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Letter ZGeology glossary

Zeta Potential

Zeta potential is a measure of the electrostatic potential at the interface between a solid particle and a surrounding liquid, commonly used to characterize the stability of colloidal suspensions. Zeta potential is significant in sedimentology, soil science, and environmental chemistry for understanding the behavior of fine particles, the aggregation of sediments, and the transport of contaminants in natural waters.

Zeta potential diagram showing charged particle layers
Fig. 1 Zeta potential diagram showing charged particle layers

Source Hunter, R. J. (1981). “Zeta Potential in Colloid Science: Principles and Applications.” Academic Press.

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