Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: The Subnanobubble Surge
- How Subnanobubble Technology Works: Scientific Principles & Mechanisms
- Key Players and Innovators: Manufacturers & Industry Leaders
- Current Market Size & Growth: 2025 Baseline Data
- Major Application Areas: Industrial, Municipal, and Agricultural Uses
- Competitive Technologies: Comparing Subnanobubble, Nanobubble, and Conventional Methods
- Investment Trends and Funding Rounds: Recent Deals and Strategic Partnerships
- Regulatory Landscape: Standards, Compliance, and Approvals
- Market Forecasts: 2025–2030 Growth Projections and Regional Hotspots
- Future Outlook: Disruptive Potential, R&D Pipelines, and Next-Gen Solutions
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: The Subnanobubble Surge
Subnanobubble water treatment technologies are poised for significant advancement and commercial scaling in 2025 and the immediate years ahead. After over a decade of research and early-stage deployments, subnanobubble generation—producing bubbles less than 200 nanometers in diameter—has emerged as a transformative approach to water purification, disinfection, and remediation. These ultra-fine bubbles, owing to their high stability, large surface area, and unique physicochemical properties, allow for enhanced oxygen transfer, pollutant degradation, and pathogen inactivation compared to conventional aeration or chemical treatments.
Several key industry participants are actively expanding their subnanobubble technology portfolios and production capabilities. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC continues to integrate subnanobubble solutions for industrial and municipal wastewater applications, reporting improved removal rates for organic contaminants and increased operational efficiencies. Meanwhile, Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is leveraging its proprietary ultrafine bubble generators in pilot projects addressing both agricultural irrigation and aquaculture water quality, with early data indicating substantial reductions in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suppression of harmful algal blooms.
Regional expansion is evident as well. European suppliers such as OxyMem Limited are deploying membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABR) enhanced with subnanobubble technology to achieve lower energy costs and higher nitrogen removal efficiencies in municipal water treatment plants. In North America, Genesis Water Technologies has announced new installations in industrial wastewater facilities, focusing on advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) powered by subnanobubble generation to degrade recalcitrant organic pollutants.
Recent field studies and commercial demonstrations report that subnanobubble systems can reduce operational costs by 20–30% and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to legacy aeration technologies. With regulatory emphasis tightening on emerging contaminants and sustainability metrics, demand for such advanced treatment modalities is expected to accelerate. Industry bodies such as the International Water Association (IWA) are providing updated technical guidelines and convening sector stakeholders to standardize performance benchmarks, ensuring technology reliability and safe implementation.
Looking forward, 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for the broader adoption of subnanobubble water treatment, with ongoing R&D focusing on generator miniaturization, integration with digital process controls, and lifecycle cost reductions. As market awareness grows and positive operational data accumulates, subnanobubble technology is positioned to capture a larger share of the global water treatment sector in the short to medium term.
How Subnanobubble Technology Works: Scientific Principles & Mechanisms
Subnanobubble technology represents a significant advancement in water treatment, leveraging unique physicochemical properties of gas bubbles with diameters below 100 nanometers. Unlike larger micro- or nanobubbles, subnanobubbles possess an extremely high surface area-to-volume ratio and remain stable in aqueous solutions for extended periods, sometimes lasting weeks or even months. These bubbles exhibit a near-neutral buoyancy, allowing them to remain suspended and distribute uniformly throughout water columns.
The core scientific principle underlying subnanobubble water treatment is the enhanced mass transfer and reactivity enabled by their tiny size and persistent surface activity. When generated—typically via hydrodynamic cavitation, electrolysis, or pressurized dissolution—subnanobubbles facilitate the transfer of dissolved gases such as oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen into water more efficiently than conventional aeration methods. This is crucial for accelerating oxidative reactions that degrade organic contaminants, pathogens, and pollutants.
From a mechanistic perspective, subnanobubbles generate localized reactive oxygen species (ROS) when certain gases, particularly ozone or oxygen, are used. The high internal pressure and large interfacial area foster the formation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which are potent oxidants capable of breaking down persistent organic pollutants, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and microbial cell walls. This advanced oxidation process (AOP) is at the heart of many subnanobubble water treatment systems.
Recent years have seen commercial systems adapt these principles for municipal and industrial water treatment. For example, Evoqua Water Technologies has introduced nanobubble and subnanobubble ozone generator systems for disinfection and contaminant removal, noting increased efficiency and reduced chemical usage compared to legacy methods. Likewise, Moleaer Inc. specializes in subnanobubble generators that inject oxygen or ozone into water, with published field data showing over 90% reductions in organic contaminants and significant improvements in dissolved oxygen transfer rates.
