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; though 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 is 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 will also be conducted to assess NB technology for color removal and control of disinfection byproducts. The results will be used to develop strategies and recommendations for employing NBs in water treatment and to make an assessment of the 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.