Amirhossein Khodaei – Researcher
Nanobubble Technology: A Technological Solution for Public Health, Biological Threat
Management, and Water Security in Iran
Iran is located in one of the world’s sensitive and arid geopolitical regions, where water
related crises, including declining rainfall, land subsidence, depletion of groundwater aquifers,
and contamination of surface and groundwater resources, have posed serious threats to the
country’s biological and economic security. In this context, the use of advanced and
indigenous technologies, including nanobubble technology, can provide a scientific and
effective response to these challenges. This analytical note examines the role of nanobubbles
in public health, environmental protection, improving water-use efficiency, and the executive
and legal requirements for developing this technology in Iran.
Iran Is Among the Countries with Nanobubble Technology
Iran is currently one of the few countries, alongside Japan and the United States, possessing
industrial nanobubble technology. This technological capability, which is the result of efforts
by domestic knowledge-based companies, can, through targeted and planned development,
become a global competitive advantage in the fields of water, health, agriculture, and the
environment.
What Are Nanobubbles and What Makes Them Unique?
Nanobubbles are bubbles with a diameter of less than 200 nanometers that, unlike ordinary
bubbles, remain stable in liquids and do not rise to the surface. This characteristic gives them
unique properties, including:
• A significant increase in dissolved oxygen
• Generation of free radicals with disinfecting properties
• Oxidation of organic pollutants and heavy metals
• Reduction of surface tension and improved water penetration into soil
• High stability in aquatic environments and the ability to function over extended
periods
Applications of Nanobubble Technology in Iran and the World
Public Health and Pharmaceuticals
• Disinfection of drinking water by reducing chlorine use by up to 60% and removing
odors, color, and microbial agents such as E. coli, Salmonella, and hepatitis A virus,
thereby significantly improving public health.
• Improving the quality of herbal medicines and radiopharmaceuticals by increasing the
permeability of medicinal substances and the stability of active compounds, resulting
in greater therapeutic effectiveness and immunization.
• Improving immunity in the body through enhanced absorption and stability of active
pharmaceutical substances.
• Using nanobubbles as drug carriers and contrast agents in medical imaging and cancer
treatment.
Wastewater Treatment and the Environment
• Reducing the microbial load by more than 90% and optimizing aeration systems,
thereby reducing energy consumption and costs.
• Oxidizing organic and inorganic pollutants and improving wastewater quality for reuse
and reducing environmental pollution. An industrial example: in a dairy factory, BOD,
COD, and suspended solids were reduced by 10.6%, 5.77%, and 16.5%, respectively,
while dissolved oxygen increased by 134%.
• A chemical-free wastewater treatment project in the food and beverage industry
improved wastewater quality and compliance with environmental standards.
• Cleaning surface waters, lakes, and rivers by controlling harmful algae and preserving
ecosystems without the need for harmful chemicals.
Agriculture, Horticulture, and Food Security
• Saving up to 30% in water consumption and reducing fertilizer and pesticide use by up
to 30%, helping preserve water resources and soil health.
• Increasing agricultural crop yields, such as an 18% increase in tomatoes and an 8%
increase in rice, as well as improving product grain size and quality.
• Controlling soil-borne diseases and using moderately saline water without
contamination, thereby improving food security.
• Enhancing plant immunity against diseases by improving oxygenation conditions in the
soil.
Livestock, Poultry, and Aquaculture
• Disinfecting drinking water for livestock and poultry and reducing the use of
antibiotics, improving animal health and the quality of animal products.
• Increasing dissolved oxygen in aquaculture and improving the health and growth of
algae-eating species.
• Helping increase immunity and reduce diseases in aquatic animals and other animals
by improving biological conditions.
Industry, Services, and Construction
• Improving washing and cleaning processes with minimal chemical use in the food,
pharmaceutical, textile, and paint industries.
• Reducing scaling and corrosion and increasing the service life of equipment and
machinery in industrial and service facilities.
• Saving 20–30% in water consumption in residential, administrative, and healthcare
buildings by using nanobubbles in water supply and treatment systems.
• Creating a healthier environment and reducing building and equipment maintenance
costs.
Swimming Pools and Water Sports
• Reducing chlorine consumption by 40–60%, improving water clarity and quality, and
reducing algae growth and skin diseases.
• Reducing the frequency of swimming-pool water replacement and improving the user
experience in water sports.
• Improving users’ overall health and protecting the environment by reducing harmful
chemicals and increasing cooling efficiency.
Environment, Surface Waters, and Lakes
• Effective control of harmful algae, improving water clarity and preserving ecosystems
in natural water resources.
• Cleaning and treating contaminated water without using chemicals, helping reduce
pollution and preserve biodiversity.