Mechanistically, subnanobubbles also disrupt biofilms and microbial membranes through both oxidative stress and physical interaction, enhancing pathogen inactivation. Their stability in water means treatment effects persist longer, reducing the need for continuous dosing. Additionally, the negative surface charge of subnanobubbles aids in coagulation and flocculation, improving the removal of suspended solids and turbidity.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, ongoing R&D by companies such as SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions is focused on optimizing subnanobubble generation methods, scaling systems for municipal deployment, and integrating with sensor-driven automation for real-time water quality control. As regulatory standards tighten and sustainability goals rise, subnanobubble technology is increasingly positioned as a key enabler for advanced, low-chemical water purification.
Key Players and Innovators: Manufacturers & Industry Leaders
As the global demand for advanced water treatment solutions grows, subnanobubble technology has emerged as a promising approach, with several industry leaders and innovators pushing the boundaries of application and commercialization. In 2025, the sector is characterized by active research, pilot projects, and increasing deployment across diverse markets, including municipal, industrial, and agricultural water treatment.
Among the key players, Nikkiso Co., Ltd. of Japan has gained recognition for its subnanobubble generators, which are utilized in wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and even medical fields. The company’s recent projects leverage the ability of subnanobubbles to enhance dissolved oxygen levels, leading to improved biological treatment efficiency and reduction of odors and contaminants.
Another notable innovator is Moleaer (United States), which has expanded its portfolio with nanobubble and subnanobubble generation technologies for water and wastewater processes. Moleaer’s systems are being deployed in industrial effluent treatment and agriculture, where the ultra-fine bubbles accelerate oxidation and breakdown of pollutants, supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance.
In Europe, OxyNat (Spain) is developing subnanobubble solutions tailored for irrigation water treatment and reuse. The company’s systems are designed to address pathogens and organic matter in recycled water, helping to meet increasingly stringent EU water reuse directives.
China’s Fujiclean is also a significant presence, with subnanobubble technologies integrated into decentralized wastewater treatment systems, particularly in rural and peri-urban applications. In 2025, Fujiclean is scaling up pilot installations in partnership with local municipalities to improve water quality and reduce chemical usage in treatment plants.
Looking ahead, the sector is expected to benefit from ongoing R&D partnerships and government-backed demonstration projects. Collaborations between technology manufacturers and utilities are set to validate the long-term operational benefits and cost savings associated with subnanobubble water treatment. Industry leaders are also investing in digital monitoring platforms to optimize subnanobubble generation and control, further enhancing process reliability and transparency.
With increasing regulatory pressure on water quality and sustainability, the coming years are likely to see more widespread adoption of subnanobubble technologies, driven by these key manufacturers and a growing ecosystem of solution providers.
Current Market Size & Growth: 2025 Baseline Data
As of 2025, subnanobubble water treatment technologies are emerging as a promising segment within the broader advanced water treatment market. Subnanobubbles—bubbles with diameters less than 200 nanometers—offer unique physicochemical properties, such as high surface area and stability in liquids, enabling enhanced removal of contaminants, improved disinfection, and increased efficiency in dissolved gas delivery. These features have driven adoption across municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater management, aquaculture, and agricultural irrigation.
Recent years have seen significant investments and technological progress. Leading manufacturers such as Evoqua Water Technologies and Moleaer have reported increased deployments of subnanobubble generators in both pilot projects and commercial-scale operations. For example, Moleaer announced in late 2024 that its installed base of nanobubble systems surpassed 2,500 units globally, serving clients in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Their systems are used for applications ranging from wastewater treatment plants to large-scale hydroponics and aquaculture operations.
Current baseline estimates suggest the global market value for subnanobubble water treatment technologies is approximately $300–400 million in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20–25% over the past three years. This accelerated growth is fueled by regulatory pressures for sustainable water management, rising demand for chemical-free treatment solutions, and growing awareness of microcontaminant removal requirements. Kurita Water Industries, a key player in Asia, has highlighted expanding commercial adoption, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China, where industrial water reuse and river/lake remediation projects are driving investment.
The market landscape is still relatively fragmented, with start-ups and established water technology companies both innovating. For instance, ENEFTECH Innovation has launched containerized nanobubble water treatment systems, targeting decentralized and remote installations. Meanwhile, new partnerships between technology providers and utilities are accelerating pilot-scale demonstrations and regulatory validation, paving the way for wider commercialization.
