Stopping Plastic Pollution Before It Reaches the Sea: The Great Bubble Barrier Solution

Rivers are the primary source of ocean plastic pollution, transporting plastic waste from the land to the sea. Every year, over 8 million tonnes of plastic find their way into our oceans, with 60-80% of this pollution originating from rivers. So it seems a no-brainer to look for ways to stop plastic in rivers from reaching the sea.  A Dutch startup, Great Bubble Barrier, has devised a surprisingly simple yet effective solution to do just that, using nothing more sophisticated than bubbles of air. 

  

How Does the Great Bubble Barrier Work? 

This innovative technology consists of a perforated tube laid across the riverbed, which releases a steady stream of air bubbles powered by renewable energy. Positioned diagonally, the bubble curtain lifts plastic waste to the surface and nudges it toward a collection system at the riverbank. This method can capture plastic as small as 1mm in size and intercepts up to 86% of floating debris before it reaches the ocean. 

Unlike traditional barriers, the Bubble Barrier operates continuously without obstructing boats or aquatic life. Fish and other marine animals can swim through the bubbles, and shipping can sail through it without even noticing it’s there.  

Success in the Netherlands & Expansion Across Europe 

The first Bubble Barrier was installed in Amsterdam in 2019, where it has been preventing approximately 8,000 pieces of plastic per month from reaching the North Sea. Encouraged by this success, the town of Katwijk in the Netherlands installed a second system in 2022 to tackle plastic pollution in the Oude Rijn river, where locals had grown frustrated with plastic waste washing up on their beaches. 

Now, the technology is set to expand beyond the Netherlands, with new projects planned for Portugal and Germany. 

Why This Matters 

Rivers act as conveyor belts for pollution, carrying plastic waste from inland areas directly into the ocean. By targeting plastic pollution in rivers, solutions like the Great Bubble Barrier can play a crucial role in protecting marine life and coastal ecosystems. 

  

As Bubble Barrier co-founder Francis Zoet puts it:   

“Rivers are the highway to our oceans, transporting pollution all the way there. But we don’t plan to stop here. The first international systems are on the agenda, and we can’t wait to tackle pollution across our borders.”  

With innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to ocean health, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution—one bubble at a time. 

  

Join the Movement 

At Take 3 for the Sea, we believe in simple actions that make a big difference. Whether it’s picking up three pieces of litter when you visit the beach or supporting game-changing solutions like the Bubble Barrier, every effort helps protect our oceans.