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

[Display omitted] • "Colloid-like" microbubbles eliminate viral bio-colloids in seconds or minutes. • Core-modifier of O 3 and in situ -produced •OH markedly enhance virus inactivation. • Surface-coated Al(III) leads to gas–liquid interface-confined bio-colloid capture. • Robust viral removal (almost 4.00-lg) is kept at varied pH and extreme salinities. 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 (O 3 _CMBs) to simultaneously capture and inactive the viral bio-colloids 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 O 3 _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 O 3 _CMBs performed outstandingly in holding up ozone in the liquid matrix and could continuously generate reactive oxygen species (i.e., O 3 , O 3 •-, O 2 •- and •OH) within the contact time between O 3 _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 ‰) 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 O 3 _CMBs. The present study suggested to fast beat the viral bio-colloid pollutants with the smartly-designed colloid-like microbubbles, which could be a promising strategy in response to the severe water pollution accompanied with outbreak emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]