Looking ahead to the next few years, the subnanobubble water treatment sector is expected to sustain its rapid expansion. Continued R&D investment, coupled with successful scaling of manufacturing and service infrastructure, will likely drive annual market growth rates above 20%. Regions with acute water scarcity and strong environmental regulations—such as Western Europe, Japan, and parts of the United States—are projected to remain at the forefront of adoption, while emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America begin to scale up deployments.
Major Application Areas: Industrial, Municipal, and Agricultural Uses
Subnanobubble water treatment technologies are rapidly gaining traction across industrial, municipal, and agricultural sectors in 2025, propelled by their superior contaminant removal efficiency, chemical reduction potential, and operational flexibility. Unlike traditional aeration and filtration systems, subnanobubble generators produce bubbles smaller than 200 nanometers, providing a greater surface area for gas transfer and enhanced oxidation processes. This unique property enables improved disinfection, pollutant degradation, and water reuse capabilities.
In the industrial sphere, subnanobubble solutions are being deployed for process water treatment, cooling tower management, and effluent polishing. For example, Moleaer is at the forefront, providing nanobubble generators to industries such as mining, food & beverage, and electronics manufacturing. Their systems have demonstrated up to 75% reduction in chemical usage and significant improvements in dissolved oxygen levels in recirculating water, leading to lower operational costs and compliance with tightening discharge standards.
Municipal applications are also expanding, with utilities seeking advanced oxidation processes that reduce reliance on chlorine and other chemicals. Several projects in North America and Asia, supported by vendors like Nikuni and SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, have integrated subnanobubble technologies into wastewater treatment trains. These installations have reported improved removal of phosphates, ammonia, and emerging micro-pollutants, alongside reductions in energy consumption for aeration, which can account for 40–60% of total plant energy use.
In agriculture, the use of subnanobubble-treated irrigation water is proving especially promising in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), aquaculture, and field crop production. Companies such as Dissolved Gas Solutions supply systems that enhance dissolved oxygen and promote beneficial microbial activity in hydroponic and aquaponic systems. Trials have shown increased crop yields, reduced root disease incidence, and decreased fertilizer runoff. In aquaculture, subnanobubble technologies are helping maintain optimal water quality, reducing fish mortality rates and improving feed conversion ratios.
Looking ahead to the next few years, continued regulatory pressure for water reuse and stricter contaminant discharge limits are expected to fuel adoption. Ongoing research collaborations between technology providers and utilities are anticipated to expand the application range, particularly for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) destruction and pharmaceutical residue removal. As more real-world performance data emerges, subnanobubble water treatment is poised to become a standard component of integrated water management strategies across industrial, municipal, and agricultural domains.
Competitive Technologies: Comparing Subnanobubble, Nanobubble, and Conventional Methods
In 2025, the landscape of water treatment technologies continues to evolve rapidly, with subnanobubble (SNB) technology emerging as a promising advancement over established methods such as nanobubble (NB) and conventional aeration or chemical treatment. SNBs, typically defined as gas bubbles less than 100 nm in diameter, exhibit unique physicochemical properties—longer stability in water, higher surface area-to-volume ratio, and enhanced reactivity—that are being leveraged to address challenging water quality concerns.
Compared to conventional aeration, which relies on macro-bubbles and often suffers from poor gas transfer efficiency, subnanobubble systems demonstrate significantly higher oxygen dissolution rates and improved contaminant degradation. For instance, independent performance tests by Toray Industries reveal that SNB-infused systems can achieve up to 30% faster oxygen transfer into wastewater compared to traditional diffusers, resulting in more efficient biological treatment and lower energy consumption.
When compared with nanobubble technology (bubbles in the range of 100–200 nm), SNBs provide further enhancements in reactivity and stability. Moleaer, a key industry player, has documented that reducing bubble size into the sub-100 nm range prolongs bubble persistence, which can be critical for sustained oxidative reactions and for maximizing contact with pollutants or microbes. Furthermore, field deployments by ECO2 B.V. indicate that SNB systems can achieve up to 40% higher removal rates for organic matter and certain pathogens compared to their nanobubble counterparts, particularly in municipal and industrial wastewater applications.
Despite these advantages, the implementation of SNB technology faces challenges. Equipment costs are generally higher due to the precision required in generating and controlling subnanobubbles. However, companies such as Toray Industries and Moleaer are investing in modular and scalable systems that are expected to lower costs and facilitate retrofitting in existing treatment plants over the next few years. Additionally, real-time monitoring and bubble characterization tools—under development by sensor specialists—are expected to enhance process control and verification, improving SNB adoption prospects.
