SILENT POLLUTION
Art-Science Research on Underwater Acoustic Ecology
PROJECT TYPE
Art-Science Research
ARTISTS
Vanane Borian, Meyer Gal (Zero Phase)
START DATE
2025
RESEARCH FIELD
Environmental Science, Acoustic Ecology
STATUS
Phase 1 - In progress/Phase 2 - Planned
LOCATION
Lake Sevan, Armenia
01 — THE CONCEPT
Making Invisible Environmental Destruction Audible
Silent Pollution is an art science project examining underwater acoustic pollution in freshwater and marine environments. Using calibrated hydrophone recordings, spectral analysis, and immersive audio installation, the project makes audible the human generated noise that is destabilizing aquatic ecosystems. It transforms invisible environmental destruction into direct human perception through immersive audio installation.
02 — THE RESEARCH
Scientific Methodology & Field Investigation
BIOACOUSTIC DOCUMENTATION
High fidelity recording of endemic fish vocalizations and ecosystem acoustic signatures. Create comprehensive catalog of natural underwater soundscape across seasons.
ACOUSTIC POLLUTION COMPARISON
Simultaneous recording during peak shipping vs. quiet periods. Spectral analysis showing frequency masking and decibel increase. Quantify acoustic pollution impact.
TEMPORAL ANALYSIS
Multi season comparison of same recording sites. Document seasonal acoustic variations. Identify ecosystem health indicators through acoustic signatures.
03 — THE PROCESS
From Field Data to Immersive Experience
We deployed hydrophones at different depths and locations across Lake Sevan, recording continuously through multiple seasons to capture the full acoustic environment. Each recording session documented natural underwater sounds—fish vocalizations, water movement, seasonal biological activity—alongside human-generated noise from shipping, fishing vessels, and hydroelectric infrastructure.
"We do not learn that acoustic pollution affects fish through statistics. We learn it by listening to Lake Sevan's living sounds destroyed by human noise. Understanding becomes immediate and visceral."
04 — THE INSTALLATION
Immersive Audio Environment
Silent Pollution is conceived as an immersive listening environment where audiences experience underwater acoustic ecosystems with both scientific clarity and emotional depth. Spectrograms, frequency bands, and ecological datasets appear as subtle ambient projections, providing context while keeping the sonic experience central. The installation unifies sound, light, and data to reveal an acoustic world normally inaccessible to human perception.
05 — IMPACT & OUTCOMES
SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION
First comprehensive acoustic ecology dataset for Lake Sevan. Addresses research gap in freshwater acoustic pollution
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Transform invisible crisis into perceptible experience. Audiences understand acoustic pollution as direct threat, not abstract concept
CONSERVATION ADVOCACY
Evidence base for acoustic habitat protection legislation. Demonstrate endangered species require acoustic protection
ART-SCIENCE MODEL
Replicable model showing how artistic methodology combined with scientific rigor reveals environmental truths