Exploring use of ozone nanobubbles for removal of cyanobacteria and co-occurring antimicrobial resistance genes in water supply and reuse systems

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms present persistent risks to both drinking water security and wastewater reuse, driving the need for advanced treatment strategies. Treatment barrier(s) need to be capable of simultaneously controlling cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and co-occurring contaminants like bloom-associated antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) particularly in the case of recycling treated wastewater. Ozone nanobubble technology has emerged as a promising innovation, offering extended oxidative stability and enhanced interfacial reactivity compared to conventional ozonation. Hence this research objectives were to (a) assess the removal performance of ozone nanobubbles in eliminating cyanobacteria and their co-occurring contaminants in comparison to conventional ozone systems, and (b) investigate the repeatability of the results in varying background water qualities, ozone decay and the potential for by-products formation

Ozonation using nanobubbles enhanced oxidation performance by 19%-34% in the drinking water reservoir compared to conventional ozonation while keeping the ozone concentration below 2mg/l. Lower oxidation efficiencies were observed in treated wastewater compared to drinking water sources, reflecting the higher content of organic matter and suspended solids, and oxidant demand characteristic of recycled water systems. Despite these challenges, ozone nanobubbles consistently outperformed conventional ozonation in reducing both cyanobacterial biomass and cell viability, underscoring their potential as an advanced “polishing” step for algal management in wastewater reuse applications.

By exploring fate of ARGs alongside cyanobacteria and toxin removal, this work extends beyond traditional ozonation trials. It provides valuable field-based evidence that bridges the divide between laboratory efficacy and full-scale operational performance. Future studies should build on this by exploring combined or sequential treatment barriers that enhance DNA degradation, thereby addressing both cellular and genetic risks in water supply and reuse systems.

Observing the action of nanobubbles under dynamic, real-world water quality conditions is currently challenging; however, this study’s novel field trials demonstrate potential nanobubble applications and provide valuable insights to guide future investigations. The results reinforce the broader applicability of ozone nanobubble technology for multi-target contaminant control in water reservoirs.