About the project
Nanobubbles, characterised by their unique features, present a compelling opportunity to improve biological treatment process performance and efficiency. This project will investigate the application of nanobubbles in biological waste treatment and their potential for retrofitting existing systems.
Biological processes have long underpinned wastewater treatment and waste management due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. However, with increasing pressures to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the water and waste sectors, and the constraints on physical space versus growth in treatment demand, there is an urgent need to enhance the efficiency and resilience of these processes.
Nanobubbles, characterised by their high gas transfer efficiency, prolonged bubble retention time, flexibility of application with multiple gas reactants, elevated zeta potential, and capacity to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), present a compelling opportunity to improve biological treatment process performance and efficiency without reliance on chemical additives.
This project will investigate the role of nanobubbles in modulating the physico-chemical environment of waste streams, their subsequent effects on microbial activity and dynamics, and substrate biodegradation, and evaluate the potential for retrofitting existing systems for enhanced efficiency.
Particular attention will be given to how nanobubbles influence microbial metabolism, microbial community structure, and pollutant removal efficiency in biological treatment processes.
The study will be conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner specialising in nanobubble generation, ensuring alignment with real-world operational challenges and technological integration.
This research will provide a scientific basis for optimizing biological treatment processes with nanobubble technology.
The outcomes will contribute to the development of low-carbon, high-efficiency waste treatment strategies, bridging the gap between emerging nanobubble applications and industrial-scale implementation, as well as strategies to enhance the efficiency of existing infrastructure at minimal environmental and capital cost.
