Our Impact - The Great Bubble Barrier®

Our impact

Cleaning rivers from plastic pollution with bubbles

At The Great Bubble Barrier, we are committed to making a measurable impact on reducing plastic pollution in rivers and canals. We apply proven best practices and methodologies to measure our impact. Backed by data and research, our insights help shape policies and drive sustainable solutions. Learn more about our impact below.

Bubble Barriers capturing plastic

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Bubble Barriers capturing plastic

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OUR BUBBLE BARRIERS

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OUR RESEARCH METHODS

How do we monitor our impact?

Bubble Barriers are used as monitoring tools to assess plastic pollution types, levels and origins in each location. The data collected through monitoring our catch is important to effectively prevent plastic from entering rivers and canals in the future.

To ensure accuracy, collected waste is dried first, and organic materials are sorted out and excluded. This provides a clear understanding of plastic pollution without inflating results. Once the waste is dried and sorted, we categorize it using the river-OSPAR method, an international standard for waste monitoring.

This systemic approach helps us identify pollution trends and compare data across locations, guiding our efforts to address plastic pollution more effectively.

OUR BLOG POSTS

Why Macroplastics Should Be Considered Water Pollutants

Globally, water systems face a variety of critical threats, such as extreme weather events, saltwater intrusion, and pollution. Strong international policy is essential in combating and preventing...

The Plastic Soup in Rivers

When we think of plastic pollution in water, we often associate it with 'the Plastic Soup' in the ocean. But have you heard of the plastic problem in our local rivers? New research suggests plastics...

6 Women Making an Impact on Our Ocean

In honour of International Women’s Day, we would like to introduce you to 6 women making an impact on our ocean by spearheading various initiatives to combat ocean-related problems. Learn more about...

Can Regulation Solve Plastic Pollution?

There is an estimated 200 million tonnes of plastic in our oceans and at the current rate, ocean plastic pollution could increase by half as much again within the next 10 years [1]. Robust,...

5 Game-Changing Plastic-Free Innovators You Should Know About

Plastic is a useful and durable material, so why do we use it for items that we will discard in a second? In a world where we are so dependent on plastic, what are the alternatives? In this blog...

Fish and Bubble Barriers

By Anne Marieke Eveleens Plastic pollution is a major threat to all water systems worldwide, causing harm to both human and animal life. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean waterways from plastic....

Research into the Effects of Plastic Pollution on Human Rights

Research shows that every stage of the plastic life cycle harms the environment and human rights. In June, the UN Human Rights Council commissioned a three-year study on “Plastic Pollution and Its Implications for the Full Enjoyment of Human Rights.”

Six Organisations Tackling Plastic Pollution

7 Organisations Tackling Plastic Pollution in our Waterways

Plastic pollution is a major threat to our waterways, affecting ecosystems and human health. Tackling this problem requires creative and collaborative solutions. Meet six organisations working to reduce and prevent plastic pollution in our rivers and canals.

How Do We Monitor Plastic Pollution in Rivers?

Bubble Barriers are effective tools for catching plastic pollution in rivers. After removing the plastic waste from waterways, we are able to closely sort and monitor the catch. The collected data...

What Are Microplastics?

Let’s get to know microplastics! Plastic is integrated into our daily lives in so many ways, yet sometimes it goes unnoticed, especially microplastics. Understanding its definition, impacts, and...