Transport of nanoparticles in porous media and associated environmental impact: A review.

Abstract

The release of nanoparticles into the environment occurs at different stages during their life cycle, with significant harmful effects on the human (e.g., lung inflammation and heart problems) and the ecosystem (e.g., soil and groundwater contamination). While colloids (particles >1 micrometre) behaviour in porous media is influenced by filtration, nanoparticles (<100 nanometres) behaviour is driven by Brownian motion and quantum effects. Recognising these disparities is essential for applications like groundwater remediation and drug delivery, enabling precise strategies based on the differing transport dynamics of colloids and nanoparticles. The extent of the impact of nanoparticle release on the environment is strongly influenced by their type, size, concentration, and interaction with porous media. The main factor preventing the use of nanoparticles for environmental remediation and other related processes is the toxicity arising from their uncontrolled distribution beyond the application points. Finding a suitable dosing strategy for applying nanoparticles in porous media, necessary for the correct placement and deposition in target zones, is one of the significant challenges researchers and engineers face in advancing the use of nanoparticles for subsurface application. Thus, further studies are necessary to create a model-based strategy to prevent nanoparticle dispersion in a porous media. In general, this review explores the transport of nanoparticles in porous media concerning its application for environmental remediation. The aim of this study is captured under the following:

• a)

  Identifying the properties of nanoparticles and porous media to develop an innovative remediation approach to reclaim contaminated aquifers effectively.

• b)

  Identify critical parameters for modelling an effective strategy for nanoparticle-controlled deposition in porous media. This would require a general understanding of the onset and mapping of the different nanoparticle depositional mechanisms in porous media.

• c)

  Identify existing or closely related studies using model-based strategies for controlling particulate transport and dispersion in porous media, focusing on their shortcomings.