WANA (July 24) – Nanobubble technology, a fantastic innovation in science, has taken a big step in solving various challenges in various industries and fields. Currently, only three countries produce nanobubbles, including Japan, Iran, and America. Iran has 13 active companies at different levels in the field of nanobubbles.

 

Nanobubbles are gas-filled bubbles within a liquid, typically ranging from 1 to 200 nanometers. Some definitions even classify bubbles smaller than 1000 nanometers as nanobubbles. In comparison, bubbles sized between 1 to 30 micrometers are referred to as microbubbles, while those larger than 30 micrometers are known as macrobubbles.

 

Nanobubbles are virtually invisible within a fluid, maintaining a transparent appearance. On the other hand, microbubbles make the fluid appear cloudy, and macrobubbles are easily visible to the naked eye. As the bubble size increases from nano to macro, their stability within the fluid decreases. This phenomenon is due to buoyant forces, which intensify with the bubble’s radius, causing more giant bubbles to rise and escape the fluid more readily.

 

Nanobubbles have unique properties that make them valuable across various industries. Their high stability and large surface area relative to volume make them ideal for applications in fields such as water treatment, medicine, and agriculture. For instance, in water treatment, nanobubbles can help enhance the efficiency of disinfection processes and promote the removal of contaminants such as Wetlands.

 

In medicine, they have potential uses in targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. Additionally, in agriculture, nanobubbles can improve irrigation efficiency and nutrient absorption in plants. Also, it is useful in the fishing industry.

 

Emad Ahmadvand, Secretary of Iran’s Nano Technologies Development Staff, stated that the primary objective at Nano headquarters is to enhance the technical capabilities of companies operating in this field and to direct each of them towards a specific industrial sector. Additionally, efforts are being made to increase knowledge and awareness of this technology among professionals in various industries.

 

Despite its potential, nanobubble technology faces several challenges in Iran. As a relatively new technology, it is not widely known, and many organizational leaders are still unfamiliar with its benefits. Additionally, much of the existing infrastructure is outdated. For example, the aeration methods used in wastewater treatment plants are based on techniques from 30 years ago and have not been updated to incorporate new technologies like nanobubbles.

 

Implementing a new technology into established systems often involves numerous challenges and requires more time to reach the execution phase. To ensure the widespread adoption of nanobubble technology, organizations like the Scientific Vice Presidency and the Nano Task Force need to introduce and promote this technology across the country.

 

Nanobubble technology originated in Japan about 20 years ago, where it was first utilized in various industries. Given its promising outcomes, this technology has been rapidly growing worldwide. Currently, three countries are actively producing nanobubbles: Japan, Iran, and the United States. Notably, two prominent American companies have launched numerous projects globally in this field.

 

With continuous advancements and strategic partnerships, Iran is poised to make significant strides in nanobubble technology, potentially positioning itself as a leader in this innovative field.