Looking ahead, the next few years will likely see further head-to-head trials of SNB versus NB and conventional methods across diverse water treatment scenarios, including drinking water, aquaculture, and industrial reuse. Regulatory recognition is anticipated, as early collaborations between manufacturers and standardization bodies such as the International Water Association are underway. As these efforts mature, SNB technology is poised to become a mainstream solution for advanced water purification, especially where high efficiency and minimal chemical use are paramount.
Investment Trends and Funding Rounds: Recent Deals and Strategic Partnerships
Subnanobubble water treatment technologies have attracted heightened investment interest in 2025, reflecting growing global demand for advanced, energy-efficient, and sustainable water purification solutions. In the past year, a surge of funding rounds and strategic partnerships has reshaped the competitive landscape, particularly as governments and industrial sectors increasingly seek alternatives to traditional chemical and filtration-based methods.
A notable recent deal occurred in early 2025 when Ultrapure Micro, a leader in microelectronics water technologies, announced a collaboration with a major semiconductor fabrication group to pilot subnanobubble reactors for ultrapure water recycling. This move follows the successful demonstration of scale-up capability in 2024, which attracted co-investment from both parties to expand deployment across multiple fabrication sites.
In Asia, Nikkiso Co., Ltd. deepened its commitment to subnanobubble technology by launching a joint venture with a regional municipal water authority in Japan. Their goal is to retrofit existing water treatment plants with subnanobubble generators, aiming to reduce disinfection byproducts and operational costs. The venture secured supplementary funding from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), marking a significant public-private partnership in this space.
Startups continue to play a pivotal role in technological adoption. In the first quarter of 2025, AZA Nanobubble closed a Series B funding round, raising $18 million led by an international consortium of cleantech investors. The capital is earmarked for scaling up manufacturing capacity and accelerating regulatory approvals in Europe and North America, with strategic partners including industrial water users and food processing firms.
Meanwhile, established water treatment suppliers are forging alliances to enter the subnanobubble market. Evoqua Water Technologies signed a technology licensing agreement in March 2025 with a European nanobubble tech developer, enabling rapid integration of subnanobubble modules into their municipal and industrial portfolios.
Looking ahead, these investment and partnership activities are expected to intensify through 2026 as the sector matures. Increased funding is anticipated from both public and private sources, particularly as the regulatory environment evolves to recognize the benefits of subnanobubble solutions in water reuse, environmental remediation, and industrial applications. The next few years will likely see further consolidation, with leading players seeking to secure intellectual property, distribution channels, and pilot projects to establish market leadership.
Regulatory Landscape: Standards, Compliance, and Approvals
The regulatory landscape for subnanobubble water treatment technologies is evolving rapidly as the sector matures and deployments increase worldwide. In 2025, regulatory bodies and industry organizations are actively working to establish comprehensive standards and compliance pathways to ensure safety, efficacy, and environmental protection in the application of subnanobubble systems.
Currently, there is no universal international standard specific to subnanobubble generators or their use in water treatment; however, several countries and regions are integrating subnanobubble technology under broader frameworks that govern advanced oxidation processes, water disinfection, and nanotechnology-enabled water treatment. In the European Union, subnanobubble applications are increasingly referenced within the context of the Water Framework Directive and the Drinking Water Directive, which require demonstration of consistent removal of contaminants and strict monitoring of byproducts. Subnanobubble systems, such as those provided by Microsol International, have undergone validation in compliance with these frameworks, with emphasis on traceability of nanobubble size, gas content, and treatment efficacy.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting technical reviews of subnanobubble technology performance in municipal and industrial water settings, particularly regarding compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and effluent standards. Companies such as Moleaer are collaborating with regulators to develop standardized testing protocols for nanobubble concentration and longevity in treated water, as well as to quantify any potential release of engineered nanomaterials. Several state-level pilot projects are underway, with results expected to inform federal guidelines within the next few years.
- In Japan, where subnanobubble technologies are widely commercialized, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has issued technical guidance for their use in food processing and aquaculture. Leading manufacturers such as ACE-NET adhere to these guidelines, which focus on water quality parameters, microbial reduction, and system maintenance.
- China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment is integrating subnanobubble-based treatments into its “Blue Sky” initiatives for industrial wastewater, requiring technology providers to submit data on contaminant removal efficiency and gas emission controls (Sunnytek).
Looking ahead, industry stakeholders anticipate that formal ISO standards for nanobubble generation and measurement will become available by 2026–2027, providing a globally harmonized framework for certification and regulatory compliance. Companies are proactively participating in standardization efforts through organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee on Nanotechnologies, aiming to facilitate international adoption and cross-border approvals of subnanobubble water treatment technologies.
