The Use of Electrochemical Cells to Generate Nanobubbles As Innovative Agents for Alleviating Eutrophication in Aquatic Environments
Authors: Couto Danillo , F.L. Liang Robert , Freire-Gormaly Marina 
Published: August 2024

Eutrophication, characterized by the excessive accumulation of nutrients, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, in aquatic environments, represents a growing concern in contemporary environmental science. Specifically, eutrophication is intricately associated with the proliferation of algae, giving rise to the development of dense populations known as algal blooms. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), primarily composed of cyanobacteria and green algae, pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems by diminishing water clarity, depleting oxygen levels, and, in certain instances, generating detrimental toxins. The global incidence of HABs is increasing, and their frequency is anticipated to further rise due to the impacts of climate change.

Conventional methods of water management often encounter significant challenges in effectively addressing and mitigating occurrences of algae blooms. HAB present a multifaceted challenge, influenced by nutrient pollution, climate factors, and diverse algal species. The intricate interactions among these elements contribute to the complexity of the issue. Additionally, the varying responses of algae to environmental conditions and the potential toxicity of certain species further complicate mitigation efforts. To address this challenge effectively, a nuanced understanding of these interconnected factors is essential. Implementing targeted strategies for sustainable water management is crucial for mitigating the impact of algae blooms on aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Nanobubble technology represents a revolutionary approach to gas exchange, generating ultrafine bubbles with distinctive properties. These bubbles, with diameters smaller than 1000 nm, are non-buoyant, negatively charged, and exhibit remarkable longevity. These attributes allow them to spontaneously form at the interface between solid surfaces and aqueous solutions. Moreover, their small size enhances mass transport at the electrode-electrolyte interface, impacting reaction rates and catalytic activity. These electrochemical properties position nanobubbles as promising candidates for applications in electrosynthesis, energy storage, and water treatment, with ongoing research aiming to further understand their intricate interplay in diverse electrochemical processes. Nanobubbles play a pivotal role in improving water quality by reducing surface tension, preventing the escape of gas molecules into the atmosphere. This action effectively enhances the concentration of dissolved oxygen in bodies of water. By mitigating the adverse effects of HABs, nanobubbles emerge as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize water management strategies.

Our research entails a thorough investigation into the formation mechanisms and diverse applications of nanobubbles. The work presented here specialized focuses on nanobubble generation using electrochemical cells. We aim to present how nanobubbles are generated using customized and portable electrochemical cells and the unique properties of these generated nanobubbles. Preliminary results will also be presented to compare the nanobubbles generated using electrochemical cells to the nanobubbles generated using conventional approaches currently employed in the industry. By delving into the details of nanobubble formation, we seek to understand their effectiveness at addressing the challenges associated with eutrophication and HABs in aquatic environments. This comparative analysis will shed light on the advantages and limitations of generating nanobubbles using electrochemical cells in the context of restoration of bodies of water, offering valuable insights for future applications and guiding decisions in environmental management practices.