POLARIS project: testing plastic pellet containment/interception using a bubble barrier

As part of the POLARIS project, a new series of tests were organised at CEDRE’s facilities from 1 to 3 September.  In the event of a plastic pellet spill in an aquatic environment, containment and/or interception on the water is an operational response strategy designed to limit spread, protect sensitive areas and facilitate recovery.  In this context, a bubble barrier provided by CanadianPond was tested to assess the effectiveness of this technology on plastic pellets.  This work further consolidates operational knowledge on the barriers that can be deployed to respond to this type of pollution.  The results will provide additional input for the best practice sheets and practical guides developed for authorities and field operators as part of the POLARIS project.