status. Cost of the in-house prepared 99m Tc-antimony colloid was 16-times lesser compared to 99m Tc-sulphur colloid. SLN identification rates (IR) in Groups 1 and 2 were 100 and 97.4% respectively, (p > 0.05). False negative rates (FNR) in Group 1 and 2 were 6.3% (1/16 patients) and 7.7% (1/13 patients), respectively, (p > 0.05). There were no major allergic reactions in either group. In this prospective randomized trial on early breast cancer patients, accuracy of SLNB was comparable using in-house prepared, 99m Tc-antimony colloid and commercially marketed 99m Tc-sulphur colloid as radiopharmaceutical, while 99m Tc-antimony colloid was much cheaper than 99m Tc-sulphur colloid.

Confocal Imaging of Confined Quiescent and Flowing Colloid-polymer Mixtures

PubMed Central

Conrad, Jacinta C.

2014-01-01

The behavior of confined colloidal suspensions with attractive interparticle interactions is critical to the rational design of materials for directed assembly1-3, drug delivery4, improved hydrocarbon recovery5-7, and flowable electrodes for energy storage8. Suspensions containing fluorescent colloids and non-adsorbing polymers are appealing model systems, as the ratio of the polymer radius of gyration to the particle radius and concentration of polymer control the range and strength of the interparticle attraction, respectively. By tuning the polymer properties and the volume fraction of the colloids, colloid fluids, fluids of clusters, gels, crystals, and glasses can be obtained9. Confocal microscopy, a variant of fluorescence microscopy, allows an optically transparent and fluorescent sample to be imaged with high spatial and temporal resolution in three dimensions. In this technique, a small pinhole or slit blocks the emitted fluorescent light from regions of the sample that are outside the focal volume of the microscope optical system. As a result, only a thin section of the sample in the focal plane is imaged. This technique is particularly well suited to probe the structure and dynamics in dense colloidal suspensions at the single-particle scale: the particles are large enough to be resolved using visible light and diffuse slowly enough to be captured at typical scan speeds of commercial confocal systems10. Improvements in scan speeds and analysis algorithms have also enabled quantitative confocal imaging of flowing suspensions11-16,37. In this paper, we demonstrate confocal microscopy experiments to probe the confined phase behavior and flow properties of colloid-polymer mixtures. We first prepare colloid-polymer mixtures that are density- and refractive-index matched. Next, we report a standard protocol for imaging quiescent dense colloid-polymer mixtures under varying confinement in thin wedge-shaped cells. Finally, we demonstrate a protocol for imaging colloid-polymer mixtures during microchannel flow. PMID:24894062

Adhesion of bacterial pathogens to soil colloidal particles: influences of cell type, natural organic matter, and solution chemistry.

PubMed

Zhao, Wenqiang; Walker, Sharon L; Huang, Qiaoyun; Cai, Peng

2014-04-15

Bacterial adhesion to granular soil particles is well studied; however, pathogen interactions with naturally occurring colloidal particles (<2 μm) in soil has not been investigated. This study was developed to identify the interaction mechanisms between model bacterial pathogens and soil colloids as a function of cell type, natural organic matter (NOM), and solution chemistry. Specifically, batch adhesion experiments were conducted using NOM-present, NOM-stripped soil colloids, Streptococcus suis SC05 and Escherichia coli WH09 over a wide range of solution pH (4.0-9.0) and ionic strength (IS, 1-100 mM KCl). Cell characterization techniques, Freundlich isotherm, and Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory (sphere-sphere model) were utilized to quantitatively determine the interactions between cells and colloids. The adhesion coefficients (Kf) of S. suis SC05 to NOM-present and NOM-stripped soil colloids were significantly higher than E. coli WH09, respectively. Similarly, Kf values of S. suis SC05 and E. coli WH09 adhesion to NOM-stripped soil colloids were greater than those colloids with NOM-present, respectively, suggesting NOM inhibits bacterial adhesion. Cell adhesion to soil colloids declined with increasing pH and enhanced with rising IS (1-50 mM). Interaction energy calculations indicate these adhesion trends can be explained by DLVO-type forces, with S. suis SC05 and E. coli WH09 being weakly adhered in shallow secondary energy minima via polymer bridging and charge heterogeneity. S. suis SC05 adhesion decreased at higher IS 100 mM, which is attributed to the change of hydrophobic effect and steric repulsion resulted from the greater presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on S. suis SC05 surface as compared to E. coli WH09. Hence, pathogen adhesion to the colloidal material is determined by a combination of DLVO, charge heterogeneity, hydrophobic and polymer interactions as a function of solution chemistry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extracellular accumulations in the avian pituitary gland: histochemical analysis in two species of Indian wild birds.

PubMed

Mohanty, Banalata

2006-01-01

Extracellular accumulations of two distinct types, colloid-filled follicles and fibrous-material-containing cysts, were observed in the pituitary gland of two species of Indian wild birds, Halcyon smyrnensis perpulchra and Lonchura striata striata. Colloid follicles were regular structures and distributed throughout the pars distalis (PD). The fibrous cysts were irregular structures, bigger than the colloid follicles and mostly observed towards the ventral margin of the PD. Sometimes disruption of the outer margin with depletion of fibrous material from the cavity was observed. Hormone-secreting cells of various types, anti-adrenocorticotropic-hormone-, anti-prolactin-, anti-growth-hormone- and anti-luteinizing-hormone-immunoreactive cells were encountered bordering both the colloid follicles and fibrous cysts. Neither the colloid nor the fibrous material showed any immunoreaction to any of the pituitary hormone antisera. On histochemical staining colloid was positive to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and fibrous materials stained with Alcian blue-PAS-orange G staining. Colloid depositions in the pituitary gland of these two wild birds were correlated to age, more in numbers in the adult birds than in the young ones. Fibrous-material-containing cysts were elucidated in the pituitary gland of adult birds only. These were more prevalent in the pituitary of reproductively active birds. Regular morphology of the colloid follicles, overall distribution in the adenohypophysis and dense nature of deposition of the colloid suggest the accumulation of this type may be the secretory products of both granulated and agranulated pituitary cell types. Absence of immunoreactivity of the colloid against pituitary hormone antisera points out that the storage form may differ chemically from the bioactive hormones. The spatial distribution of fibrous-material-containing cysts mostly towards the ventral PD, observations of immunoreactive cell fragmentations inside the cysts, and their disrupted margins suggest these structures may have some role in discharging the intraglandular degradation products. 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

Fabrication of quantum dot/silica core-shell particles immobilizing Au nanoparticles and their dual imaging functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yoshio; Matsudo, Hiromu; Li, Ting-ting; Shibuya, Kyosuke; Kubota, Yohsuke; Oikawa, Takahiro; Nakagawa, Tomohiko; Gonda, Kohsuke

2016-03-01

The present work proposes preparation methods for quantum dot/silica (QD/SiO2) core-shell particles that immobilize Au nanoparticles (QD/SiO2/Au). A colloid solution of QD/SiO2 core-shell particles with an average size of 47.0 ± 6.1 nm was prepared by a sol-gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate in the presence of the QDs with an average size of 10.3 ± 2.1 nm. A colloid solution of Au nanoparticles with an average size of 17.9 ± 1.3 nm was prepared by reducing Au3+ ions with sodium citrate in water at 80 °C. Introduction of amino groups to QD/SiO2 particle surfaces was performed using (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (QD/SiO2-NH2). The QD/SiO2/Au particles were fabricated by mixing the Au particle colloid solution and the QD/SiO2-NH2 particle colloid solution. Values of radiant efficiency and computed tomography for the QD/SiO2/Au particle colloid solution were 2.23 × 107 (p/s/cm2/sr)/(μW/cm2) at a QD concentration of 8 × 10-7 M and 1180 ± 314 Hounsfield units and an Au concentration of 5.4 × 10-2 M. The QD/SiO2/Au particle colloid solution was injected into a mouse chest wall. Fluorescence emitted from the colloid solution could be detected on the skin covering the chest wall. The colloid solution could also be X-ray-imaged in the chest wall. Consequently, the QD/SiO2/Au particle colloid solution was found to have dual functions, i.e., fluorescence emission and X-ray absorption in vivo, which makes the colloid solution suitable to function as a contrast agent for dual imaging processes.

Pseudo-second order models for the adsorption of safranin onto activated carbon: comparison of linear and non-linear regression methods.

PubMed

Kumar, K Vasanth

2007-04-02

Kinetic experiments were carried out for the sorption of safranin onto activated carbon particles. The kinetic data were fitted to pseudo-second order model of Ho, Sobkowsk and Czerwinski, Blanchard et al. and Ritchie by linear and non-linear regression methods. Non-linear method was found to be a better way of obtaining the parameters involved in the second order rate kinetic expressions. Both linear and non-linear regression showed that the Sobkowsk and Czerwinski and Ritchie's pseudo-second order models were the same. Non-linear regression analysis showed that both Blanchard et al. and Ho have similar ideas on the pseudo-second order model but with different assumptions. The best fit of experimental data in Ho's pseudo-second order expression by linear and non-linear regression method showed that Ho pseudo-second order model was a better kinetic expression when compared to other pseudo-second order kinetic expressions.

Colloidal assembly directed by virtual magnetic moulds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demirörs, Ahmet F.; Pillai, Pramod P.; Kowalczyk, Bartlomiej; Grzybowski, Bartosz A.

