Investigation of Nanobubble Technology for the Removal of MIB and Geosmin from Drinking Water

Nanobubbles (NBs) are stable spherical packages of gas within liquid and are fewer than 1,000 nm in diameter; typically, the average size is around 100 nm. Various characteristics of NBs (e.g., improving mass transfer in the gas–liquid interface, forming reactive oxygen species with high oxidative potential, etc.) indicate the potential of NBs to address a variety of water treatment challenges. The primary objective of this project was to examine NB technologies for the removal of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin from water, and for the control of membrane fouling during drinking water treatment. Experiments were also conducted to assess NB technology for color removal and control of disinfection byproducts. Results were used to develop strategies and recommendations for employing NBs in water treatment and to assess capital and operations and maintenance costs. Research partners: Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, Charleston Water System, Greenville Water, and SJWD Water District. Published in 2023.

Three articles focused on this research have been published: 

• Characteristics and Stability of Ozone Nanobubbles in Freshwater Conditions
• Removal Mechanisms of Geosmin and MIB by Oxygen Nanobubbles during Water Treatment
• Stability of Oxygen Nanobubbles under Freshwater Conditions