WEBAP - Wave Energized Baltic Aeration Pump

Recent studies show that coastal regions suffering from oxygen depletion - hypoxia - have increased dramatically since the 1960s. Oxygen-depleted areas are known as ‘dead zones’ and exist in more than 400 aquatic systems worldwide - of which one is the Baltic Sea. Recent research suggests that a new technology called the Wave Energized Baltic Aeration Pump (WEBAP) could be a technically, economically and ecological suitable solution. This project aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using a wave-powered device  for the aeration of coastal zones and open seas suffering oxygen depletion. The pump exclusively uses the natural resources of oxygen-rich surface water and wave energy to improve the oxygen situation in hypoxic bottom water layers by enhanced ventilation and mixing. It will prepare and assemble a WEBAP prototype, including fine-tuning of the system to the local conditions. The system will be demonstrated through tests at two complementary sites in the Baltic Sea: one to show its effects on hypoxic bottom water layers; and another in the real environment. The implementation of these pumps is expected to improve the ecological status in coastal areas and open seas significantly, increasing oxygen levels in hypoxic deep-water layers to at least 2 mg/l.