Transport of black carbon in the presence of perchlorate in aquatic environment: A perspective of cogenerated species in the gangetic plain of India

Both perchlorate and black carbon (BC) are known for their common source of origin (i.e. burning processes, especially fireworks display), yet to our knowledge no study has focused on the effect of perchlorate (ClO4-) on the mobility of black carbon. The present study focuses on the effect of presence of perchlorate at a concentration ranging from 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 ​mg/L on the mobility and aggregation of black carbon (soot) particles in a porous medium. The hydrodynamic diameter of soot particles increased with increasing perchlorate concentration, and gradually decreased due to self-decay of perchlorate. The results are in accordance with coagulation theory, which suggest that above critical ionic strength, aggregation is independent of electrolyte concentration. Column-based microscopic transport studies simulating the mobility of soot particles in the presence of metals and perchlorate with varying environmental parameters will be helpful in development of the fate and transport models. Further, more precise observation with changing perchlorate concentrations is possible using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D). [Display omitted] •A study of the effect of perchlorate on the mobility and aggregation of black carbon.•Hydrodynamic diameter of soot increased with increasing perchlorate concentration.•Aggregation was found independent of electrolyte concentration above critical limit.•Oxidation of BC due to perchlorate leads to immediate decrease in its transport distance.•Study is pivotal considering the vulnerability due to crop residue burning and forest fires.