This Barrier Uses Bubbles to Clean Trash From Waterways

Francis Zoet and his team of engineers have developed barriers that trap plastic materials, or at the very least reduce its flow.

Dubbed the Great Bubble Barrier, the aquatic project is able to stop the flow of plastics in water but without impeding the swimming fish or ships.

Source: The Great Bubble Barrier

The team states "Our solution can be used around the clock, everywhere." The team aims to use the Bubble Barrier to clean up the plastic in canals, rivers, and channels around the world. The barriers use technology that is similar to the technology that is used to trap the oil after major spills. 

So how does it work? Perforated pipes lie diagonally across a riverbed or channel. Angled upstream, the perforated pipes create two curtains of bubbles. The curtain of bubbles then traps and lifts any plastics to surface.

Recently, the award-winning barrier was tested in the IJssel river. At IJssel, the team installed a 200-meter wide installation, that lasted for about 3 weeks. The barrier trapped plastic of all sizes. 

As another part of the test, the team was able to trap small flags and pieces of fabric floating down, testing trash outside of the world of plastic. 

Find out more: The Great Bubble Barrier

Read full article: Interesting Engineering

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Taxonomy

• Micropollutants
• River Studies
• Pollution
• River Engineering
• River Restoration
• Water Pollution Control
• Plastic Parts
• Polymers & Plastics
• Plastics