Market Forecasts: 2025–2030 Growth Projections and Regional Hotspots
The global market for subnanobubble water treatment technologies is poised for robust growth from 2025 through 2030, driven by advancements in water purification efficiency and rising demand across multiple industries. Subnanobubbles—gas-filled cavities smaller than 200 nanometers—have demonstrated superior contaminant removal, oxidation, and disinfection abilities compared to conventional aeration and nanobubble systems, prompting accelerated adoption in municipal, industrial, and agricultural settings.
Recent pilot deployments and commercial installations in 2024 have set the stage for rapid scaling. In Asia, particularly Japan and China, municipalities have begun integrating subnanobubble systems into wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, with notable projects by Daiwabo Co., Ltd. and Nikkiso Co., Ltd. These companies have reported operational cost reductions and improved removal rates of organic pollutants and pathogens, supporting government targets for sustainable water management through 2030.
North America is emerging as another key market, with water-intensive sectors such as food processing and agriculture driving demand. For example, Moleaer Inc. has expanded its subnanobubble generator deployments in the United States and Canada, targeting both irrigation water treatment and aquaculture. According to data shared by Moleaer Inc., installations in 2024 led to measurable reductions in chemical usage and improved crop yields, securing new contracts that will come online in 2025 and beyond.
In Europe, regulatory pressures surrounding nutrient runoff and microcontaminant removal have accelerated pilot projects in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Eneflow Technologies has launched demonstration partnerships with municipal utilities, focusing on compliance with evolving EU Water Framework Directive standards. The EU’s increased funding for advanced water technologies through 2030 is expected to drive further adoption, particularly in water-stressed regions.
Looking ahead, the subnanobubble water treatment market is forecast to achieve high double-digit annual growth rates between 2025 and 2030, with Asia-Pacific and North America as principal regional hotspots. Expansion is likely to be supported by wider acceptance of subnanobubble efficacy data, ongoing cost reductions in generator technology, and integration into circular water reuse systems. Manufacturers are expected to invest in scalable, modular solutions and digital monitoring platforms to meet growing demand and regulatory requirements.
In summary, from 2025 through 2030, the combination of regulatory momentum, proven efficacy in field deployments, and cross-sectoral adoption positions subnanobubble water treatment technologies for significant and sustained market growth globally.
Future Outlook: Disruptive Potential, R&D Pipelines, and Next-Gen Solutions
Subnanobubble water treatment technologies, leveraging gas bubbles smaller than 100 nanometers, have emerged as a promising frontier in advanced water purification, with significant disruptive potential for the next several years. As of 2025, global R&D pipelines are intensifying, aiming at scaling up production, improving bubble stability, and expanding applications beyond traditional wastewater treatment.
Key industry players are accelerating innovation. Moleaer, a US-based leader, is advancing its proprietary nanobubble generators to enhance dissolved oxygen transfer, bolster contaminant removal, and support chemical-free disinfection. Their 2024 pilot projects in municipal and industrial water facilities demonstrated up to 80% reduction in chemical usage and significant improvements in sludge reduction, indicating substantial operational cost savings and sustainability gains. The company plans to further automate and miniaturize its systems by 2026, targeting decentralized and rural water markets.
In Japan, IDEC Corporation has invested in next-generation subnanobubble technology, with R&D focused on scaling reactors for larger flows and integrating real-time monitoring. Their 2025 roadmap includes deploying demonstration plants in Southeast Asia, where water scarcity and pollution are acute. Early data from IDEC’s 2024 field trials revealed enhanced removal of pathogens and micropollutants, with minimal energy input, supporting the case for large-scale adoption.
European initiatives are also advancing, with Uniper piloting subnanobubble systems for industrial cooling water reuse and river remediation. Uniper’s 2025 outlook includes collaborations with utility partners to validate the long-term impacts on biofilm control and reduction of chemical additives in power plant operations.
Looking forward, the next few years are expected to deliver notable breakthroughs in three areas:
- Materials Innovation: New membrane materials and reactors designed by companies like Moleaer and IDEC Corporation will improve subnanobubble generation efficiency and scalability.
- Data-Driven Optimization: Integration of IoT and AI for real-time operational monitoring is on the near-term horizon, enabling predictive maintenance and performance tuning.
- Regulatory Recognition: As performance data accumulates, regulatory bodies are expected to set new standards for chemical-free water treatment, accelerating mainstream adoption.
Collectively, these advancements position subnanobubble water treatment as a disruptive, next-generation solution. With strong industry investment and pilot results, the sector is poised for commercialization and broader impact across municipal, industrial, and agricultural water systems by 2027.
