In the quest for innovative solutions to environmental challenges, a groundbreaking study published in *Frontiers in Environmental Science* (translated from Chinese as “Frontiers in Environmental Science”) has shed light on the remarkable potential of micro-nano-bubbles (MNBs) in environmental remediation. Led by Qin Chen, this research delves into the unique properties of MNBs, offering promising avenues for water and soil pollution control, particularly in industrial and energy sectors.
MNBs, with their high surface potential, long stability, and free radical generation capacity, are proving to be a game-changer in environmental remediation. The study, based on an analysis of 508 related papers, reveals that MNB technology has demonstrated significant effects in treating industrial wastewater, surface water, and groundwater, as well as in soil remediation. For instance, ozone MNBs have been shown to increase the removal rate of plastic pollutants in industrial wastewater to an impressive 94.18%, and enhance the degradation efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through interfacial reactions.
“MNB technology is not just a passing trend; it’s a robust solution that’s here to stay,” says Qin Chen, the lead author of the study. The research highlights the synergistic effects of MNBs with surfactants in soil remediation, improving the removal efficiency of petroleum pollutants. Moreover, the coupling of MNBs with advanced oxidation technologies like Fenton, plasma, and photocatalysis has become a mainstream direction, significantly enhancing pollutant degradation efficiency.
The study also underscores the contributions of Chinese scholars, with the team led by Hu Liming from Tsinghua University achieving notable results in groundwater remediation using ozone MNBs. However, it notes that international cooperation networks need strengthening. In terms of institutional collaboration, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) leads in both the volume of publications and academic influence, with research covering multiple application areas such as semiconductor cleaning and membrane treatment.
Keyword co-occurrence analysis divides the research topics into three major categories: degradation mechanisms, ozone MNB technology, and multi-technology coupling applications. Among these, “free radicals,” “mass transfer,” and “photocatalysis” are identified as core keywords.
While MNB technology has made significant strides, the study points out that challenges remain. The long-term stability of MNBs in complex environments, large-scale application costs, and the need for cross-disciplinary collaborative mechanisms are areas that require further exploration.
This research not only highlights the current state of MNB technology but also offers a glimpse into its future potential. As Qin Chen notes, “The possibilities are vast, and the potential for MNBs in environmental remediation is just beginning to be tapped.” For the energy sector, this could mean more efficient and cost-effective solutions for pollution control, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
In conclusion, the study published in *Frontiers in Environmental Science* provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress of MNBs in environmental remediation. It offers valuable insights into the current trends and future directions of this promising technology, paving the way for further advancements in the field.