Groundwater colloid properties: a global approach

This study presents and discusses groundwater colloid results from various geological formations ranging from crystalline to sedimentary, from organic rich to organic poor systems and from subsurface to very deep aquifers. Colloid presence and their potential mobility are justified on the basis of colloid stability properties in the investigated groundwaters. The colloid concentration is a function of pH, redox potential, concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg and organic carbon, as well as the status of the chemical and physical steady state of the hydrogeochemical system. The colloid properties are discussed with a non-site specific approach.