A review of physical–biochemical clogging in granular filters for groundwater treatment Available to Purchase

Granular filters play critical role in controlling soil erosion, enhancing drainage efficiency, and improving water quality in groundwater treatment facilities. However, clogging of filters can significantly degrade their performance, leading to their increased maintenance and reduced lifespan. Despite various efforts, a thorough review of this phenomenon that considers the combination of biochemical and physical processes is still lacking. This paper hence focuses on understanding the interaction between multi-nature particulates, which follow inter-dependent clogging processes. In addition to physical clogging from soil particles retention in pores, geochemically precipitated masses alongside microbial growth in certain environments can further jeopardise filter efficiency. Some bacteria act as biocatalyst, thereby enhancing formation of chemical precipitates and occupying pore volume. In this context, the relevant studies including the fundamental assumptions and conceptualisation of clogging are annotated. The factors influencing clogging such as particle morphology, fluid velocity, and environmental conditions are highlighted. Experimental and modelling approaches, including laboratory column tests and numerical simulations, are reviewed to assess clogging. Despite extensive research, challenges persist in developing generalised models to predict clogging by integrating physicochemical and biological factors. This underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and further advanced studies to enhance model reliability and real-world applicability.