Briefing: In situ decontamination of sediments using ozone nanobubbles and ultrasound

This paper describes innovative research on cleaning contaminated sediments. It uses three emerging technologies, namely, ultrasound, ozone and nanobubbles, to provide a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable on-site treatment technology with a lower total cost over a shorter time span. The ultrasound energy provides agitation and soil decontamination. The ozone reacts with desorbed contaminants to remove them from the river. The nanobubbles help in the dissolution of ozone gas in water. Once the treatment is completed, any remaining dissolved ozone will break into oxygen and will help to revitalise microbes and the ecosystem. The initial bench-scale test results are promising, and the study will be continued in order to identify and optimise parameters that will influence the removal efficiency of contaminated sediments.