2013-11-01

Interest in assemblies of colloidal particles has long been motivated by their applications in photonics, electronics, sensors and microlenses. Existing assembly schemes can position colloids of one type relatively flexibly into a range of desired structures, but it remains challenging to produce multicomponent lattices, clusters with precisely controlled symmetries and three-dimensional assemblies. A few schemes can efficiently produce complex colloidal structures, but they require system-specific procedures. Here we show that magnetic field microgradients established in a paramagnetic fluid can serve as `virtual moulds' to act as templates for the assembly of large numbers (~108) of both non-magnetic and magnetic colloidal particles with micrometre precision and typical yields of 80 to 90 per cent. We illustrate the versatility of this approach by producing single-component and multicomponent colloidal arrays, complex three-dimensional structures and a variety of colloidal molecules from polymeric particles, silica particles and live bacteria and by showing that all of these structures can be made permanent. In addition, although our magnetic moulds currently resemble optical traps in that they are limited to the manipulation of micrometre-sized objects, they are massively parallel and can manipulate non-magnetic and magnetic objects simultaneously in two and three dimensions.

Inventions Utilizing Microfluidics and Colloidal Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marr, David W.; Gong, Tieying; Oakey, John; Terray, Alexander V.; Wu, David T.

2009-01-01

Several related inventions pertain to families of devices that utilize microfluidics and/or colloidal particles to obtain useful physical effects. The families of devices can be summarized as follows: (1) Microfluidic pumps and/or valves wherein colloidal-size particles driven by electrical, magnetic, or optical fields serve as the principal moving parts that propel and/or direct the affected flows. (2) Devices that are similar to the aforementioned pumps and/or valves except that they are used to manipulate light instead of fluids. The colloidal particles in these devices are substantially constrained to move in a plane and are driven to spatially order them into arrays that function, variously, as waveguides, filters, or switches for optical signals. (3) Devices wherein the ultra-laminar nature of microfluidic flows is exploited to effect separation, sorting, or filtering of colloidal particles or biological cells in suspension. (4) Devices wherein a combination of confinement and applied electrical and/or optical fields forces the colloidal particles to become arranged into three-dimensional crystal lattices. Control of the colloidal crystalline structures could be exploited to control diffraction of light. (5) Microfluidic devices, incorporating fluid waveguides, wherein switching of flows among different paths would be accompanied by switching of optical signals.

The colloidal thyroxine (T4) ring as a novel biomarker of perchlorate exposure in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hu, F.; Sharma, Bibek; Mukhi, S.; Patino, R.; Carr, J.A.

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in colloidal thyroxine (T4) immunoreactivity can be used as a biomarker of perchlorate exposure in amphibian thyroid tissue. Larval African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) were exposed to 0, 1, 8, 93, and 1131 ??g perchlorate/l for 38 and 69 days to cover the normal period of larval development and metamorphosis. The results of this study confirmed the presence of an immunoreactive colloidal T4 ring in thyroid follicles of X. laevis and demonstrated that the intensity of this ring is reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by perchlorate exposure. The smallest effective concentration of perchlorate capable of significantly reducing colloidal T4 ring intensity was 8 ??g perchlorate/l. The intensity of the immunoreactive colloidal T4 ring is a more sensitive biomarker of perchlorate exposure than changes in hind limb length, forelimb emergence, tail resorption, thyrocyte hypertrophy, or colloid depletion. We conclude that the colloidal T4 ring can be used as a sensitive biomarker of perchlorate-induced thyroid disruption in amphibians. ?? Copyright 2006 Oxford University Press.

Tuning the morphology, stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids by tungsten doping

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Haiping; Liao, Jianhua; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000

2014-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • W{sup 6+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids were prepared by hydrothermal methods. • The properties of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids can be tuned by tungsten doping. • W{sup 6+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids show higher stability and dispersity. • W{sup 6+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids show higher photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: The effects of tungsten doping on the morphology, stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal colloids were investigated. The nanostructure, chemical state of Ti, W, O, and the properties of tungsten doped TiO{sub 2} samples were investigated carefully by TEM, XRD, XPS, UV–vis, PLmore » and photocatalytic degradation experiments. And the structure–activity relationship was discussed according to the analysis and measurement results. The analysis results reveal that the morphology, zeta potential and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals can be easily tuned by changing the tungsten doping concentration. The tungsten doped TiO{sub 2} colloid combines the characters of high dispersity and high photocatalytic activity.« less

Powerful colloidal silver nanoparticles for the prevention of gastrointestinal bacterial infections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, Anh-Tuan; Tam Le, Thi; Quy Nguyen, Van; Hoang Tran, Huy; Dang, Duc Anh; Tran, Quang Huy; Vu, Dinh Lam

2012-12-01

In this work we have demonstrated a powerful disinfectant ability of colloidal silver nanoparticles (NPs) for the prevention of gastrointestinal bacterial infections. The silver NPs colloid was synthesized by a UV-enhanced chemical precipitation. Two gastrointestinal bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 43888-O157:k-:H7) and Vibrio cholerae (O1) were used to verify the antibacterial activity of the as-prepared silver NPs colloid by means of surface disinfection assay in agar plates and turbidity assay in liquid media. Transmission electron microscopy was also employed to analyze the ultrastructural changes of bacterial cells caused by silver NPs. Noticeably, our silver NPs colloid displayed a highly effective bactericidal effect against two tested gastrointestinal bacterial strains at a silver concentration as low as ˜3 mg l-1. More importantly, the silver NPs colloid showed an enhancement of antibacterial activity and long-lasting disinfectant effect as compared to conventional chloramin B (5%) disinfection agent. These advantages of the as-prepared colloidal silver NPs make them very promising for environmental treatments contaminated with gastrointestinal bacteria and other infectious pathogens. Moreover, the powerful disinfectant activity of silver-containing materials can also help in controlling and preventing further outbreak of diseases.

Enhanced gel formation in binary mixtures of nanocolloids with short-range attraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harden, James L.; Guo, Hongyu; Bertrand, Martine; Shendruk, Tyler N.; Ramakrishnan, Subramanian; Leheny, Robert L.

2018-01-01

Colloidal suspensions transform between fluid and disordered solid states as parameters such as the colloid volume fraction and the strength and nature of the colloidal interactions are varied. Seemingly subtle changes in the characteristics of the colloids can markedly alter the mechanical rigidity and flow behavior of these soft composite materials. This sensitivity creates both a scientific challenge and an opportunity for designing suspensions for specific applications. In this paper, we report a novel mechanism of gel formation in mixtures of weakly attractive nanocolloids with modest size ratio. Employing a combination of x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, rheometry, and molecular dynamics simulations, we find that gels are stable at remarkably weaker attraction in mixtures with size ratio near two than in the corresponding monodisperse suspensions. In contrast with depletion-driven gelation at larger size ratio, gel formation in the mixtures is triggered by microphase demixing of the species into dense regions of immobile smaller colloids surrounded by clusters of mobile larger colloids that is not predicted by mean-field thermodynamic considerations. These results point to a new route for tailoring nanostructured colloidal solids through judicious combination of interparticle interaction and size distribution.

Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

MedlinePlus

... condition as adults. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction may be acute, occurring suddenly and lasting a short time, or it may be chronic, or long lasting. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also called Ogilvie syndrome or ...

Hard-sphere fluid adsorbed in an annular wedge: The depletion force of hard-body colloidal physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herring, A. R.; Henderson, J. R.

2007-01-01

Many important issues of colloidal physics can be expressed in the context of inhomogeneous fluid phenomena. When two large colloids approach one another in solvent, they interact at least partly by the response of the solvent to finding itself adsorbed in the annular wedge formed between the two colloids. At shortest range, this fluid mediated interaction is known as the depletion force/interaction because solvent is squeezed out of the wedge when the colloids approach closer than the diameter of a solvent molecule. An equivalent situation arises when a single colloid approaches a substrate/wall. Accurate treatment of this interaction is essential for any theory developed to model the phase diagrams of homogeneous and inhomogeneous colloidal systems. The aim of our paper is a test of whether or not we possess sufficient knowledge of statistical mechanics that can be trusted when applied to systems of large size asymmetry and the depletion force in particular. When the colloid particles are much larger than a solvent diameter, the depletion force is dominated by the effective two-body interaction experienced by a pair of solvated colloids. This low concentration limit of the depletion force has therefore received considerable attention. One route, which can be rigorously based on statistical mechanical sum rules, leads to an analytic result for the depletion force when evaluated by a key theoretical tool of colloidal science known as the Derjaguin approximation. A rival approach has been based on the assumption that modern density functional theories (DFT) can be trusted for systems of large size asymmetry. Unfortunately, these two theoretical predictions differ qualitatively for hard sphere models, as soon as the solvent density is higher than about 2/3 that at freezing. Recent theoretical attempts to understand this dramatic disagreement have led to the proposal that the Derjaguin and DFT routes represent opposite limiting behavior, for very large size asymmetry and molecular sized mixtures, respectively. This proposal implies that nanocolloidal systems lie in between the two limits, so that the depletion force no longer scales linearly with the colloid radius. That is, by decreasing the size ratio from mesoscopic to molecular sized solutes, one moves smoothly between the Derjaguin and the DFT predictions for the depletion force scaled by the colloid radius. We describe the results of a simulation study designed specifically as a test of compatibility with this complex scenario. Grand canonical simulation procedures applied to hard-sphere fluid adsorbed in a series of annular wedges, representing the depletion regime of hard-body colloidal physics, confirm that neither the Derjaguin approximation, nor advanced formulations of DFT, apply at moderate to high solvent density when the geometry is appropriate to nanosized colloids. Our simulations also allow us to report structural characteristics of hard-body solvent adsorbed in hard annular wedges. Both these aspects are key ingredients in the proposal that unifies the disparate predictions, via the introduction of new physics. Our data are consistent with this proposed physics, although as yet limited to a single colloidal size asymmetry.

Colloid transport in model fracture filling materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wold, S.; Garcia-Garcia, S.; Jonsson, M.

