The Great Bubble Barrier Is The Newest Solution To Fight Sea Pollution And It's Genius

Dec 27, 2018

Imagine combating one of the most predominant environmental issues . . . using bubbles.

That is exactly what a team of three women from The Netherlands are doing with their 'Bubble Barrier'. It is designed to combat plastic and trash pollution in waterways by preventing the debris from being pushed into the ocean.

Meet Anne Marieke Eveleens, Saskia Studer, and Franciz Zoet. Through their teamwork, the concept of The Bubble Barrier was born. They plan to start with the deltas in The Netherlands and are hopeful that this concept will adapted in other countries too.

The increasing amount of trash that is being dumped in the water is disrupting ecosystems. From the tiniest microorganisms to the largest mammals, both plant and animal life is being threatened. The European Union is aware of the growing problem, but it is a challenge to find a solution that protects and preserves the current ecosystems. Additionally, any solution would have to be mindful of shipping vessels too.

The genius of The Bubble Barrier is that it both protects and nourishes the current ecosystems without being disruptive. Here's how it works:

• First, a tube framework is set up diagonally in the water at key current areas
• Next, air is channeled through the tubes, continually pushing air bubbles up and out through holes that line the top of the tubes
• As a result, the bubbles push garbage to the top of the water
• Lastly, the current carries the pieces to the shorelines where the trash can be easily collected by either people or a future system such as a conveyor belt of sorts.

Because fish can slalom, they pass through the barrier easily. As a bonus, the constant addition of air to the water increases the aeration of the water, enriching the ecosystems overall.

The Bubble Barrier presents a creative, harmless solution to water pollution. It has direct benefits to the water ecosystems without disrupting the current shipping and fishing lines. Because of their creativity, the team has won the postcode lottery green challenge that provides them further funding to bring this solution to life.

This real-world solution for an ever-growing problem is a simple, but powerful way to combat water pollution. If you have similar stories of work supporting the environment let us know – we are always happy to promote a greener world. In addition, please pass this along to support the work that these young women are doing!