The Great Bubble Barrier

The Great Bubble Barrier is an integral part of the "Solving the Urban Plastic Soup" project led by the AMS Institute, which aims to address plastic pollution in Amsterdam's waterways. As part of this initiative, the Great Bubble Barrier team analyzed the 20+ locations monitored within the project, conducting a preliminary assessment to identify a potential second site for a new barrier within Amsterdam. While the exploration of this possibility is ongoing with a target of 2025, the existing Bubble Barrier in Westerdok continues to effectively intercept plastic waste, preventing it from reaching the IJ River. Additionally, the data collected from this device has been instrumental in supporting continued research within the project, contributing valuable insights into tackling urban plastic pollution.

The Bubble Barrier Westerdok was the first long-term Bubble Barrier in the world, installed in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in the autumn of 2019. The Bubble Barrier is located at one of the outlets from the historic canals into the IJ. Its purpose is to clean the water and prevent plastic waste from Amsterdam canals from eventually flowing into the North Sea. The Great Bubble Barrier technology uses a curtain of air bubbles to intercept plastic waste in waterways. A perforated tube is placed diagonally across the bottom of a canal or river and pumps air to create a continuous stream of bubbles. This upward flow gently lifts plastic to the surface, while the diagonal placement directs the waste toward a collection system at the side of the waterway. The system is effective in capturing plastics of various sizes, including microplastics, without obstructing boat traffic or harming aquatic life. It operates 24/7 and uses renewable energy, providing an eco-friendly solution for preventing plastic pollution from reaching larger bodies of water.

This project marks a global first in the fight against plastic pollution.

More information on the company's mission and the technology can be found here: The Great Bubble Barrier - A Smart Solution to Plastic Pollution