Aquatic colloids: Definition and relevance - A review

Thilo Hofmann, Thomas Baumann, Tobias Bundschuh, Frank von der Krammer, Andrew P. Leis, Daniel Schmitt, Thorsten Schäfer, Jürgen Thieme, Kai Uwe Totsche, Harald Zänker (Corresponding author)

    Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

    Abstract

    Colloids are abundant in all natural aquatic environments. The size of colloids ranges between 1 and 1,000 nm, at least in one dimension. They can consist of inorganic material (e. g. clay, carbonates, silicates), organic material (e. g. soot or high-molecular-mass organic carbon), and "bio-colloids" (e. g. bacteria, viruses, spores, algae). Colloids may influence the transport and fate of contaminants, especially trace elements and hydrophobic organic substances. They may also cause a pore space reduction. In particular, drinking water quality can be adversely affected by the transport and relocation of "bio-colloids"; however, the behaviour of colloids is not fully understood. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the physical properties of colloids, their occurrence in natural aquatic systems, and their relevance.
    Translated title of the contributionAquatische Kolloide I: Eine Übersichsarbeit zur Definition, zu Systemen und zur Relevanz
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)203-213
    Number of pages11
    JournalGrundwasser
    Volume8
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2003

    Austrian Fields of Science 2012

    • 105904 Environmental research

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