BioHavenO2 Platforms
NanoHaven
and Floating Streambeds mitigate harmful algae blooms
and Floating Streambeds mitigate harmful algae blooms
BioHaven Oxygenation Platforms combine the benefits of biofilm-reactive surface area and nanobubble aeration to mitigate harmful algae blooms without chemicals29 June, 2021: We are delighted to announce that we have been selected for a Phase 1 SBIR award from the Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office to develop and test our NanoHaven between Summer 2021 and Spring 2022. We will bring you updates via our Latest Posts page and on Facebook.
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are a growing problem worldwide. They kill fish, harm humans and pets, smell terrible and ultimately cause dead zones along our coastlines. But how can a water steward treat HABs without dumping vast amounts of expensive chemicals in the water? Naturally, we have a solution: BioHaven Floating Islands and sister products that harness nature's own processes to provide perennial, sustainable solutions.
All BioHaven Floating Islands provide a degree of protection against HABs by dealing with the excess nutrient loading that is the primary cause. As long as there is circulation and aeration in the water, the BioHaven matrix can attract the microbes and form biofilm to perform natural and effective nutrient removal. However, we have two embodiments of BioHaven that are particularly effective in treating and preventing HABs: NanoHaven and StreamBed Filter.
The NanoHaven has brought together three best-in-class technologies to synergistically treat Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs): a nanobubble aerator mounted on a BioHaven platform, along with solar panels and battery storage that provide low-cost operating power. It can be implemented in remote, off-grid spots, directly targeting treatment areas without long pipes and associated pressure loss. It is suitable for wastewater lagoons, and ponds and lakes of all shapes and sizes. Low-growing hyper-accumulator plants can be added to facilitate the removal of extreme pollutants if desired.
NanoHaven Benefits
Why Nanobubble Aeration?
BioHaven Floating Islands remove the nutrients that cause HABs by cycling them into biofilm and periphyton and absorbing them into the food web. They work well passively but, when aeration is added, their performance improves fourfold. Standard aeration consists of pumping bubbles into water which then rise and burst at the surface, forcing water to circulate and absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. |
Harmful Algae Bloom
Floating Solar represents an affordable HAB solution for large lakes by offsetting costs through sale of clean power
Roots being measured
Before-and-after photo showing the impact of BioHaven treatment on landfill leachate
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Nanobubbles are different. With a diameter of less than 100 nm, these ultrafine bubbles can thoroughly aerate the water column from top to bottom. They do not rise but are dispersed by Brownian motion - like salt dissolving into water. The nanobubble is formed by gas injection, and depending on the technology, can comprise up to 90% pure oxygen, which is then slowly transferred to the water. Nanobubbles can remain in the water for weeks.
Nanobubbles have most impact on pond sediments, which are the most oxygen-deprived layer of a pond, where everything from unpleasant odors to methane emissions are generated. But this is also where the warmest water occurs in winter, and therefore where fish live to survive the cold. Nanobubble aeration injects oxygen without disturbing the stratification layers or stirring up the muck. The oxygen boosts the bio-digestion of organic solids, while the fish receive a life-saving boost of pure air in their survival layer.
The BioHaven provides a necessary synergy with the nanobubble aeration. It both filters water by reducing Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and provides the surface area needed for the development of periphyton (which algae is cycled into), a natural food source for fish.
A nanobubble aerator mounted on a BioHaven platform is extremely mobile and can readily be moved to different positions in a lake as needed. Being solar powered, the operating costs are low. They are deployable in lakes that have no grid power and can be brought directly to the problem area of the lake. Performance of the nanobubble aerator is maintained without the loss of pressure associated with long pipes that have to stretch from shore.
Nanobubbles have most impact on pond sediments, which are the most oxygen-deprived layer of a pond, where everything from unpleasant odors to methane emissions are generated. But this is also where the warmest water occurs in winter, and therefore where fish live to survive the cold. Nanobubble aeration injects oxygen without disturbing the stratification layers or stirring up the muck. The oxygen boosts the bio-digestion of organic solids, while the fish receive a life-saving boost of pure air in their survival layer.
The BioHaven provides a necessary synergy with the nanobubble aeration. It both filters water by reducing Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and provides the surface area needed for the development of periphyton (which algae is cycled into), a natural food source for fish.
A nanobubble aerator mounted on a BioHaven platform is extremely mobile and can readily be moved to different positions in a lake as needed. Being solar powered, the operating costs are low. They are deployable in lakes that have no grid power and can be brought directly to the problem area of the lake. Performance of the nanobubble aerator is maintained without the loss of pressure associated with long pipes that have to stretch from shore.