2010-12-01

Colloid transport in model fracture filling materials Susanna Wold*, Sandra García-García and Mats Jonsson KTH Chemical Science and Engineering Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden *Corresponding author: E-mail: wold@kth.se Phone: +46 8 790 6295 In colloid transport in water-bearing fractures, the retardation depends on interactions with the fracture surface by sorption or filtration. These mechanisms are difficult to separate. A rougher surface will give a larger area available for sorption, and also when a particle is physically hindered, it approaches the surface and enables further sorption. Sorption can be explained by electrostatics were the strongest sorption on minerals always is observed at pH below pHpzc (Filby et al., 2008). The adhesion of colloids to mineral surfaces is related to the surface roughness according to a recent study (Darbha et al., 2010). There is a large variation in the characteristics of water-bearing fractures in bedrock in terms of aperture distribution, flow velocity, surface roughness, mineral distributions, presence of fracture filling material, and biological and organic material, which is hard to implement in modeling. The aim of this work was to study the transport of negatively charged colloids in model fracture filling material in relation to flow, porosity, mineral type, colloid size, and surface charge distribution. In addition, the impact on transport of colloids of mixing model fracture filling materials with different retention and immobilization capacities, determined by batch sorption experiments, was investigated. The transport of Na-montmorillonite colloids and well-defined negatively charged latex microspheres of 50, 100, and 200 nm diameter were studied in either columns containing quartz or quartz mixed with biotite. The ionic strength in the solution was exclusively 0.001 and pH 6 or 8.5. The flow rates used were 0.002, 0.03, and 0.6 mL min-1. Sorption of the colloids on the model fracture minerals was studied prior to the transport experiments under the same conditions. By varying the amount of solid substrate, it was possible to determine an interaction constant from a linear expression. Complementary zeta potential measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging were performed to examine the mineral surfaces after exposure to colloids. In experiments with low flow rates the retention of the colloids in the transport experiments were attributed to the interaction constants including both physical filtration and sorption. At higher flow rate the interactions between colloids and mineral surfaces were also significant but not as pronounced. Immobilization and retardation of the colloids were reflected by the interaction constants, which included both an irreversible and a reversible component of physical filtration and sorption. References Darbha, G.K., Schaefer, T., Heberling, F., Lüttge, A. and Fisher, C. 2010. Retention of Latex Colloids on Calcite as a Function of Surface Roughness and Topography. Langmuir, 26(7), 4743-4752. Filby, A., Plaschke, M., Geckeis, H., Fanghänel, Th. 2008. Interaction of latex colloids with mineral surfaces and Grimsel granodiorite. J. Contam. Hydrol., 102, 273-284.

Generalized Pseudo-Reaction Zone Model for Non-Ideal Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wescott, Bradley

2007-06-01

The pseudo-reaction zone model was proposed to improve engineering scale simulations when using Detonation Shock Dynamics with high explosives that have a slow reaction component. In this work an extension of the pseudo-reaction zone model is developed for non-ideal explosives that propagate well below their steady-planar Chapman-Jouguet velocity. A programmed burn method utilizing Detonation Shock Dynamics and a detonation velocity dependent pseudo-reaction rate has been developed for non-ideal explosives and applied to the explosive mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO). The pseudo-reaction rate is calibrated to the experimentally obtained normal detonation velocity---shock curvature relation. The generalized pseudo-reaction zone model proposed here predicts the cylinder expansion to within 1% by accounting for the slow reaction in ANFO.

Colloidal Electrolytes and the Critical Micelle Concentration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knowlton, L. G.

1970-01-01

Describes methods for determining the Critical Micelle Concentration of Colloidal Electrolytes; methods described are: (1) methods based on Colligative Properties, (2) methods based on the Electrical Conductivity of Colloidal Electrolytic Solutions, (3) Dye Method, (4) Dye Solubilization Method, and (5) Surface Tension Method. (BR)

Assessing the Potential Consequences of Subsurface Bioremediation: Fe-oxide Bioreductive Processes and the Propensity for Contaminant-colloid Co-transport and Media Structural Breakdown

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-12

were resolved by a technical approach that included three well-integrated experimental tasks follows: Task A: Quantify the impact of time- dependent ...aggregate breakdown and colloid dispersion depending on the extent of Fe(III) reduction and altered the pore structure and chemical reactivity of the porous...have significant effect on the transport of molecular and colloidal tracers (but not on the ionic tracer Br-) and colloid generation depending on

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5: Three-Dimensional Melt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yodh, Arjun G.

2008-01-01

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test - 5: Three-Dimensional Melt (BCAT-5-3DMelt) photographs initially randomized colloidal samples in microgravity to determine their resulting structure over time. BCAT-5-3D-Melt will allow the scientists to capture the kinetics (evolution) of their samples, as well as the final equilibrium state of each sample. BCAT-5-3D-Melt will look at the mechanisms of melting using three-dimensional temperature sensitive colloidal crystals. Results will help scientists develop fundamental physics concepts previously shadowed by the effects of gravity.

Rigorous theoretical framework for particle sizing in turbid colloids using light refraction.

PubMed

García-Valenzuela, Augusto; Barrera, Rubén G; Gutierrez-Reyes, Edahí

2008-11-24

Using a non-local effective-medium approach, we analyze the refraction of light in a colloidal medium. We discuss the theoretical grounds and all the necessary precautions to design and perform experiments to measure the effective refractive index in dilute colloids. As an application, we show that it is possible to retrieve the size of small dielectric particles in a colloid by measuring the complex effective refractive index and the volume fraction occupied by the particles.

Elasticity and critical bending moment of model colloidal aggregates.

PubMed

Pantina, John P; Furst, Eric M

2005-04-08

The bending mechanics of singly bonded colloidal aggregates are measured using laser tweezers. We find that the colloidal bonds are capable of supporting significant torques, providing a direct measurement of the tangential interactions between particles. A critical bending moment marks the limit of linear bending elasticity, past which small-scale rearrangements occur. These mechanical properties underlie the rheology and dynamics of colloidal gels formed by diffusion-limited cluster aggregation, and give critical insight into the contact interactions between Brownian particles.

Accelerated stability assay (ASA) for colloidal systems.

PubMed

Chong, Josephine Y T; Mulet, Xavier; Boyd, Ben J; Drummond, Calum J

2014-05-12

Assessment of the stability of colloidal systems, in particular lyotropic liquid crystalline dispersions, such as cubosomes and hexosomes, is typically performed qualitatively or with limited throughput on specialized instruments. Here, an accelerated stability assay for colloidal particles has been developed in 384-well plates with standard laboratory equipment. These protocols enable quantitative assessments of colloidal stability. To demonstrate the applicability of the assay, several steric stabilizers for cubic phase nanostructured particles (cubosomes) have been compared to the current "gold standard" Pluronic F127.

Pulsed remineralisation in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea: a hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denis, Michel; Martin, Valérie; Momzikoff, André; Gondry, Geneviève; Stemmann, Lars; Demers, Serge; Gorsky, Gaby; Andersen, Valérie

2003-02-01

A general study of biogeochemical processes (DYNAPROC cruise) was conducted in May 1995 at a time-series station in the open northwestern Mediterranean Sea where horizontal advection was weak. Short-term variations of the vertical distributions of pico- and nanophytoplankton were investigated over four 36-h cycles, along with parallel determinations of metabolic CO 2 production rates and amino acid-containing colloid (AACC) concentrations at the chlorophyll maximum depth. The vertical (0-1000-m depth) distributions of (i) AACC, (ii) suspended particles and (iii) metabolic CO 2 production rate were documented during the initial and final stages of these 36-h cycles. This study was concerned with diel vertical migration (DVM) of zooplankton, which provided periodic perturbations. Accordingly, the time scale of the experimental work varied from a few hours to a few days. Although all distributions exhibited a periodic behaviour, AACC distributions were generally not linked to diel vertical migrations. In the subsurface layer, Synechococcus made the most abundant population and large variations in concentration were observed both at day and at night. The corresponding integrated (over the upper 90 m) losses of Synechococcus during one night pointed to a potential source of exported organic matter amounting to 534 mg C m -2. This study stresses the potential importance of organic matter export from the euphotic zone through the daily grazing activity of vertically migrating organisms, which would not be accounted for by measurements at longer time scales. The metabolic CO 2 production exhibited a peak of activity below 500 m that was shifted downward, apparently in a recurrent way and independently of the vertical distributions of AACC or of suspended particulate material. To account for this phenomenon, a «sustained wave train» hypothesis is proposed that combines the effect of the diel superficial faecal pellet production by swarming migrators and the repackaging activity of the nonmigrating midwater populations. Our results confirm the recent finding that the particulate compartment is not the major source of the observed instantaneous remineralisation rate and shed a new light on the fate of organic matter in the aphotic zone.

Mechanical Failure in Colloidal Gels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodger, Thomas Edward

When colloidal particles in a dispersion are made attractive, they aggregate into fractal clusters which grow to form a space-spanning network, or gel, even at low volume fractions. These gels are crucial to the rheological behavior of many personal care, food products and dispersion-based paints. The mechanical stability of these products relies on the stability of the colloidal gel network which acts as a scaffold to provide these products with desired mechanical properties and to prevent gravitational sedimentation of the dispersed components. Understanding the mechanical stability of such colloidal gels is thus of crucial importance to predict and control the properties of many soft solids. Once a colloidal gel forms, the heterogeneous structure bonded through weak physical interactions, is immediately subject to body forces, such as gravity, surface forces, such as adhesion to a container walls and shear forces; the interplay of these forces acting on the gel determines its stability. Even in the absence of external stresses, colloidal gels undergo internal rearrangements within the network that may cause the network structure to evolve gradually, in processes known as aging or coarsening or fail catastrophically, in a mechanical instability known as syneresis. Studying gel stability in the laboratory requires model colloidal system which may be tuned to eliminate these body or endogenous forces systematically. Using existing chemistry, I developed several systems to study delayed yielding by eliminating gravitational stresses through density matching and cyclic heating to induce attraction; and to study syneresis by eliminating adhesion to the container walls, altering the contact forces between colloids, and again, inducing gelation through heating. These results elucidate the varied yet concomitant mechanisms by which colloidal gels may locally or globally yield, but then reform due to the nature of the physical, or non-covalent, interactions which form them.

