An integrated approach using ozone nanobubble and cyclodextrin inclusion complexation to enhance the removal of micropollutants

Abstract Ozone (O3) has been widely used for the elimination of recalcitrant micropollutants in aqueous environments, due to its strong oxidation ability. However, utilization efficiency O3 is constrained by low solubility and short half-life during treatment process. Herein, an integrated approach, using nanobubble technology micro-environmental chemistry within cyclodextrin inclusion cavities, was studied order enhance reactivity ozonisation. Compared with traditional macrobubble aeration water, achieved 1.7 times higher O3, increased mass transfer coefficient 4.7 times. Moreover, addition hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) further stability through formation complex molecule-specific cavity. At a HPβCD:O3 molar ratio 10:1, lifespan reached 18 longer than HPβCD-free solution. Such approach accelerated removal model micropollutant, 4-chlorophenol 6.9 times, compared conventional ozonation. Examination HPβCD UV–visible spectroscopy Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analyses revealed that both entered cavity, Benesi-Hildebrand plots indicated 1:1 stoichiometry host guest compounds. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were conducted confirm ternary HPβCD:4-chlorophenol:O3 determine optimal mode. With these results, our study highlights viability proposed ozonation organic micropollutants.