Gas Nanobubbles for Contaminated Groundwater Remediation
Groundwater is widely utilized around the world for consumption, irrigation, and industrial purposes. To ensure its safety, groundwater must be disinfected to eliminate harmful microorganisms and prevent downstream contamination. Advanced treatment processes are also necessary to remove any present chemicals and mitigate associated health risks.
NANO+ offers a superior alternative to traditional, chemical-based treatments by leveraging Nanobubble Technology. This innovative approach effectively treats groundwater without the use of harmful chemicals.
Common gases used in nanobubbles for groundwater restoration include oxygen, ozone, and hydrogen. These nanobubbles are typically less than 200 nanometers in diameter and possess unique properties that make them highly effective for various water treatment applications, including groundwater remediation.The solutions developed by the company enable the integration of nanobubble technologies both in purification processes in the underground layer (In-Situ) and after pumping water from the aquifer (Ex-situ).
The Process of Groundwater Restoration
- Oxidation
Nanobubbles can be filled with gases like oxygen or ozone. When these gases are released from the bubbles, they generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which oxidize and break down organic pollutants. Additionally, free radicals form on the surface of the nanobubbles, reacting with and further degrading the pollutants.
- Physical interaction
The high surface area and charge of Nanobubbles enable them to adhere to contaminants, significantly enhancing the efficiency of contaminant removal.
- Promoting biological activity
Nanobubbles can enhance the activity of aerobic microorganisms by supplying a steady flow of oxygen, thereby promoting aerobic biological processes.
- Facilitating anaerobic activity
Nanobubbles can enhance the activity of anaerobic microorganisms by supplying a steady flow of hydrogen, thereby supporting anaerobic biological processes.
Applications
- Decomposition of pollutants
Nanobubbles effectively break down various organic pollutants, including hydrocarbons, pesticides, and chlorinated solvents.
- Removal of heavy metals
Nanobubbles can facilitate the removal of heavy metals by enhancing sedimentation and adsorption processes, often in conjunction with systems like Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF).
- Improving biological processes
By providing oxygen or hydrogen, nanobubbles can enhance the efficiency of pollutant decomposition by bacteria under aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
Advantages
Nanobubbles are natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly: Utilizing non-toxic gases naturally present in the environment, nanobubbles offer a safe and eco-friendly solution.
Cost efficiency: Nanobubbles can reduce the need for chemical additives and lower operating expenses.
Efficiency: Nanobubbles improve the effectiveness of existing restoration processes, often resulting in quicker and more thorough restoration.
Dense soils: The nanometer size and negative charge of nanobubbles enable them to penetrate areas that are challenging for other materials to reach.
Integration with other techniques: Nanobubbles can be combined with other additives like hydrogen peroxide and persulfate. Using persulfate nanobubbles eliminates the need for separate activation, as the nanobubbles themselves activate the persulfate.
Nanobubbles offer a promising technology for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of groundwater restoration efforts in a natural and resource-saving manner, often without the need for additional materials.