Parametric interactions in presence of different size colloids in semiconductor quantum plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vanshpal, R., E-mail: ravivanshpal@gmail.com; Sharma, Uttam; Dubey, Swati

2015-07-31

Present work is an attempt to investigate the effect of different size colloids on parametric interaction in semiconductor quantum plasma. Inclusion of quantum effect is being done in this analysis through quantum correction term in classical hydrodynamic model of homogeneous semiconductor plasma. The effect is associated with purely quantum origin using quantum Bohm potential and quantum statistics. Colloidal size and quantum correction term modify the parametric dispersion characteristics of ion implanted semiconductor plasma medium. It is found that quantum effect on colloids is inversely proportional to their size. Moreover critical size of implanted colloids for the effective quantum correction ismore » determined which is found to be equal to the lattice spacing of the crystal.« less

Preparation of colloidal gold for staining proteins electrotransferred onto nitrocellulose membranes.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, K; Asakawa, H

1988-07-01

This paper describes a simple method of preparing colloidal gold for staining protein blots. Colloidal gold was prepared from 0.005 or 0.01% HAuCl4 by the addition of formalin as a reductant and potassium hydroxide. Staining of small cell carcinoma tissue extract blotted onto nitrocellulose membranes with this colloidal gold solution resulted in the appearance of a large number of clear wine-red bands. The sensitivity of gold staining was 60 times higher than that of Coomassie brilliant blue staining and almost comparable to that of silver staining of proteins in polyacrylamide gel. The sensitivity of this method was also satisfactory in comparison with that of enzyme immunoblotting. The colloidal gold prepared by this method is usable for routine work.

Measurement of correlations between low-frequency vibrational modes and particle rearrangements in quasi-two-dimensional colloidal glasses.

PubMed

Chen, Ke; Manning, M L; Yunker, Peter J; Ellenbroek, Wouter G; Zhang, Zexin; Liu, Andrea J; Yodh, A G

2011-09-02

We investigate correlations between low-frequency vibrational modes and rearrangements in two-dimensional colloidal glasses composed of thermosensitive microgel particles, which readily permit variation of the sample packing fraction. At each packing fraction, the particle displacement covariance matrix is measured and used to extract the vibrational spectrum of the "shadow" colloidal glass (i.e., the particle network with the same geometry and interactions as the sample colloid but absent damping). Rearrangements are induced by successive, small reductions in the packing fraction. The experimental results suggest that low-frequency quasilocalized phonon modes in colloidal glasses, i.e., modes that present low energy barriers for system rearrangements, are spatially correlated with rearrangements in this thermal system.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy for rapid bacterial screening

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study reports the feasibility of citrate-reduced colloidal silver SERS for differentiating three important foodborne pathogens, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. FT-Rama and SERS spectra of both silver colloids and silver colloids mixed with tripotassium phosphate were collected and analyzed t...

Colloid transport in dual-permeability media

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

It has been widely reported that colloids can travel faster and over longer distances in natural structured porous media than in uniform structureless media used in laboratory studies. The presence of preferential pathways for colloids in the subsurface environment is of concern because of the incre...

Apparatus for electrohydrodynamically assembling patterned colloidal structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trau, Mathias (Inventor); Aksay, Ilhan A. (Inventor); Saville, Dudley A. (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A method apparatus is provided for electrophoretically depositing particles onto an electrode, and electrohydrodynamically assembling the particles into crystalline structures. Specifically, the present method and apparatus creates a current flowing through a solution to cause identically charged electrophoretically deposited colloidal particles to attract each other over very large distances (<5 particle diameters) on the surface of electrodes to form two-dimensional colloidal crystals. The attractive force can be created with both DC and AC fields and can modulated by adjusting either the field strength or frequency of the current. Modulating this lateral attraction between the particles causes the reversible formation of two-dimensional fluid and crystalline colloidal states on the electrode surface. Further manipulation allows for the formation of two or three-dimensional colloidal crystals, as well as more complex designed structures. Once the required structures are formed, these three-dimension colloidal crystals can be permanently frozen or glued by controlled coagulation induced by to the applied field to form a stable crystalline structure.

SERS and DFT study of p-hydroxybenzoic acid adsorbed on colloidal silver particles.

PubMed

Chen, Y; Chen, S J; Li, S; Wei, J J

2015-10-16

In this study, normal Raman spectra of p—hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) powder and its surface—enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra in silver colloidal solutions were measured under near infrared excitation conditions. In theoretical calculation, two models of PHBA adsorbed on the surfaces of silver nanoparticles were established. The Raman frequencies of these two models using density functional theory (DFT) method were calculated, and compared with the experimental results. It was found that the calculated Raman frequencies were in good agreement with experimental values, which indicates that there are two enhanced mechanism physical (electromagnetic, EM) enhancement and chemical (charge—transfer, CT) enhancement, in silver colloidal solutions regarding SERS effect. Furthermore, from high—quality SERS spectrum of PHBA obtained in silver colloids, we inferred that PHBA molecules in silver colloids adsorb onto the metal surfaces through carboxyl at a perpendicular orientation. The combination of SERS spectra and DFT calculation is thus useful for studies of the adsorption—orientation of a molecule on a metal colloid.

Multiple electrokinetic actuators for feedback control of colloidal crystal size.

PubMed

Juárez, Jaime J; Mathai, Pramod P; Liddle, J Alexander; Bevan, Michael A

2012-10-21

We report a feedback control method to precisely target the number of colloidal particles in quasi-2D ensembles and their subsequent assembly into crystals in a quadrupole electrode. Our approach relies on tracking the number of particles within a quadrupole electrode, which is used in a real-time feedback control algorithm to dynamically actuate competing electrokinetic transport mechanisms. Particles are removed from the quadrupole using DC-field mediated electrophoretic-electroosmotic transport, while high-frequency AC-field mediated dielectrophoretic transport is used to concentrate and assemble colloidal crystals. Our results show successful control of the size of crystals containing 20 to 250 colloidal particles with less than 10% error. Assembled crystals are characterized by their radius of gyration, crystallinity, and number of edge particles, and demonstrate the expected size-dependent properties. Our findings demonstrate successful ensemble feedback control of the assembly of different sized colloidal crystals using multiple actuators, which has broad implications for control over nano- and micro- scale assembly processes involving colloidal components.

Effect of gravity on colloid transport through water-saturated columns packed with glass beads: modeling and experiments.

PubMed

Chrysikopoulos, Constantinos V; Syngouna, Vasiliki I

2014-06-17

The role of gravitational force on colloid transport in water-saturated columns packed with glass beads was investigated. Transport experiments were performed with colloids (clays: kaolinite KGa-1b, montmorillonite STx-1b). The packed columns were placed in various orientations (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal) and a steady flow rate of Q = 1.5 mL/min was applied in both up-flow and down-flow modes. All experiments were conducted under electrostatically unfavorable conditions. The experimental data were fitted with a newly developed, analytical, one-dimensional, colloid transport model. The effect of gravity is incorporated in the mathematical model by combining the interstitial velocity (advection) with the settling velocity (gravity effect). The results revealed that flow direction influences colloid transport in porous media. The rate of particle deposition was shown to be greater for up-flow than for down-flow direction, suggesting that gravity was a significant driving force for colloid deposition.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Total Magnetic Moments of Colloidal Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Kinetics-based Method.

PubMed

Liu, Haiyi; Sun, Jianfei; Wang, Haoyao; Wang, Peng; Song, Lina; Li, Yang; Chen, Bo; Zhang, Yu; Gu, Ning

2015-06-08

A kinetics-based method is proposed to quantitatively characterize the collective magnetization of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles. The method is based on the relationship between the magnetic force on a colloidal droplet and the movement of the droplet under a gradient magnetic field. Through computational analysis of the kinetic parameters, such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration, the magnetization of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles can be calculated. In our experiments, the values measured by using our method exhibited a better linear correlation with magnetothermal heating, than those obtained by using a vibrating sample magnetometer and magnetic balance. This finding indicates that this method may be more suitable to evaluate the collective magnetism of colloidal magnetic nanoparticles under low magnetic fields than the commonly used methods. Accurate evaluation of the magnetic properties of colloidal nanoparticles is of great importance for the standardization of magnetic nanomaterials and for their practical application in biomedicine. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effective interactions and dynamics of small passive particles in an active bacterial medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semeraro, Enrico F.; Devos, Juliette M.; Narayanan, Theyencheri

2018-05-01

This article presents an investigation of the interparticle interactions and dynamics of submicron silica colloids suspended in a bath of motile Escherichia coli bacteria. The colloidal microstructure and dynamics were probed by ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering and multi-speckles x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, respectively. Both static and hydrodynamic interactions were obtained for different colloid volume fractions and bacteria concentrations as well as when the interparticle interaction potential was modified by the motility buffer. Results suggest that motile bacteria reduce the effective attractive interactions between passive colloids and enhance their dynamics at high colloid volume fractions. The enhanced dynamics under different static interparticle interactions can be rationalized in terms of an effective viscosity of the medium and unified by means of an empirical effective temperature of the system. While the influence of swimming bacteria on the colloid dynamics is significantly lower for small particles, the role of motility buffer on the static and dynamic interactions becomes more pronounced.

