Prediction of microbial transport distances are usually based on the sticking efficiency, a parameter in the classical colloid filtration theory. This parameter represents the interaction between colloid and collector surfaces resulting in deposition. According to the theory, the sticking efficiency is invariable when physico-chemical characteristics of aquifer media are homogeneous. However, many research results have indicated variations within bacterial strains.

In this research, the transport of Escherichia Coli in saturated quartz columns were conducted in the laboratory. The objectives were to characterise the distribution of sticking efficiency, measure low sticking efficiency values of cells, and to develop a methodology to measure minimum values of sticking efficiencies within bacterial sub-populations. Also, the work assesses the contribution of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Escherichia coli on their attachment to quartz grains.