On June 24, 2024, Dr. Wong’s team at the University of Utah deeply researched the diverse impacts nanobubbles can bring to the world. Nanobubbles are essentially water bubbles that are extremely small (invisible to the human eye)!
In terms of the environment, nanobubbles can bring revolutionary solutions to modern day problems. First, ozone nanobubbles are able to break down PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are artificial chemicals used in everyday consumer packaging and products, such as: cookware, plastic containers, and even groundwater. However, they can pose dangerous effects such as, increasing the risk for thyroid cancer and liver damage. As the use of PFAS increases, not only humans,wildlife, and flora have become weaker in terms of immunity and strength. However, ozone nanobubbles have the ability to break down PFAS.
Carbon dioxide nanobubbles found in the atmosphere can also be converted into solid rock minerals, making carbon sequestration so much easier and faster. This process can help eliminate greenhouse gasses as much as possible.
My Take:
It’s incredible and mind blowing to know that a bubble invisible to me, can help change lives. With the solution of ozone nanobubbles, everyday people in rural, isolated areas across the globe can access clean, now uncontaminated water, making access to resources so much more easier. Additionally, with nanobubbles contributing to the reduction in greenhouse gasses, it makes me realize how even the smallest thing (literally!) can change the health of a body as big as planet Earth and someone as normal as me. Everything, no matter how big or small, all plays an important part in how we live, and to have tools such as nanobubbles to improve conditions, engineers and scientists can provide an incredible part of the solution towards the fight against climate change.
