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

Bubble Barriers capturing plastic

OUR BUBBLE BARRIERS

Explore our impact

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

Read more about plastic pollution

Besides researching our Bubble Barrier impact, we continuously work on amplifying the latest global research on plastic pollution. Because the more we know, the better equipped we are to tackle the issue at the root.

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...
Local Communities Taking Action to Clean Their Rivers from Plastic with Bubble Barriers
Local Communities Taking Action to Clean Their Rivers
Citizens and local communities witnessed the plastic problem in their rivers and took matters into their own hands. Through their perseverance and outreach, they helped install a Bubble Barrier to...
6 Women Making an Impact on Our Ocean
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...
What Happened at the United Nations Ocean Conference
This year, the United Nations Ocean Conference took place from 9 to 13 June in Nice, France, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries to accelerate global action on ocean...
How Bubble Barriers Contribute to Achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Plastic pollution is a global challenge affecting our rivers, oceans, and the ecosystems that depend on them.[1] At The Great Bubble Barrier, we’ve created an innovative, nature-based solution to...
What are Microplastics? The Great Bubble Barrier
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...
Our Take on the UN Ocean Conference 2022
The UN Ocean Conference took place from 27th June to 1st July in Lisbon, Portugal under the theme: “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of SDG 14: Life...
Bubble Barrier Harlingen catches plastic before it flows into the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
APRIL 18, 2024, HARLINGEN - This UNESCO World Heritage Day, we celebrate the implementation of Bubble Barrier Harlingen – the first Bubble Barrier to stop plastic pollution from flowing into the...
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam Captures Over 1 Million Pieces of Plastic
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam Captures Over 1 Million Pieces of Plastic – A Milestone for Cleaner Waterways
Amsterdam, 20 August 2025 – Since its launch in 2019, Bubble Barrier Amsterdam has successfully intercepted more than 1,000,000 pieces of plastic from the city’s waterways, marking a major milestone...
United Nations 2023 Water un water conference in New York, main takeaways
Our Main Take-Away From the UN 2023 Water Conference
The United Nations 2023 Water Conference took place from 22-24 March in New York focusing mainly on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All. A historical event, as it was the first UN Water...