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Velocity Fields around Single and Interacting Particles Sinking in Mucus-rich Water

Prabha Materials Science Letters 2025

Summary

This study used PIV measurements combined with shear and extensional rheology to characterize non-Newtonian flow effects of mucus-rich water including extended flow patterns, negative wake formation, and aggregation of solid spheres in test solutions. The methodology was designed to enable future analogue experiments modeling the sinking dynamics of microplastic pollutants and mineral grains in algal bloom-affected or wastewater treatment environments where elevated exopolymers create mucus-rich conditions.

Study Type Environmental

Exopolymers dispersed in water create mucus-rich environments that can modify sedimentation dynamics when secreted in excess by microorganisms.Here we use PIV measurements combined with shear and extensional rheology to demonstrate non-Newtonian effects of mucus-rich water including extended flow, negative wake, and aggregation of solid spheres in test solutions.The methodology designed in this study allows the future development of analogue experiments to model the sinking dynamics of microplastic pollutants and mineral grains and organic aggregates in algal bloom-afflicted regions or wastewater treatment plants.

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