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Nanobubble-enabled foam fractionation to remove freshwater microalgae and microcystin
Wen Zhang1, Yihan Zhang2, Lili Li3
1John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark, NJ, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Nanobubble-enhanced foam fractionation effectively removes harmful algal blooms and microcystins from water. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant improved removal, while salinity impacted performance, offering insights for water treatment systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Nanotechnology Applications
Background:
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and associated toxins pose significant water quality challenges.
- Effective removal of microalgae and micropollutants is crucial for water safety and ecosystem health.
- Nanobubble technology offers a novel approach for water purification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nanobubble-enhanced foam fractionation for removing Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystins.
- To investigate the effects of different surfactants (CTAB, SDS, chitosan) on foamability and removal efficiency.
- To assess the influence of salinity and complex water matrices on the process.
Main Methods:
- Foam fractionation utilizing air nanobubbles and surfactants (CTAB, SDS, chitosan).
- Testing varying concentrations of CTAB and salinity levels (10-100 mM).
- Analysis of Microcystis aeruginosa and microcystin congeners (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR) removal efficiencies.
Main Results:
- CTAB demonstrated superior foamability and improved algal removal (up to 69.0%).
- Increased salinity significantly reduced the concentration factor, impairing separation efficiency.
- Microcystin removal was affected by algal presence and surfactant type; MC-LR showed highest removal (77.4%).
- Real lake water tests indicated matrix effects, particularly at lower surfactant doses.
Conclusions:
- Nanobubble-enhanced foam fractionation is a promising method for mitigating HABs and microcystins.
- Surfactant choice (CTAB) and salinity are critical parameters influencing process effectiveness.
- The technology shows potential for integration into water treatment systems, despite matrix complexities.
