Colloid-like tools fast beat viral bio-colloids: Micron-surface enrichment and in-situ inactivation induced by interface-decorated microbubbles

With ever-increasing occurrence of global epidemics originating from viral pathogens, the as -generated viral pollution in waters needs to be efficiently treated with robust technology. This study employed the surface- and core-functionalized colloidal microbubbles (O3_CMBs) to simultaneously capture and inactive the viral biocolloids from waters. The results denote that more than 3.00-lg removal of the model viruses was reached in 3 min or even shorter time. The Al(III)-coagulant modifier worked as "tentacles" on the bubble surface and confined the efficient virion capture on the gas-liquid interface, hence, the O3_CMB treatment could be different from the commonly -known microflocculation of colloids in the traditional ozone -involved coagulation process. Ozone encapsulation tests combined with continuous flow chemiluminescence online analysis further demonstrate that O3_CMBs performed outstandingly in holding up ozone in the liquid matrix and could continuously generate reactive oxygen species (i.e., O3, O3 center dot-, O2 center dot- and center dot OH) within the contact time between O3_CMBs and virions. The integrated capture, inactivation and separation process retained steady performance in a wide pH range and at extremely high salinity (i.e., 35 parts per thousand) thanks to the bi-functionalization and mass transfer of the microbubble system. The protein -like and humic acid -like natural dissolved organic matter was found to be removed along with viral bio-colloids though the co -existing organic matter interacted and competed with viruses for O3_CMBs. The present study suggested to fast beat the viral bio-colloid pollutants with the smartlydesigned colloid -like microbubbles, which could be a promising strategy in response to the severe water pollution accompanied with outbreak emergency.