Method for electrohydrodynamically assembling patterned colloidal structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trau, Mathias (Inventor); Aksay, Ilhan A. (Inventor); Saville, Dudley A. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A method apparatus is provided for electrophoretically depositing particles onto an electrode, and electrohydrodynamically assembling the particles into crystalline structures. Specifically, the present method and apparatus creates a current flowing through a solution to cause identically charged electrophoretically deposited colloidal particles to attract each other over very large distances (<5 particle diameters) on the surface of electrodes to form two-dimensional colloidal crystals. The attractive force can be created with both DC and AC fields and can modulated by adjusting either the field strength or frequency of the current. Modulating this lateral attraction between the particles causes the reversible formation of two-dimensional fluid and crystalline colloidal states on the electrode surface. Further manipulation allows for the formation of two or three-dimensional colloidal crystals, as well as more complex designed structures. Once the required structures are formed, these three-dimension colloidal crystals can be permanently frozen or glued by controlled coagulation induced by to the applied field to form a stable crystalline structure.

Transient bleaching of small PbS colloids. Influence of surface properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nenadovic, M.T.; Comor, M.I.; Vasic, V.

1990-08-09

Small PbS colloids with a particle diameter of 40 {angstrom} were prepared in aqueous solution, and their absorption spectra exhibit several maxima. Injection of electrons into these particles was achieved by using the pulse radiolysis technique. Excess electrons trapped on the surface lead to a blue shift in the absorption edge of colloids. The appearance of this shift depends critically on the method of colloid preparation. PbS and CdS colloids prepared at pH < 6 have long-lived bleaching, which disappears after several seconds. On the other hand, absorption bleaching does not appear after the addition of hydroxide ions to colloidalmore » solutions (pH > 8). The existence of a hydroxide ion on the particle surface most likely removes surface defects on which electrons are trapped. PbS colloids prepared in the presence of 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol have an unstructured absorption spectrum, which is due to a wide particle size distribution (10-50 {angstrom}).« less

Rheological State Diagrams for Rough Colloids in Shear Flow.

PubMed

Hsiao, Lilian C; Jamali, Safa; Glynos, Emmanouil; Green, Peter F; Larson, Ronald G; Solomon, Michael J

2017-10-13

To assess the role of particle roughness in the rheological phenomena of concentrated colloidal suspensions, we develop model colloids with varying surface roughness length scales up to 10% of the particle radius. Increasing surface roughness shifts the onset of both shear thickening and dilatancy towards lower volume fractions and critical stresses. Experimental data are supported by computer simulations of spherical colloids with adjustable friction coefficients, demonstrating that a reduction in the onset stress of thickening and a sign change in the first normal stresses occur when friction competes with lubrication. In the quasi-Newtonian flow regime, roughness increases the effective packing fraction of colloids. As the shear stress increases and suspensions of rough colloids approach jamming, the first normal stresses switch signs and the critical force required to generate contacts is drastically reduced. This is likely a signature of the lubrication films giving way to roughness-induced tangential interactions that bring about load-bearing contacts in the compression axis of flow.

Rheological State Diagrams for Rough Colloids in Shear Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, Lilian C.; Jamali, Safa; Glynos, Emmanouil; Green, Peter F.; Larson, Ronald G.; Solomon, Michael J.

2017-10-01

To assess the role of particle roughness in the rheological phenomena of concentrated colloidal suspensions, we develop model colloids with varying surface roughness length scales up to 10% of the particle radius. Increasing surface roughness shifts the onset of both shear thickening and dilatancy towards lower volume fractions and critical stresses. Experimental data are supported by computer simulations of spherical colloids with adjustable friction coefficients, demonstrating that a reduction in the onset stress of thickening and a sign change in the first normal stresses occur when friction competes with lubrication. In the quasi-Newtonian flow regime, roughness increases the effective packing fraction of colloids. As the shear stress increases and suspensions of rough colloids approach jamming, the first normal stresses switch signs and the critical force required to generate contacts is drastically reduced. This is likely a signature of the lubrication films giving way to roughness-induced tangential interactions that bring about load-bearing contacts in the compression axis of flow.

Multi-scale kinetics of a field-directed colloidal phase transition.

PubMed

Swan, James W; Vasquez, Paula A; Whitson, Peggy A; Fincke, E Michael; Wakata, Koichi; Magnus, Sandra H; De Winne, Frank; Barratt, Michael R; Agui, Juan H; Green, Robert D; Hall, Nancy R; Bohman, Donna Y; Bunnell, Charles T; Gast, Alice P; Furst, Eric M

2012-10-02

Polarizable colloids are expected to form crystalline equilibrium phases when exposed to a steady, uniform field. However, when colloids become localized this field-induced phase transition arrests and the suspension persists indefinitely as a kinetically trapped, percolated structure. We anneal such gels formed from magneto-rheological fluids by toggling the field strength at varied frequencies. This processing allows the arrested structure to relax periodically to equilibrium--colloid-rich, cylindrical columns. Two distinct growth regimes are observed: one in which particle domains ripen through diffusive relaxation of the gel, and the other where the system-spanning structure collapses and columnar domains coalesce apparently through field-driven interactions. There is a stark boundary as a function of magnetic field strength and toggle frequency distinguishing the two regimes. These results demonstrate how kinetic barriers to a colloidal phase transition are subverted through measured, periodic variation of driving forces. Such directed assembly may be harnessed to create unique materials from dispersions of colloids.

Variability of Pseudo-Nitzschia and Domoic Acid Along the U.S. West Coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, S.; Bill, B. D.; Trainer, V. L.

2017-12-01

A massive, destructive harmful algal bloom (HAB) along the U.S. West Coast in 2015 illustrated the threat posed to fisheries, marine mammal survival, and public health by toxigenic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia. Certain species of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia produce the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA), which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in humans who consume shellfish contaminated with DA. The specific environmental conditions producing toxic algal blooms remain largely unclear. The continued assessment of the abundance and toxicity of Pseudo-nitzschia is used to identify emerging hotspots, investigate the occurrence of Pseudo-nitzschia and DA relative to environmental phenomena such as El Niño and the Blob, and make more robust the data that are incorporated into the HAB early-warning system. Seawater samples collected on NOAA research vessel Bell M. Shimada in May 2017 were analyzed in the laboratory using the following methods: 1. indirect cBASI Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) to determine DA concentration; 2. light microscopy to determine abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia; and 3. scanning electron microscopy to determine Pseudo-nitzschia species composition at select locations. Results indicated that freshwater plumes can affect the location and abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia at HAB hotspots near Heceta Bank. Future analysis will examine the potential connection between the abundance of toxic species of Pseudo-nitzschia with nutrient and chlorophyll data. This research adds to the time series data needed to determine the relative influence of various drivers of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms, including local factors such as macronutrient concentrations, and climatic influences such as El Niño, La Niña, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

Agglomeration, colloidal stability, and magnetic separation of magnetic nanoparticles: collective influences on environmental engineering applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeap, Swee Pin; Lim, JitKang; Ooi, Boon Seng; Ahmad, Abdul Latif

2017-11-01

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) which exhibit magnetic and catalytic bifunctionalities have been widely accepted as one of the most promising nanoagents used in water purification processes. However, due to the magnetic dipole-dipole interaction, MNPs can easily lose their colloidal stability and tend to agglomerate. Thus, it is necessary to enhance their colloidal stability in order to maintain the desired high specific surface area. Meanwhile, in order to successfully utilize MNPs for environmental engineering applications, an effective magnetic separation technology has to be developed. This step is to ensure the MNPs that have been used for pollutant removal can be fully reharvested back. Unfortunately, it was recently highlighted that there exists a conflicting role between colloidal stability and magnetic separability of the MNPs, whereby the more colloidally stable the particle is, the harder for it to be magnetically separated. In other words, attaining a win-win scenario in which the MNPs possess both good colloidal stability and fast magnetic separation rate becomes challenging. Such phenomenon has to be thoroughly understood as the colloidal stability and the magnetic separability of MNPs play a pivotal role on affecting their effective implementation in water purification processes. Accordingly, it is the aim of this paper to provide reviews on (i) the colloidal stability and (ii) the magnetic separation of MNPs, as well as to provide insights on (iii) their conflicting relationship based on recent research findings. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Movie of phase separation during physics of colloids in space experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

Still photographs taken over 16 hours on Nov. 13, 2001, on the International Space Station have been condensed into a few seconds to show the de-mixing -- or phase separation -- process studied by the Experiment on Physics of Colloids in Space. Commanded from the ground, dozens of similar tests have been conducted since the experiment arrived on ISS in 2000. The sample is a mix of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA or acrylic) colloids, polystyrene polymers and solvents. The circular area in the video is 2 cm (0.8 in.) in diameter. The phase separation process occurs spontaneously after the sample is mechanically mixed. The evolving lighter regions are rich in colloid and have the structure of a liquid. The dark regions are poor in colloids and have the structure of a gas. This behavior carnot be observed on Earth because gravity causes the particles to fall out of solution faster than the phase separation can occur. While similar to a gas-liquid phase transition, the growth rate observed in this test is different from any atomic gas-liquid or liquid-liquid phase transition ever measured experimentally. Ultimately, the sample separates into colloid-poor and colloid-rich areas, just as oil and vinegar separate. The fundamental science of de-mixing in this colloid-polymer sample is the same found in the annealing of metal alloys and plastic polymer blends. Improving the understanding of this process may lead to improving processing of these materials on Earth.

Phase separation during the Experiment on Physics of Colloids in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Still photographs taken over 16 hours on Nov. 13, 2001, on the International Space Station have been condensed into a few seconds to show the de-mixing -- or phase separation -- process studied by the Experiment on Physics of Colloids in Space. Commanded from the ground, dozens of similar tests have been conducted since the experiment arrived on ISS in 2000. The sample is a mix of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA or acrylic) colloids, polystyrene polymers and solvents. The circular area is 2 cm (0.8 in.) in diameter. The phase separation process occurs spontaneously after the sample is mechanically mixed. The evolving lighter regions are rich in colloid and have the structure of a liquid. The dark regions are poor in colloids and have the structure of a gas. This behavior carnot be observed on Earth because gravity causes the particles to fall out of solution faster than the phase separation can occur. While similar to a gas-liquid phase transition, the growth rate observed in this test is different from any atomic gas-liquid or liquid-liquid phase transition ever measured experimentally. Ultimately, the sample separates into colloid-poor and colloid-rich areas, just as oil and vinegar separate. The fundamental science of de-mixing in this colloid-polymer sample is the same found in the annealing of metal alloys and plastic polymer blends. Improving the understanding of this process may lead to improving processing of these materials on Earth.

Stability and minimum size of colloidal clusters on a liquid-air interface.

PubMed

Pergamenshchik, V M

2012-02-01

A vertical force applied to each of two colloids, trapped at a liquid-air interface, induces their logarithmic pairwise attraction. I recently showed [Phys. Rev. E 79, 011407 (2009)] that in clusters of size R much larger than the capillary length λ, the attraction changes to that of a power law and is much stronger due to a many-body effect, and I derived two equations that describe the equilibrium coarse-grained meniscus profile and colloid density in such clusters. In this paper, this theory is shown also to describe small clusters with R≪ λ provided the number N of colloids therein is sufficiently large. An analytical solution for a small circular cluster with an arbitrary short-range power-law pairwise repulsion is found. The energy of a cluster is obtained as a function of its radius R and colloid number N. As in large clusters, the attraction force and energy universally scale with the distance L between colloids as L(-3) and L(-2), respectively, for any repulsion forces. The states of an equilibrium cluster, predicted by the theory, are shown to be stable with respect to small perturbations of the meniscus profile and colloid density. The minimum number of colloids in a circular cluster, which sustains the thermal motion, is estimated. For standard parameters, it can be very modest, e.g., in the range 20-200, which is in line with experimental findings on reversible clusterization on a liquid-air interface. © 2012 American Physical Society

Functional models for colloid retention in porous media at the triple line.

PubMed

Dathe, Annette; Zevi, Yuniati; Richards, Brian K; Gao, Bin; Parlange, J-Yves; Steenhuis, Tammo S

2014-01-01

Spectral confocal microscope visualizations of microsphere movement in unsaturated porous media showed that attachment at the Air Water Solid (AWS) interface was an important retention mechanism. These visualizations can aid in resolving the functional form of retention rates of colloids at the AWS interface. In this study, soil adsorption isotherm equations were adapted by replacing the chemical concentration in the water as independent variable by the cumulative colloids passing by. In order of increasing number of fitted parameters, the functions tested were the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the Logistic distribution, and the Weibull distribution. The functions were fitted against colloid concentrations obtained from time series of images acquired with a spectral confocal microscope for three experiments performed where either plain or carboxylated polystyrene latex microspheres were pulsed in a small flow chamber filled with cleaned quartz sand. Both moving and retained colloids were quantified over time. In fitting the models to the data, the agreement improved with increasing number of model parameters. The Weibull distribution gave overall the best fit. The logistic distribution did not fit the initial retention of microspheres well but otherwise the fit was good. The Langmuir isotherm only fitted the longest time series well. The results can be explained that initially when colloids are first introduced the rate of retention is low. Once colloids are at the AWS interface they act as anchor point for other colloids to attach and thereby increasing the retention rate as clusters form. Once the available attachment sites diminish, the retention rate decreases.

Effective sorption of atrazine by biochar colloids and residues derived from different pyrolysis temperatures.

PubMed

Yang, Fan; Gao, Yan; Sun, Lili; Zhang, Shuaishuai; Li, Jiaojiao; Zhang, Ying

2018-04-26

Biochar has attracted much attention, which owns many environmental and agronomic benefits, including carbon sequestration, improvement of soil quality, and immobilization of environmental contaminants. Biochar has been also investigated as an effective sorbent in recent publications. Generally, biochar particles can be divided into colloids and residues according to particle sizes, while understanding of adsorption capacities towards organic pollutants in each section is largely unknown, representing a critical knowledge gap in evaluations on the effectiveness of biochar for water treatment application. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method are used to examine the structures and surface properties of biochar colloids and residues derived from corn straws prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures. Also, their roles in atrazine (a typical organic pollutant) removal are investigated by batch adsorption experiments and fitted by different kinetic and thermodynamic models, respectively. The adsorption capacities of biochar colloids are much more than those of residues, resulting from the colloids containing abundant oxygen functional groups and mineral substances, and the adsorption capacities of biochar colloids and residues increase with the increase of pyrolysis temperatures. The highest adsorption performance of 139.33 mg g -1 can be obtained in biochar colloids prepared at 700 °C, suggesting the important functions of biochar colloids in the application of atrazine removal by biochar.

Coupled factors influencing detachment of nano- and micro-sized particles from primary minima.

PubMed

Shen, Chongyang; Lazouskaya, Volha; Jin, Yan; Li, Baoguo; Ma, Zhiqiang; Zheng, Wenjuan; Huang, Yuanfang

2012-06-01

This study examined the detachments of nano- and micro-sized colloids from primary minima in the presence of cation exchange by laboratory column experiments. Colloids were initially deposited in columns packed with glass beads at 0.2 M CaCl(2) in the primary minima of Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) interaction energies. Then, the columns were flushed with NaCl solutions with different ionic strengths (i.e., 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2 M). Detachments were observed at all ionic strengths and were particularly significant for the nanoparticle. The detachments increased with increasing electrolyte concentration for the nanoparticle whereas increased from 0.001 M to 0.01 M and decreased with further increasing electrolyte concentration for the micro-sized colloid. The observations were attributed to coupled influence of cation exchange, short-range repulsion, surface roughness, surface charge heterogeneity, and deposition in the secondary minima. The detachments of colloids from primary minima challenge the common belief that colloid interaction in primary minimum is irreversible and resistant to disturbance in solution ionic strength and composition. Although the significance of surface roughness, surface charge heterogeneity, and secondary minima on colloid deposition has been widely recognized, our study implies that they also play important roles in colloid detachment. Whereas colloid detachment is frequently associated with decrease of ionic strength, our results show that increase of ionic strength can also cause detachment due to influence of cation exchange. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nano-colloid electrophoretic transport: Fully explicit modelling via dissipative particle dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassanzadeh Afrouzi, Hamid; Farhadi, Mousa; Sedighi, Kurosh; Moshfegh, Abouzar

2018-02-01

In present study, a novel fully explicit approach using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method is introduced for modelling electrophoretic transport of nano-colloids in an electrolyte solution. Slater type charge smearing function included in 3D Ewald summation method is employed to treat electrostatic interaction. Moreover, capability of different thermostats are challenged to control the system temperature and study the dynamic response of colloidal electrophoretic mobility under practical ranges of external electric field in nano scale application (0.072 < E < 0.361 v / nm) covering non-linear response regime, and ionic salt concentration (0.049 < SC < 0.69 [M]) covering weak to strong Debye screening of the colloid. The effect of different colloidal repulsions are then studied on temperature, reduced mobility and zeta potential which is computed based on charge distribution within the spherical colloidal EDL. System temperature and electrophoretic mobility both show a direct and inverse relationship respectively with electric field and colloidal repulsion. Mobility declining with colloidal repulsion reaches a plateau which is a relatively constant value at each electrolyte salinity for Aii > 600 in DPD units regardless of electric field intensity. Nosé-Hoover-Lowe-Andersen and Lowe-Andersen thermostats are found to function more effectively under high electric fields (E > 0.145 [ v / nm ]) while thermal equilibrium is maintained. Reasonable agreements are achieved by benchmarking the radial distribution function with available electrolyte structure modellings, as well as comparing reduced mobility against conventional Smoluchowski and Hückel theories, and numerical solution of Poisson-Boltzmann equation.

Localization of hemorrhage in a recurrent hemothorax using Tc-99m-sulfur colloid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taillefer, R.; Essiambre, R.; Lemieux, R.

1981-05-01

Tc99m-sulfur colloid scintigraphy has proven clinically useful in identifying gastrointestinal hemorrhages. The authors describe a patient with recurrent hemothorax under oral anticoagulation therapy in which Tc-99m-sulfur colloid imaging was used to determine the site of bleeding.

Fullerene-like colloidal nanocrystal of nickel hydroxychloride.

PubMed

Hu, Shi; Wang, Xun

2010-07-21

In this work, we successfully fabricated near-monodisperse colloids of a new type of inorganic fullerene-like structure (IF) of nickel hydroxychloride as the first example of the application of colloidal synthetic routes to the synthesis of IFs. The formation mechanism and interesting magnetic properties are briefly discussed.

Equilibrium and kinetic models for colloid release under transient solution chemistry conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We present continuum models to describe colloid release in the subsurface during transient physicochemical conditions. Our modeling approach relates the amount of colloid release to changes in the fraction of the solid surface area that contributes to retention. Equilibrium, kinetic, equilibrium and...

Hysteresis of Colloid Retention and Release in Saturated Porous Media During Transients in Solution Chemistry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Saturated packed column and micromodel transport studies wereconducted to gain insightonmechanismsof colloid retention and release under unfavorable attachment conditions. The initial deposition of colloids in porous media was found to be a strongly coupled process that depended on solution chemistr...

