Harnessing Nanobubbles for Accelerated Aerobic Bacteria Growth and Water Quality Improvement
Eutrophication, caused by excessive nutrients in water, leads to harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten aquatic ecosystems by reducing water clarity, depleting oxygen, and producing toxins. The frequency of HABs is increasing globally, exacerbated by climate change.
Nanobubble technology offers a revolutionary solution for water quality improvement. These ultrafine bubbles, smaller than 1000 nm, are non-buoyant, negatively charged, and long-lasting. They enhance dissolved oxygen levels and improve mass transport in water, making them effective for water treatment and algae control.
Our research explores nanobubble formation and applications, particularly in water restoration. During this project, we wish to understand nanobubble generation and properties, compare nanobubbles with current lake restoration methods and evaluate their effectiveness in combating eutrophication and HABs.
pH-Responsive Polyacrylic Acid -Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)Anti-Fouling Coatings for Reverse Osmosis Desalination Systems
This research focuses on innovative anti-fouling coatings for reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems. Our team has focused on creating coatings using Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) (PVA), which are specifically designed to combat various types of fouling that can occur in RO systems. These fouling types include colloidal, organic, and inorganic fouling, which often result in decreased membrane efficiency, increased energy consumption, and higher operational costs.
Our PAA-PVA coatings are pH-responsive, allowing them to adapt to different environmental conditions, which is particularly beneficial for both continuous and intermittent operational modes. This adaptability not only helps in maintaining membrane performance but also extends the life of the RO systems.
This project has a strong emphasis on practical applications in regions with limited data availability, such as remote communities in Laos. By integrating machine learning techniques, we aim to enhance groundwater mapping and resource management, providing vital tools for sustainable water treatment solutions.
