Nanobubbles for Mitigating Membrane Fouling - A Novel Approach to Anti-fouling and De-fouling

This research investigates the effectiveness of nanobubbles (NBs) in mitigating membrane fouling and improving cleaning efficiency in low-pressure membrane filtration systems, specifically microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF). The study will evaluate the mechanisms of NBs in fouling prevention and removal, considering different membrane materials, gas types, and water chemistry conditions. A series of controlled experiments will compare NB-based defouling with conventional chemical cleaning methods. Additionally, a techno-economic assessment will determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of NB technology, potentially leading to pilot-scale testing in real-world water treatment applications. The anticipated outcomes include a deeper understanding of NB-membrane interactions, enhanced fouling control strategies, and data to support the commercial viability of NBs for membrane cleaning. These findings could significantly improve membrane filtration performance, reduce maintenance costs, and promote sustainable water treatment solutions.