BluePlanet South African
Who are we
BluePlanet South Africa is the African distribution partner for BluePlanet LLC, and through strategic partnerships with Bionomics SA, we use nano bubble technology from Moleaer Inc.
Our technology optimises both anaerobic and aerobic processes to improve effluent qualities while substantially lowering the operating costs of wastewater treatment plants and improving the economics of biomass and biogas facilities. Our solutions are very effective at in-situ remediation of oil spills and downstream waste from industry, agriculture, and other pollution sources encountered in contaminated bodies of water and soil.
What are Nanobubbles?
Nanobubbles are 100 nanometers in size, 2500 times smaller than a single grain of salt. They can be formed using any gas and injected into any liquid. Due to their size, nanobubbles remain suspended in liquids for long periods of time, enabling them to improve physical, chemical, and biological processes.
The Chemical Engineering Research and Design journal published the article “Fundamentals and Applications of Nanobubbles: A Review.” They studied sediment decontamination and lake management applications of nanobubbles and found that nanobubbles reduce pollution, mitigate hypoxia and anoxia, improve dissolved oxygen levels, help with algae control, and deliver more benefits. -Et-el Moleaer.
The Problem
Lakes and ponds accumulate high levels of nutrients, mainly from runoff from nearby agricultural land and urban areas. This runoff contains fertiliser, animal waste, and other pollutants that can cause large algae blooms and create an overabundance of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Too much of these nutrients in the water can lead to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water, making it difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive. This problem is known as eutrophication, and it can threaten the health of entire ecosystems. This is similar to Hartebeespoort Dam, the Vaal River, and most dams and river systems in South Africa.
There are several methods to control algae growth in lakes, ponds, and dams. One of the most common is to add a natural enzyme that helps break down the nutrients that the algae need to survive. Conventional aeration has been commonly used, however, with little efficacy on algae and even less so in South Africa. Additionally, adding certain species of fish, such as grass carp or certain aquatic plants, can help reduce the amount of algae in the water.
The solution
A cost-effective, proactive option is using our bespoke bioremediation approach that combines nanobubble technology and microbes to accelerate sludge digestion through natural oxidation and efficient oxygenation. Depending on the amount of sludge at the bottom of the dam, it can typically take the solution 4-6 months to digest and reduce the layer of sludge. This results in clearer, healthier water bodies and reduces the occurrence of algae blooms and foul odours.