Pore-scale simulations to determine the applied hydrodynamic torque and colloid immobilization

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The importance of adhesive and diffusion forces on colloid retention is well established, and theory has been developed in the literature to predict these factors. Conversely, the role of hydrodynamic forces and torques on colloid retention has received considerably less attention. Recent research ...

Effect of Aperture Field Variability, Flow Rate, and Ionic Strength on Colloid Transport in Single Fractures: Laboratory-Scale Experiments and Numerical Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Q.; Dickson, S.; Guo, Y.

2007-12-01

A good understanding of the physico-chemical processes (i.e., advection, dispersion, attachment/detachment, straining, sedimentation etc.) governing colloid transport in fractured media is imperative in order to develop appropriate bioremediation and/or bioaugmentation strategies for contaminated fractured aquifers, form management plans for groundwater resources to prevent pathogen contamination, and identify suitable radioactive waste disposal sites. However, research in this field is still in its infancy due to the complex heterogeneous nature of fractured media and the resulting difficulty in characterizing this media. The goal of this research is to investigate the effects of aperture field variability, flow rate and ionic strength on colloid transport processes in well characterized single fractures. A combination of laboratory-scale experiments, numerical simulations, and imaging techniques were employed to achieve this goal. Transparent replicas were cast from natural rock fractures, and a light transmission technique was employed to measure their aperture fields directly. The surface properties of the synthetic fractures were characterized by measuring the zeta-potential under different ionic strengths. A 33 (3 increased to the power of 3) factorial experiment was implemented to investigate the influence of aperture field variability, flow rate, and ionic strength on different colloid transport processes in the laboratory-scale fractures, specifically dispersion and attachment/detachment. A fluorescent stain technique was employed to photograph the colloid transport processes, and an analytical solution to the one-dimensional transport equation was fit to the colloid breakthrough curves to calculate the average transport velocity, dispersion coefficient, and attachment/detachment coefficient. The Reynolds equation was solved to obtain the flow field in the measured aperture fields, and the random walk particle tracking technique was employed to model the colloid transport experiments. The images clearly show the development of preferential pathways for colloid transport in the different aperture fields and under different flow conditions. Additionally, a correlation between colloid deposition and fracture wall topography was identified. This presentation will demonstrate (1) differential transport between colloid and solute in single fractures, and the relationship between differential transport and aperture field statistics; (2) the relationship between the colloid dispersion coefficient and aperture field statistics; and (3) the relationship between attachment/detachment, aperture field statistics, fracture wall topography, flow rate, and ionic strength. In addition, this presentation will provide insight into the application of the random walk particle tracking technique for modeling colloid transport in variable-aperture fractures.

An Energy Analysis of the Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution in Support of Machinery Monitoring and Diagnostics

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

AD-A256 202 NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL Monterey, California THESIS - _ ’. AN ENERGY ANALYSIS OF THE PSEUDO WIGNER - VILLE DISTRIBUTION IN SUPPORT OF...NO 11 TITLE (Include Security Classification) AN ENERGY ANALYSIS OF THE PSEUDO WIGNER - VILLE DISTRIBUTION IN SUPPORT OF MACHINERY MONITORING AND...block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP machinery monitoring, transient, pseudo wigner - ville distribution , machinery diagnostics 19 ABSTRACT (Continue on

Inequalities for scalar curvature of pseudo-Riemannian submanifolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, Mukut Mani; Gülbahar, Mehmet; Kılıç, Erol; Keleş, Sadık

2017-02-01

Some basic inequalities, involving the scalar curvature and the mean curvature, for a pseudo-Riemannian submanifold of a pseudo-Riemannian manifold are obtained. We also find inequalities for spacelike submanifolds. Equality cases are also discussed.

The electrostatic interaction between interfacial colloidal particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurd, A. J.

1985-11-01

The electrostatic interaction between charged, colloidal particles trapped at an air-water interface is considered using linearised Poisson-Boltzmann results for point particles. In addition to the expected screened-Coulomb contribution, which decays exponentially, an algebraic dipole-dipole interaction occurs that may account for long-range interactions in interfacial colloidal systems.

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5: Aspheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chaikin, Paul M.; Hollingsworth, Andrew D.

2008-01-01

The Binary Colloidal Alloy Test - 5: Aspheres (BCAT-5-Aspheres) experiment photographs initially randomized colloidal samples (tiny nanoscale spheres suspended in liquid) in microgravity to determine their resulting structure over time. BCAT-5-Aspheres will study the properties of concentrated systems of small particles when they are identical, but not spherical in microgravity..

Using the Quirk-Schofield Diagram to Explain Environmental Colloid Dispersion Phenomena

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mays, David C.

2007-01-01

Colloid dispersion, through its role in soil science, hydrology, and contaminant transport, is a basic component of many natural resources and environmental education programs. However, comprehension of colloid dispersion phenomena is limited by the numerous variables involved. This article demonstrates how the Quirk-Schofield diagram can be used…

Colloid release and clogging in porous media: Effects of solution ionic strength and flow velocity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The release and retention of in-situ colloids in aquifers play an important role in the sustainable operation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) schemes. The processes of colloid release, retention, and associated permeability changes in consolidated aquifer sediments were studied by displacing nativ...

Langmuirian blocking of irreversible colloid retention: analytical solution, moments, and setback distance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soil and aquifer materials have a finite capacity for colloid 20 retention. Blocking of the limited number of available retention sites further decreases the rate of retention over time and enhances risks (e.g., pathogens or colloid associated contaminants) or benefits (e.g., remediation by microorg...

SEPARATION OF PLUTONIUM FROM FISSION PRODUCTS BY A COLLOID REMOVAL PROCESS

DOEpatents

Schubert, J.

1960-05-24

A method is given for separating plutonium from uranium fission products. An acidic aqueous solution containing plutonium and uranium fission products is subjected to a process for separating ionic values from colloidal matter suspended therein while the pH of the solution is maintained between 0 and 4. Certain of the fission products, and in particular, zirconium, niobium, lanthanum, and barium are in a colloidal state within this pH range, while plutonium remains in an ionic form, Dialysis, ultracontrifugation, and ultrafiltration are suitable methods of separating plutonium ions from the colloids.

Colloidal CdSe Quantum Rings.

PubMed

Fedin, Igor; Talapin, Dmitri V

2016-08-10

Semiconductor quantum rings are of great fundamental interest because their non-trivial topology creates novel physical properties. At the same time, toroidal topology is difficult to achieve for colloidal nanocrystals and epitaxially grown semiconductor nanostructures. In this work, we introduce the synthesis of luminescent colloidal CdSe nanorings and nanostructures with double and triple toroidal topology. The nanorings form during controlled etching and rearrangement of two-dimensional nanoplatelets. We discuss a possible mechanism of the transformation of nanoplatelets into nanorings and potential utility of colloidal nanorings for magneto-optical (e.g., Aharonov-Bohm effect) and other applications.

Hydrodynamic interactions in active colloidal crystal microrheology.

PubMed

Weeber, R; Harting, J

2012-11-01

In dense colloids it is commonly assumed that hydrodynamic interactions do not play a role. However, a found theoretical quantification is often missing. We present computer simulations that are motivated by experiments where a large colloidal particle is dragged through a colloidal crystal. To qualify the influence of long-ranged hydrodynamics, we model the setup by conventional Langevin dynamics simulations and by an improved scheme with limited hydrodynamic interactions. This scheme significantly improves our results and allows to show that hydrodynamics strongly impacts the development of defects, the crystal regeneration, as well as the jamming behavior.

Self-assembled three-dimensional chiral colloidal architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Zion, Matan Yah; He, Xiaojin; Maass, Corinna C.; Sha, Ruojie; Seeman, Nadrian C.; Chaikin, Paul M.

2017-11-01

Although stereochemistry has been a central focus of the molecular sciences since Pasteur, its province has previously been restricted to the nanometric scale. We have programmed the self-assembly of micron-sized colloidal clusters with structural information stemming from a nanometric arrangement. This was done by combining DNA nanotechnology with colloidal science. Using the functional flexibility of DNA origami in conjunction with the structural rigidity of colloidal particles, we demonstrate the parallel self-assembly of three-dimensional microconstructs, evincing highly specific geometry that includes control over position, dihedral angles, and cluster chirality.

BCAT (Binary Colloid Alloy Test) experiment documentation

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-02

ISS019-E-013241 (2 May 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Barratt, Expedition 19/20 flight engineer, prepares to photograph Binodal Colloidal Aggregation Test?4 (BCAT-4) experiment samples in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. This experiment studies the long-term behavior of colloids ? fine particles suspended in a fluid in a microgravity environment, where the effects of sedimentation and convention are removed. Results from this study may lead to new colloid materials with applications in the communications and computer industries for switches, displays and optical devices with properties that could rival those of lasers.

BCAT (Binary Colloid Alloy Test) experiment documentation

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-02

ISS019-E-013240 (2 May 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Barratt, Expedition 19/20 flight engineer, conducts a session with the Binodal Colloidal Aggregation Test?4 (BCAT-4) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. This experiment studies the long-term behavior of colloids ? fine particles suspended in a fluid in a microgravity environment, where the effects of sedimentation and convention are removed. Results from this study may lead to new colloid materials with applications in the communications and computer industries for switches, displays and optical devices with properties that could rival those of lasers.

Colloidal silver nanoparticles prepared by UV-light induced citrate reduction technique for the quantitative detection of uric acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maity, Anupam; Panda, Sovan Kumar

2018-04-01

Reddish-yellow color colloid consisting of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has been synthesized by reducing aqueous AgNO3 solution by photo-induced citrate reduction technique under UV light. As prepared colloid exhibits single and intense plasmonic absorption peak in the violet region of the visible spectra with the peak centered at 405 nm. The NPs are fine and spherical with diameter ranging from 5 to 10 nm. These colloidal NPs have been used for the quantitative detection of uric acid by UV-VIS spectroscopy. A linear red shifting of the characteristics Plasmonic absorption peak of Ag NPs is observed with uric acid concentration. Uric acid can be detected by UV-VIS spectroscopy down to 5 nM limit using the prepared colloid.

