Compost information
Oxygen is critical in aerobic composting: it drives efficient microbial decomposition, raises pile temperatures faster into the thermophilic phase (which kills pathogens and accelerates breakdown), produces higher-quality humified compost, and minimizes anaerobic zones that generate odorous compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and ammonia under low-oxygen conditions.
Nanobubbles (or micro-nano bubbles) excel here because they provide superior gas transfer efficiency—longer residence time in water, higher dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, and sometimes reactive oxygen species like ·OH that aid oxidation—compared to conventional aeration. sciencedirect.com
Relevant Scientific Papers
Effects of micro-nano bubble water addition on maturation and humification during sewage sludge composting (Li et al., 2024, Chemosphere): Adding micro-nano bubble water increased peak temperatures, extended the thermophilic stage, and achieved the highest humification degree at ~21 mg/L dissolved oxygen. This points to faster maturation and better compost quality. sciencedirect.com
Nanobubble aeration accelerates manure wastewater sanitisation and enhances nitrogen retention while reduces greenhouse gas emissions (Hou et al., 2025, Water Research): In a 180-day piggery wastewater experiment, nanobubble (NB) aeration outperformed conventional aeration by markedly raising DO and generating ·OH radicals. It improved removal of COD, BOD₅, and E. coli, shortened the time to reach hygienic standards by 60 days (vs. conventional aeration) or 150 days (vs. natural storage), reduced total nitrogen (TN) loss rates, and cut cumulative N₂O emissions by ~30%. Metagenomic analysis showed reshaped microbial communities favoring better nitrogen cycling. This is highly relevant for odour control and nutrient preservation in organic waste streams. sciencedirect.com
Transient Effects of Air and Oxygen Nanobubbles on Soil Moisture Retention and Soil–Substance Interactions in Compost-Amended Soil (Povilaitis et al., 2025, Water): This directly examines oxygen and air nanobubble-saturated water (NBSW) on soils amended with composted sludge. It assessed impacts on moisture retention, electrical conductivity, nutrient leaching, and CO₂ emissions, suggesting potential synergistic benefits for soil fertility when combining compost with nanobubble water. mdpi.com
Other supporting work includes studies on nanobubble oxygenation irrigation improving soil aeration, phosphorus availability, and crop performance in organic-amended systems, as well as broader reviews on micro-/nanobubbles enhancing mass transfer and microbial activity in organic waste processing. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Odour Reduction Insights
Maintaining aerobic conditions (oxygen levels ideally >13-15% in pile pore spaces, with sufficient DO in moisture films) prevents anaerobic decomposition, which produces the strongest odours. Forced aeration is a standard strategy, but nanobubbles can deliver oxygen more efficiently with potentially lower energy use due to better mass transfer (higher kLa, oxygen transfer efficiency). In manure/wastewater contexts, NB aeration has demonstrably reduced odorous emissions and sanitised material faster.
General composting literature emphasizes that proper aeration shortens the acidic phase, raises pH faster, and limits VFAs and sulfides. apps.ecology.wa.gov
Science Direct - Effects of micro-nano bubble water addition on maturation degree and
microbial community during aerobic composting - April 2024