Nanobubbles for Legionella Control

Nanobubbles are extremely small gas bubbles (less than 200 nanometers in diameter) that have unique physical and chemical properties, making them an effective tool for combating Legionella, reducing the chances of Legionnaires’ disease. As a truly independent Legionella consultant with engineering expertise, Legionella Control Systems can offer a wide variety of solutions for waterborne pathogen control. Here is how nanobubbles work to control Legionella:

Nanobubbles Enhance Oxidation

• Nanobubbles are often infused with oxygen or ozone, which are potent oxidants.
• When these bubbles collapse or burst, they generate hydroxyl radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• These radicals attack and destroy Legionella bacteria by:
  • Oxidizing their cell membranes.
  • Disrupting vital cellular functions, leading to bacterial death.

Surface Cleaning and Biofilm Disruption

• Legionella often thrives within biofilms, which are slimy layers of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces in water systems.
• Nanobubbles reduce surface tension, allowing them to penetrate and break up these biofilms.
• The gas-infused bubbles can also inhibit the regrowth of biofilms by continuously delivering reactive oxygen to the area.

Enhanced Mixing and Coverage

• Nanobubbles are neutrally buoyant, meaning they remain suspended in water rather than rising to the surface.
• This allows for uniform distribution of gas (e.g., ozone or oxygen) throughout water systems, ensuring even treatment of pipes, tanks, and reservoirs.
• This wide coverage helps eliminate Legionella colonies in hard-to-reach areas.

Long-Lasting Effects

• Nanobubbles persist in water longer than larger bubbles because their small size prevents them from quickly rising and bursting.
• This extended lifespan means they can provide prolonged disinfection in water systems.

Environmentally Friendly

• Nanobubble technology reduces the need for chemical disinfectants (e.g., chlorine) that can produce harmful byproducts.
• Ozone nanobubbles decompose into oxygen after treatment, leaving no harmful residues.

Applications in Combatting Legionella:

1. Cooling Towers: Nanobubbles help prevent biofilm formation and reduce bacterial levels in cooling tower water systems, a common source of Legionella outbreaks.
2. Potable Water Systems: By oxidizing contaminants and disrupting biofilms, nanobubbles improve water quality and inhibit bacterial growth.
3. Wastewater Treatment: They are used to reduce microbial contamination in treated wastewater.

Nanobubbles are an effective, sustainable, and innovative approach to Legionella control, offering advantages over traditional chemical disinfection methods. Contact the engineering experts at Legionella Control Systems to learn if nanobubbles are a good option for your Legionella remediation, mitigation and long-term control.