Person in a hoodie and headphones looking at their phone by the water's edge on a calm day

SILENT POLLUTION

Art-Science Research on Underwater Acoustic Ecology

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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

Spectrogram showing baseline ambient sound of Lake Sevan during winter, with time on the x-axis, frequency on the y-axis, and sound levels in decibels.

BIOACOUSTIC DOCUMENTATION

High fidelity recording of endemic fish vocalizations and ecosystem acoustic signatures. Create comprehensive catalog of natural underwater soundscape across seasons.

Pie chart showing sources of acoustic pollution at Lake Sevan, divided into shipping (58%), recreational boats (23%), industrial hydroelectricity (12%), others such as wildlife and weather (7%).

ACOUSTIC POLLUTION COMPARISON

Simultaneous recording during peak shipping vs. quiet periods. Spectral analysis showing frequency masking and decibel increase. Quantify acoustic pollution impact.

Bar chart titled 'Seasonal Acoustic Variation Lake Sevan Annual Cycle' showing two data series: Ambient SPL in decibels and Shipping Activity in percentage, across four seasons—Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Ambient SPL is highest in summer and autumn, while shipping activity is highest in summer and lowest in winter.

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.

View of a rocky beach with a hose leading into the water, and calm ocean waves in the distance.
A black and white photo of a person holding a portable audio recorder while standing near a calm body of water with the sun reflecting on the surface.

"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

Line drawing of a microscope.

SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION

First comprehensive acoustic ecology dataset for Lake Sevan. Addresses research gap in freshwater acoustic pollution

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PUBLIC AWARENESS

Transform invisible crisis into perceptible experience. Audiences understand acoustic pollution as direct threat, not abstract concept

Outline of a shield with a checkmark inside, representing security or protection.

CONSERVATION ADVOCACY

Evidence base for acoustic habitat protection legislation. Demonstrate endangered species require acoustic protection

A black background image featuring faint outlines of a square and a circle, overlapping slightly in the center.

ART-SCIENCE MODEL

Replicable model showing how artistic methodology combined with scientific rigor reveals environmental truths