Efforts to keep dams clean continuously evolve. Implementing water and wastewater treatment methods addresses these challenges, with some proving more effective than others, including nanobubbles.
Nanobubbles are ultra-fine bubbles invisible to the naked eye yet show exciting strengths in purifying microorganisms, oxidising harmful substances and bringing contaminants to the surface using flotation.
Learn more about the innovative wonder of these tiny bubbles and how they hold the key to a sustainable solution to poor water quality in dams, reservoirs, lakes and more.
What Are Nanobubbles?
Nanobubbles are very tiny gas bubbles, no bigger than 120 nanometers in size—about the same as a red blood cell. They are the smallest bubbles known to science, but despite their size, they have revolutionary potential in water treatment processes.
A nanobubble generator dissolves gases such as oxygen or ozone into water under high pressure. The dissolved oxygen is passed through a nozzle where the pressure is dropped suddenly, forming a bubble with a perfect balance of external and internal pressure.
Unlike larger bubbles that quickly rise to the surface and burst, nanobubbles remain suspended in water for weeks or even months. When they shoot out of the nozzle, their nanoscopic bubble size makes their movements random. Their negative surface charge also contributes to their longevity, preventing them from merging with other bubbles and allowing them to attract organic matter, which has a positive surface charge.
By remaining suspended, nanobubbles can reach deeper layers of water, supplying areas often oxygen-deficient. When they burst, they release oxygen, helping to maintain the aquatic environment, control algae and assist in purification.
How Does Nanobubble Technology Work?
Nanobubbles introduce oxygen into water, significantly improving its quality for long periods as they circulate.
Nanobubbles are special because their up to 85% oxygen transfer rate far exceeds traditional aeration systems. This means they can inject more dissolved oxygen into the water than other methods, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and breaking down pollutants and organic matter–aerobic degradation.
Nanobubbles are a sustainable solution in water quality treatment processes as they release reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon contact, breaking down algae and bacteria without needing harmful additives.
How Are Nanobubbles Used?
In just 20 years, nanobubble technology has developed into a fundamental resource for various industries as a chemical-free solution to diverse challenges.
- Water Treatment: Nanobubbles are great at improving water quality in reservoirs and dams by oxygenating deep water layers and breaking down pollutants.
- Wastewater Treatment: Oils and organic waste are removed by nanobubbles in industrial wastewater treatment applications. They also improve overall treatment efficiency and save energy.
- Aquaculture: In fish farming, nanobubbles maintain optimal water conditions by increasing dissolved oxygen levels and controlling harmful bacteria. This leads to healthier fish and reduces the need for chemicals.
- Agriculture: Nanobubbles enhance irrigation water, improving plant growth and nutrient absorption. The increased oxygen levels encourage root development and prevent diseases.
The non-toxic, energy-efficient properties of nanobubbles make them incredibly versatile for a broad spectrum of environmental sustainability efforts. The new technology shows no signs of obsoletion as it continues to make waves in other industries, including mining and water recycling.
How Can Nanobubbles Improve Water Quality in Dams?
It’s evident that nanobubbles are an essential tool in water purification, but how are they beneficial to dams in particular?
Improves Water Quality
First and foremost, nanobubbles improve the overall clarity of dam water. Murky dam water is unattractive but, more importantly, a hazard to aquatic and human health if used for tap water, etc. With their special flotation ability, nanobubbles bring pollutants to the surface and out of the water when collected.
Increases Oxygen Levels
As we know, dams are typically very deep, and this depth often leads to low oxygen levels at the bottom layers. This lack of oxygen causes several issues, such as poor water quality and nutrient release from sediments. Along with algal blooms, harmful toxins are produced, putting aerobic bacteria at risk. Nanobubbles release a lot of oxygen on contact, even in the deepest, darkest areas.
Breaks Down Algae
Algae causes many problems for dams. If there’s too much, it depletes oxygen levels and throws off the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems. When algae die, they release harmful toxins that make the water smell and taste unpleasant. Nanobubbles destroy this algae as well as the bacteria it produces.
Prevents Algal Blooms
It’s better to prevent than treat. Due to low oxygen levels, dams often suffer from sediments at the bottom. These produce nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which fuel the growth of algae all over the bottom layers. The algae pumps out harmful toxins that can contribute to illness and even death if consumed. To prevent this, nanobubble aeration treats these areas and makes the environment unsuitable for algal blooms.
The Bottom Line
Overall, nanobubbles have unique properties including remarkable stability and a mass transfer of oxygen better than any other aeration treatment process. Dams with a deep water column have poor aerobic conditions for beneficial bacteria. Instead, algal blooms occur and water clarity plummets, leaving dams in poor condition and unable to properly serve its purpose without causing illness or doing little to improve agricultural yields.
Environmental engineering has many sustainable solutions and scalable gas transfer methods, but little compares to the effectiveness of nanobubbles. Their energy consumption is low, and they can deliver gas to every corner of your waterbody, regardless of the surface area.
Are you concerned about the oxygen levels in your dam? Contact us today for more information on dam water treatment.