Yamuna to get bubble curtain

Context

Geocycle, the global waste management arm of Lafarge Holcim will implement the innovative ‘bubble curtain’ technology for the first time in India to stop plastic from entering the Yamuna river.

What is Bubble Curtain technology?

• A bubble curtain is a non-invasive solution to stop plastic from entering the oceans.
• The bubble screen is created by a specially designed air tube which is placed diagonally on the bed of the canal or river.
• The bubble barrier is generated by using compressed air passing through tubes. These tubes are connected with a compressor that is powered by renewable solar energy.
• The aeration in the canal increases dissolved oxygen levels in the wastewater/stormwater that leads to an overall improvement in the water quality.
• It brings waste to the surface and channels the plastic onto the banks where it is extracted.
• Ships and fish can pass through the air bubbles, but plastics will be stopped.

About the Project

• Geocycle, under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) India’s “Air Pollution Control Action Plan", has partnered with Agra Municipal Corporation and GIZ India with Canadian Pond as a technology provider.
• It is working towards the mission of making Agra plastic-free.
• The Mantola canal has been selected for this unique project as it carries 40% of Agra city’s wastewater.
• The plastic waste extracted from the canal will be taken to a Municipal Solid Waste treatment and Materials Recovery Facility.
• The recyclable plastics will be sent to recycling facilities.

Some other methods for river clean-up projects

• landfilling
• incineration