Monolayer Colloidal Crystals by Modified Air-Water Interface Self-Assembly Approach

PubMed Central

Ye, Xin; Huang, Jin; Zeng, Yong; Sun, Lai-Xi; Geng, Feng; Liu, Hong-Jie; Wang, Feng-Rui; Jiang, Xiao-Dong; Wu, Wei-Dong; Zheng, Wan-Guo

2017-01-01

Hexagonally ordered arrays of polystyrene (PS) microspheres were prepared by a modified air-water self-assembly method. A detailed analysis of the air-water interface self-assembly process was conducted. Several parameters affect the quality of the monolayer colloidal crystals, i.e., the colloidal microsphere concentration on the latex, the surfactant concentration, the polystyrene microsphere diameter, the microsphere polydispersity, and the degree of sphericity of polystyrene microspheres. An abrupt change in surface tension was used to improve the quality of the monolayer colloidal crystal. Three typical microstructures, i.e., a cone, a pillar, and a binary structure were prepared by reactive-ion etching using a high-quality colloidal crystal mask. This study provides insight into the production of microsphere templates with flexible structures for large-area patterned materials. PMID:28946664

Self-assembly of skyrmion-dressed chiral nematic colloids with tangential anchoring.

PubMed

Pandey, M B; Porenta, T; Brewer, J; Burkart, A; Copar, S; Zumer, S; Smalyukh, Ivan I

2014-06-01

We describe dipolar nematic colloids comprising mutually bound solid microspheres, three-dimensional skyrmions, and point defects in a molecular alignment field of chiral nematic liquid crystals. Nonlinear optical imaging and numerical modeling based on minimization of Landau-de Gennes free energy reveal that the particle-induced skyrmions resemble torons and hopfions, while matching surface boundary conditions at the interfaces of liquid crystal and colloidal spheres. Laser tweezers and videomicroscopy reveal that the skyrmion-colloidal hybrids exhibit purely repulsive elastic pair interactions in the case of parallel dipoles and an unexpected reversal of interaction forces from repulsive to attractive as the center-to-center distance decreases for antiparallel dipoles. The ensuing elastic self-assembly gives rise to colloidal chains of antiparallel dipoles with particles entangled by skyrmions.

N -Sm A -Sm C phase transitions probed by a pair of elastically bound colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M, Muhammed Rasi; Zuhail, K. P.; Roy, Arun; Dhara, Surajit

2018-03-01

The competing effect of surface anchoring of dispersed microparticles and elasticity of nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals has been shown to stabilize a variety of topological defects. Here we study a pair of colloidal microparticles with homeotropic and planar surface anchoring across N -Sm A -Sm C phase transitions. We show that below the Sm A -Sm C phase transition the temperature dependence of interparticle separation (D ) of colloids with homeotropic anchoring shows a power-law behavior; D ˜(1-T /TA C) α , with an exponent α ≈0.5 . For colloids with planar surface anchoring the angle between the joining line of the centers of the two colloids and the far field director shows characteristic variation elucidating the phase transitions.

Structure, thermodynamic properties, and phase diagrams of few colloids confined in a spherical pore.

PubMed

Paganini, Iván E; Pastorino, Claudio; Urrutia, Ignacio

2015-06-28

We study a system of few colloids confined in a small spherical cavity with event driven molecular dynamics simulations in the canonical ensemble. The colloidal particles interact through a short range square-well potential that takes into account the basic elements of attraction and excluded-volume repulsion of the interaction among colloids. We analyze the structural and thermodynamic properties of this few-body confined system in the framework of inhomogeneous fluids theory. Pair correlation function and density profile are used to determine the structure and the spatial characteristics of the system. Pressure on the walls, internal energy, and surface quantities such as surface tension and adsorption are also analyzed for a wide range of densities and temperatures. We have characterized systems from 2 to 6 confined particles, identifying distinctive qualitative behavior over the thermodynamic plane T - ρ, in a few-particle equivalent to phase diagrams of macroscopic systems. Applying the extended law of corresponding states, the square well interaction is mapped to the Asakura-Oosawa model for colloid-polymer mixtures. We link explicitly the temperature of the confined square-well fluid to the equivalent packing fraction of polymers in the Asakura-Oosawa model. Using this approach, we study the confined system of few colloids in a colloid-polymer mixture.

Antitumor activity of colloidal silver on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Franco-Molina, Moisés A; Mendoza-Gamboa, Edgar; Sierra-Rivera, Crystel A; Gómez-Flores, Ricardo A; Zapata-Benavides, Pablo; Castillo-Tello, Paloma; Alcocer-González, Juan Manuel; Miranda-Hernández, Diana F; Tamez-Guerra, Reyes S; Rodríguez-Padilla, Cristina

2010-11-16

Colloidal silver has been used as an antimicrobial and disinfectant agent. However, there is scarce information on its antitumor potential. The aim of this study was to determine if colloidal silver had cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and its mechanism of cell death. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with colloidal silver (ranged from 1.75 to 17.5 ng/mL) for 5 h at 37°C and 5% CO2 atmosphere. Cell Viability was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method and the mechanism of cell death through detection of mono-oligonucleosomes using an ELISA kit and TUNEL assay. The production of NO, LDH, and Gpx, SOD, CAT, and Total antioxidant activities were evaluated by colorimetric assays. Colloidal silver had dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in MCF-7 breast cancer cells through induction of apoptosis, shown an LD50 (3.5 ng/mL) and LD100 (14 ng/mL) (*P < 0.05), significantly decreased LDH (*P < 0.05) and significantly increased SOD (*P < 0.05) activities. However, the NO production, and Gpx, CAT, and Total antioxidant activities were not affected in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. PBMC were not altered by colloidal silver. The present results showed that colloidal silver might be a potential alternative agent for human breast cancer therapy.

Observation of motion of colloidal particles undergoing flowing Brownian motion using self-mixing laser velocimetry with a thin-slice solid-state laser.

PubMed

Sudo, S; Ohtomo, T; Otsuka, K

2015-08-01

We achieved a highly sensitive method for observing the motion of colloidal particles in a flowing suspension using a self-mixing laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) comprising a laser-diode-pumped thin-slice solid-state laser and a simple photodiode. We describe the measurement method and the optical system of the self-mixing LDV for real-time measurements of the motion of colloidal particles. For a condensed solution, when the light scattered from the particles is reinjected into the solid-state laser, the laser output is modulated in intensity by the reinjected laser light. Thus, we can capture the motion of colloidal particles from the spectrum of the modulated laser output. For a diluted solution, when the relaxation oscillation frequency coincides with the Doppler shift frequency, f_d, which is related to the average velocity of the particles, the spectrum reflecting the motion of the colloidal particles is enhanced by the resonant excitation of relaxation oscillations. Then, the spectral peak reflecting the motion of colloidal particles appears at 2×f_d. The spectrum reflecting the motion of colloidal particles in a flowing diluted solution can be measured with high sensitivity, owing to the enhancement of the spectrum by the thin-slice solid-state laser.

Colloid-facilitated transport of cesium in variably saturated Hanford sediments.

PubMed

Chen, Gang; Flury, Markus; Harsh, James B; Lichtner, Peter C

2005-05-15

Radioactive 137Cs has leaked from underground waste tanks into the vadose zone at the Hanford Reservation in south-central Washington State. There is concern that 137Cs, currently located in the vadose zone, can reach the groundwater. In this study, we investigated whether, and to what extent, colloidal particles can facilitate the transport of 137Cs at Hanford. We used colloidal materials isolated from Hanford sediments. Transport experiments were conducted under variably saturated, steady-state flow conditions in repacked, 20 cm long Hanford sediment columns, with effective water saturations ranging from 0.2 to 1.0. Cesium, pre-associated with colloids, was stripped off during transport through the sediments. The higher the flow rates, the less Cs was stripped off, indicating in part that Cs desorption from carrying colloids was a residence-time-dependent process. Depending on the flow rate, up to 70% of the initially sorbed Cs desorbed from colloidal carriers and was captured in the stationary sediments. Less Cs was stripped off colloids under unsaturated than under saturated flow conditions at similar flow rates. This phenomenon was likely due to the reduced availability of sorption sites for Cs on the sediments as the water content decreased and water flow was divided between mobile and immobile regions.

Simulation of the self-assembly of colloidal droplets in a micro-channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Zhouyang; Brandt, Luca

2016-11-01

In colloidal sciences, much progress has been made on the synthesis of complex building blocks mimicking molecular structures to elaborate innovative materials. The basic elements of such colloidal molecules are particles or droplets less than one millimeter in size. Their self-assembly relies on either lengthy brownian motion or careful microfludic designs, on top of typical colloidal interactions, e.g. depletion attraction. Regardless of the approach, however, questions remain why the colloids undergo certain path to organize themselves and how such process can be optimized. Here, we perform direct numerical simulations using a Navier-Stokes solver at low Reynolds number, combined with either the immersed boundary method (IBM) or a newly-proposed level set (LS) method for interface description. In the IBM simulations, the colloids are treated as rigid, spherical particles under a Lennard-Jones-like potential, reproducing attractive depletion force. Results show that, for four particles, a planar diamond is formed under a weak potential while a 3D tetrahedron is formed under a strong potential, which agree qualitatively with experiments. In the next step, LS simulation of colloidal droplets will be performed to investigate the roles of surface tension in the self-assembly. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant agreement No 664823.