A solar-powered NanoHaven:
- takes the nanobubbler to where it is most needed
- contributes massive surface area to expand the treatment capacity
- supports solar panels to power the nanobubbler
- provides an exceptionally cost-effective treatment option
NanoHaven with solar cells for off-grid operation
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Plan view of a standard NanoHaven
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NanoHaven Partner Technologies
Key Partner Technologies that make NanoHaven work:
Key Partner Technologies that make NanoHaven work:
- Nanobubbler
- Solar Panels
- Hyper-accumulator Plants
Ideal applications for NanoHaven:
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
BioHaven and Partner Technologies are a game-changer in HAB and Golden Algae treatment & prevention |
Wastewater
How we bring BioHaven treatment to wastewater lagoons while providing economic and social opportunities |
Implementation
The NanoHaven is constructed with BioHaven Floating Breakwater modules, our specialized wave-dampening modules deployed for shoreline control. They are reinforced by a rigid platform on which the nanobubbler is mounted. Two racks of solar panels are fixed to the platform on a custom racking, which features an adjustable angle of tilt that is kept stable by the BioHaven. Battery storage is suspended beneath the platform to protect it from temperature variations and to provide ballast. The nanobubbler is housed in a very secure, waterproof chamber, that - in the highly unlikely event of it ever becoming detached - would float.
The NanoHaven has been designed around the Moleaer Clear range of nanobubblers, which we believe deliver exceptional value and performance.
The NanoHaven may be planted with low-growing hyper-accumulator plants that provide a dense root mass to enhance the treatment surface area without occluding the solar panels. The performance of the plants may be further enhanced by the application of patented endophytes.
The unit is typically anchored with helical anchors driven into the bottom structure of the lake (where permitted). Alternative anchors include dead-weight anchors and tethers, and occasionally pilings. We may specify bungy-style tethers where there are significant fluctuations in water level.
The NanoHaven is a turnkey system. It will be assembled on-site and launched by a team of qualified professionals.
Maintenance
The nanobubbler is supplied with remote monitoring equipment which can send wireless alerts when equipped with a SIM card attached to a cellular service. This early-warning system enables any issues to be dealt with immediately. The NanoHaven can support up to six people. Access can be from a boat, or the unit can be towed close to shore.
Solar power delivery will be monitored via a data logger incorporated into the solar array.
It will record:
Routine inspections of the fixtures and connections should be made frequently and always after a weather event.
A dissolved oxygen meter is supplied with the nanobubble aerator to measure its oxygen output. A handheld DO monitor or remote DO sensors should be purchased to monitor the impact on the waterbody, so that the NanoHaven can be moved when its desired impact has been achieved.
The NanoHaven is constructed with BioHaven Floating Breakwater modules, our specialized wave-dampening modules deployed for shoreline control. They are reinforced by a rigid platform on which the nanobubbler is mounted. Two racks of solar panels are fixed to the platform on a custom racking, which features an adjustable angle of tilt that is kept stable by the BioHaven. Battery storage is suspended beneath the platform to protect it from temperature variations and to provide ballast. The nanobubbler is housed in a very secure, waterproof chamber, that - in the highly unlikely event of it ever becoming detached - would float.
The NanoHaven has been designed around the Moleaer Clear range of nanobubblers, which we believe deliver exceptional value and performance.
The NanoHaven may be planted with low-growing hyper-accumulator plants that provide a dense root mass to enhance the treatment surface area without occluding the solar panels. The performance of the plants may be further enhanced by the application of patented endophytes.
The unit is typically anchored with helical anchors driven into the bottom structure of the lake (where permitted). Alternative anchors include dead-weight anchors and tethers, and occasionally pilings. We may specify bungy-style tethers where there are significant fluctuations in water level.
The NanoHaven is a turnkey system. It will be assembled on-site and launched by a team of qualified professionals.
Maintenance
The nanobubbler is supplied with remote monitoring equipment which can send wireless alerts when equipped with a SIM card attached to a cellular service. This early-warning system enables any issues to be dealt with immediately. The NanoHaven can support up to six people. Access can be from a boat, or the unit can be towed close to shore.
Solar power delivery will be monitored via a data logger incorporated into the solar array.
It will record:
- Watt-hours produced by the solar panels
- Battery charging/discharging current and voltage
- Motor on/off cycling
- Motor current draw (starting and running)
- Air temperature
Routine inspections of the fixtures and connections should be made frequently and always after a weather event.
A dissolved oxygen meter is supplied with the nanobubble aerator to measure its oxygen output. A handheld DO monitor or remote DO sensors should be purchased to monitor the impact on the waterbody, so that the NanoHaven can be moved when its desired impact has been achieved.
Extreme Pollutants
Heavy metals, PFAS, petroleum... biological removal, mechanical sequestration, and phytoremediation work together to remove most contaminants of concern. Hyper-accumulator plants are our secret weapon for removing contaminants that even wetlands cannot, such as chlorides.
Heavy metals, PFAS, petroleum... biological removal, mechanical sequestration, and phytoremediation work together to remove most contaminants of concern. Hyper-accumulator plants are our secret weapon for removing contaminants that even wetlands cannot, such as chlorides.
BioHaven Floating Islands prevent thousands of superior-quality plastic drinking-water bottles from ending up in the landfill every month