Solution Scope: Waste collection systems in rivers

Target Contaminant: River Litter

Solution Provider or Contact Point: Contact – The Great Bubble Barrier®  

Project: Maelstrom

ITS Description: Creation of a bubble curtain by pumping air through a tube on the bottom of the waterway in order to direct litter from canals and rivers to the surface and to the side, into the catchment system. Collaboration with local NGOs, using the EU protocols for monitoring litter input, prepare reports for policymakers. Low energy consumption: for 24 hrs equals to the energy consumed by the cleaning machines for 8 hrs. Due to the upward current and the bubbles salination reduces, which is big problem with climate change and there is a positive impact on oxygen locally. Fishes can come through and can go through. No need of manpower and this ttechnology functions 24/07. Triggers a different behaviour on plastic pollution and inspires people. It targets not only floating litter but also the litter someone cannot see.

Correspondence with BMM OIR (sectoral priorities, R&I activities, gaps, needs): The ITS is strongly identified in the areas of activity of Elimination & Remediaiton of pollutants.  The solution responds to challenges for the SWM sector. The technology is already established in the Netherlands since 2019. There are 5 projects on going in the Netherlands and recently in Portugal. Easy to expand in other areas. A combination of all  stakeholders is needed (state, local authority, companies, local people, NGOs) in order to maintain, operate correctly the barrier and find the budget for the installation and the function.