Forces Governing the Transport of Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli in Nitrogen and Magnesium Doped Biochar Amended Sand Columns

Background: Access to safe drinking water remains a global issue with fecal indicator bacteria being major pollutants. Biochars offer low-cost adsorbents for bacterial pathogens. A fundamental understanding of how biochars interact pathogens is essential designing effective biofilters. Methods: Water-saturated sand columns amended Magnesium and Nitrogen-doped produced by pyrolysis at 400, 500, 600, 700 °C were used Quantify the transport pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 nonpathogenic E. k12 strains in porous media. Measured data modeled using DLVO theory colloidal stability. explored. Results: (1) Biochar hydrophobic while are hydrophilic; (2) all Gibbs free energy values quantified between biochar negative except °C; (3) types forces investigated (van der Waals, electrostatic, acid-base interactions) played role governing interactions biochar. Conclusions: Adding doped 2% weight ratio enhanced retention cells sand/biochar columns; strain-dependent mediated various resulting from functional groups displayed on biochar/sand. Our findings emphasize importance monitoring biochar’s functionality eliminate pollutants contaminated water.