SMALL AIR BUBBLES IN REAGENT GRADE WATER AND SEAWATER .2. DISSOLUTION OF 20-MU-M-DIAMETER TO 500-MU-M-DIAMETER BUBBLES AT ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE

The dissolution rates for 20- to 500-mu-m-diameter air bubbles in water and seawater at 50% and 100% air saturation are presented. The data indicate a dissolution rate that is independent of diameter for bubbles larger than approximately 70-mu-m but is strongly dependent on diameter for smaller bubbles. Rise velocity data from a companion study were used in conjunction with Levich's "dirty bubble" formula to predict dissolution rates for the bubbles. There is good agreement with theory for bubbles in saturated liquids and for bubbles with diameters larger than 70-mu-m. Agreement is fair for smaller bubbles in 50% saturated water and seawater.