Degassing with Bubble Tubing®: Improving Water Quality Through Fine‑Bubble Technology

When people think about aeration, they usually think about adding oxygen to water. However, aeration can also play a critical role in removing unwanted dissolved gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). This process, known as degassing, is essential in many water management applications but is especially important in aquaculture, where water quality directly impacts fish health, fish growth, and farm performance.

Bubble Tubing® provides an effective solution for both oxygen transfer and degassing through the release of millions of fine, uniform microbubbles. As these bubbles rise through the water column, they facilitate gas exchange, helping oxygen dissolve in the water while excess carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere. Bubble Tubing® is specifically designed to generate large quantities of small bubbles with excellent oxygen transfer performance, making it well suited for applications where gas exchange is a priority.

Why CO₂ Removal Matters in Aquaculture

Fish continuously consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide through respiration. In high-density production systems such as hatcheries, raceways, land-based farms, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), CO₂ can accumulate fast. Excessive dissolved carbon dioxide can stress fish, affect respiration efficiency, lower pH, and negatively impact growth performance. Industry sources identify CO₂ control as a critical component of aquaculture water treatment and RAS operation.

For this reason, aquaculture facilities often invest in systems that maximize gas exchange between water and air. The goal is not simply to increase dissolved oxygen but to maintain a balanced environment where oxygen levels remain high and carbon dioxide levels remain under control.

Why Fine Bubbles Work Better

The effectiveness of degassing depends on two complementary processes: gas-liquid exchange and water circulation. As bubbles rise through the water column, dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) diffuses from the water into the bubbles and is ultimately released into the atmosphere. At the same time, the rising bubble plume lifts deeper CO₂-rich water toward the surface, continuously exposing new water to gas-liquid exchange with the atmosphere.

This is where Bubble Tubing® offers a unique advantage. Unlike conventional coarse-bubble systems, Bubble Tubing® releases countless microbubbles along a continuous diffuser line. These fine bubbles both create a larger surface area for gas exchange and increase contact time by remaining suspended longer in the water column. Their movement also generates a powerful upward circulation current that transports deep dissolved CO₂ to the surface, where it can be released into the atmosphere.

By generating millions of microbubbles, Bubble Tubing® combines high oxygen transfer efficiency with effective CO₂ removal. The result is improved gas ratios, better water quality, and less harmful dissolved gases across a wide range of applications.

Applications in Aquaculture

Bubble Tubing® can support degassing in a variety of aquaculture operations, including:

• Land-based fish farms
• Fishfarm in lower water exchange area (Fjord, sheltered bay, coves, etc)
• Hatcheries
• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
• Smolt facilities
• Holding ponds and raceways
• Aquaculture treatment basins

The technology is already widely used in aquaculture for aeration, upwelling, and bubble curtain applications designed to protect fish from jellyfish, toxic algae, plankton, and other harmful organisms. Bubble Tubing® and SalmoAir® systems are used to create protective bubble barriers around marine fish farms while also improving water circulation and oxygen distribution.

Beyond Aquaculture

While aquaculture is a natural fit for degassing technology, many other industries benefit from the same principles.

In wastewater treatment, Bubble Tubing® supports biological treatment processes by increasing dissolved oxygen levels while helping remove unwanted gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This can improve treatment efficiency and reduce odors.

In mining, oil and gas, and industrial water process systems, degassing can help improve oxidation, reduce unwanted dissolved gases, and enhance water treatment performance.

To wrap this up, healthy aquatic environments depend on more than oxygen alone. Effective management of dissolved carbon dioxide is equally important, particularly in intensive aquaculture systems. By generating millions of fine microbubbles, Bubble Tubing® promotes efficient gas exchange, helping increase dissolved oxygen while facilitating the removal of excess CO₂.

Whether used in a fish hatchery, a recirculating aquaculture facility, a wastewater treatment plant, or an industrial water system, Bubble Tubing® offers a proven and versatile approach to improving water quality through aeration and degassing. For aquaculture operators seeking healthier fish, improved performance, and more stable water conditions, fine-bubble technology represents a simple yet highly effective solution.

Interested in improving gas exchange, water circulation, or overall water quality in your system? Contact our team to discuss how Bubble Tubing® can be integrated into your aquaculture, wastewater, or industrial water treatment application.

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