Processes of colloid mobilization and transport in macroporous soil monoliths

Abstract

Transport of pesticides, PAH and other hydrophobic or surface-complexing contaminants in soils may be enhanced by colloid-facilitated transport. A prerequisite for colloid-facilitated transport is the release and transport of colloids. The mechanisms for colloid mobilization and transport in a macroporous Alfisol have been evaluated by measuring the amount and type of colloids leached in two large soil monoliths during long duration simulated rain events. The soil was irrigated with water having a chemical composition close to natural rainwater and at intensities as expected under natural conditions. The results showed that the colloids were primarily mobilized and transported in the macropores and that the source of colloids was not exhausted for extended rainfall duration. The first flush of water mobilized loosely bound colloids that had a high organic content relative to the bulk soil. After the initial release, the high ionic strength in the percolating water limited the mobilization. For prolonged leaching, the diffusion of colloids from the macropore walls appeared to rate-limit the mobilization process. During the late leaching phase, the rate of colloid mobilization was positively correlated with flow velocity.