Micro bubble curtains study: impact on sediment dispersal

This study outlines findings of using Bubble Curtains for effective sediment control.

Categories:

Aeration Bubble Curtains & Barriers Sound Attenuation

Here at Frog Environmental, we’re proud to work with world class suppliers to bring high performing water quality and pollution prevention products to the UK and Europe. You can download the findings of this research paper at the top of this page.

Research abstract

This report provides background information, applications, scientific literature and studies associated with using bubble curtains in different aquatic environments. Bubble curtains have been used as fish guidance tools, to limit underwater noise and to control floating litter and weeds.

A study has confirmed that Bubble Tubing® is also effective in impeding sediment dispersal in seawater under laboratory conditions. Bubble curtains could therefore have enormous applied potential in coastal and marine environments where human activity may impact on sediment dynamics.

This supplementary report focuses on these applications with particular reference to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) developments which are likely to become more widespread and advanced in the efforts to tackle climate change by displacing fossil fuel energy sources with renewables.

Bubble Tubing® releases micro-bubbles from bubble curtains. These are utilised for a range of environmental protection purposes including oxygenation, the muffling of sound, and they restrict the dispersal of suspended sediments. SEACAMS Swansea studied the effectiveness of bubble curtains in restricting sediment movement in seawater under laboratory conditions on behalf of Frog Environmental Ltd. A seawater tank was set up with up to 3 lines of Bubble Tubing® with sediments of various sizes inserted into the laminar water flow.

Settled sediments were collected on either side of the tubing. A single bubble curtain restricted on average 50% of sediment. Overall the study showed that 3 lines of Bubble Tubing® can impede up to 90% of silt dispersal. This suggests it could be a tool to limit sediment dispersion in coastal environments.