By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University is leading the way in using nanobubble technology to improve dairy wastewater treatment. Maneesha Mohan, associate professor and Alfred Chair in Dairy Manufacturing, is exploring this innovative method to make dairy processing more efficient and sustainable.
When dairy products are made, a large amount of wastewater is produced. This water often contains harmful pollutants like pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter. Before being released into nature, it must be cleaned properly. Most dairy plants treat their own wastewater, but handling large and varying volumes every day can be challenging.
Nanobubbles, which are thousands of times smaller than a grain of salt, are now making that job easier. These bubbles stay in liquids for long periods and help break down pollutants by increasing oxidation. This boosts the performance of wastewater treatment systems without needing harmful chemicals.
Mohan and her student, FNU Akshit, studied this in the lab and found promising results. Nanobubbles improved oxygen levels in wastewater and reduced solids and pollution indicators by up to 16.5%. In 2024, they introduced this technology at Valley Queen Cheese, one of South Dakota’s largest dairy processors. Since then, the plant no longer uses chemicals for wastewater treatment, and its system works more efficiently.
“The nanobubbles improve the quality of the wastewater that is discharged,” Mohan said.
She is now working with the engineering faculty to design new nanobubble generators specially for dairy operations. This innovation will support cleaner, safer, and more sustainable dairy processing.
"In our lab, the whole idea is to look at sustainability and a holistic approach," she added.
This technology shows how science and sustainability can work together to benefit the dairy industry and protect the environment.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-vm
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle