Bubble curtain stops plastic litter and weeds whilst improving water quality

Merchant Square, London
Merchant Square, London

Managing the spread of aquatic weed and plastic waste can be a significant challenge in lakes, canals, and rivers.

Merchant Square, London, is an 11 acre, fully managed mixed use estate in London’s West End that is currently occupied by nearly 10,000 workers and residents. 

Providing a central feature of the lively mix of bars, restaurants and businesses is Paddington Basin, a short branch of the Regent’s Canal.

Keeping the water clear of plastic waste and problem plants like duckweed is a constant and expensive challenge.

Duckweed in particular is able to replicate at alarming rates completely covering the water, reducing oxygen levels and depleting biodiversity.

The weed can be unsightly too, trapping wind-blown litter and causing odour problems as it degrades.

A simple solution has been found in Bubble Curtains/Barriers.

Bubble Tubing® is a flexible linear aerator that sits on the bed and produces millions of micro-bubbles that rise all the way to the surface.

These bubble curtains prevent weeds and litter from moving from the canal into the Basin, whilst allowing the free movement of boats at all times. The aeration from the bubbles helps to improve water quality.

4 lines of Bubble Tubing have been deployed in Paddington Basin. Compressed air is fed to the Bubble Tubing® by a silenced compressor housed within a secure cabinet on the offside of the canal.

Bubble curtains have many uses including managing silt plumes, underwater noise & vibration attenuation and preventing silt and debris build up in front of marina entrances and lock gates.

Debris build up can easily damage lock gates and seals, which can lead to costly maintenance.

Bubble Tubing creates bubble curtains across the width of the canal. These prevent litter and duckweed moving from the Canal into the Basin, whilst allowing the free movement of boats at all times. This adds to the amenity value of this high profile development.

Bubble curtains are formed by millions of micro-bubbles of compressed air rising from a flexible linear aerator along the water bed.

Other advantages of using Bubble Tubing® include:
  • Bubble curtains create low maintenance and cost effective barriers
  • Bubble Tubing® comes with a 5-year warranty
  • Bubble curtains help improve water quality by adding oxygen
  • They have a low visual and acoustic impact with silenced compressors
  • They can reduce silt build up by allowing aerobic bacteria to digest organic components
  • Easy to deploy and re-position if required.

Frog Environmental are underwater noise, oil, silt control and water quality specialists working with contractors, regulators and consultants within construction, utilities, marine and coastal and public sector industries across the UK and Europe.

We provide innovative solutions with a range of market-leading, sustainable products designed for projects large or small, in oceans, rivers, lakes and ponds. Follow our news and updates, find out more about our products, or contact us for technical support.