Nanoparticle transport in porous media

Nanoparticle dispersion in soil is a concerning source of soil and water contamination. The transport of nanoparticles in porous media is determined by the balance of advective, diffusive and electrostatic forces. We investigate the two-way coupling between retention of nanoparticles and pore-level flow distribution experimentally. We show that retention of nanoparticles results in development of no flow zones and diversion of flow into new direction. This results in enhanced distribution of nanoparticles across the medium.