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Updated: May 31, 2026

Microfluidic Fabrication Techniques for High-Pressure Testing of Microscale Supercritical CO2 Foam Transport in Fractured Unconventional Reservoirs
Published on: July 2, 2020
Foam in the aquatic environment
Katerina Schilling1, Matthias Zessner
1Institute for Water Quality, Resources and Waste Management, The Centre for Water Resource Systems, Vienna University of Technology, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria. kschilling@iwag.tuwien.ac.at
Aquatic foams, often mistaken for pollution, frequently occur naturally in fresh and marine waters. This review explores foam formation, measurement, legal aspects, and its ecological significance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Water Quality
Background:
- Foams are common in aquatic environments (streams, rivers, lakes, sea water).
- Public perception often links foam to anthropogenic pollution due to its aesthetic impact.
- Foams can also originate naturally, even in pristine environments, challenging common assumptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide comprehensive information on aquatic foams in freshwater and marine ecosystems.
- To investigate the natural origins and ecological importance of aquatic foams.
- To review foam formation, measurement techniques, and legal considerations.
Main Methods:
- A thorough literature review was conducted.
- Basic principles of foam formation were considered.
- Methods for measuring foam formation were examined.
- Legal aspects concerning foam on surface waters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Foams are ubiquitous and can have natural origins, contrary to popular belief.
- The visibility of foam raises public concern, often misattributed to chemical pollution.
- The ecological role of foam in aquatic systems warrants further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Aquatic foams are a complex phenomenon with both natural and anthropogenic influences.
- Understanding foam formation and ecological significance is crucial for accurate environmental assessment.
- Further research is needed to differentiate natural from pollution-induced foams and their impacts.
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