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| Foam on the Banana River in Brevard County taken by Stel Bailey |
What is the foam that builds up along the river shoreline?
Natural Foam
Foam can form naturally when organic material (such as plants and leaves) decomposes in the water. The breakdown releases natural compounds that act a bit like soap, trapping air bubbles as wind and waves stir the water.
Signs of natural foam:
- Color & appearance: Light tan, brown, or off-white (not bright white).
- Smell: Earthy, fishy, or like freshly cut grass.
- Spread: Can cover large areas, often found along shorelines or floating downstream.
- Behavior: Dissipates fairly quickly, except when agitated by strong wind or rain.
Polluted Foam
Not all foam is natural. Sometimes it is caused by pollution entering the water, such as detergents, sewage, or industrial chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS foam is a particular concern because it can contain very high concentrations of harmful chemicals.
Signs of polluted foam:
- Color & appearance: Bright white, sticky, and often piles up like shaving cream.
- Smell: Perfumed, soapy, or chemical-like.
- Spread: Usually localized—often near a discharge pipe, spill site, or industrial area.
- Persistence: Can remain longer than natural foam and doesn’t break down as easily.
Common-Sense Clues to Watch For
If you see foam along a shoreline, ask yourself:
- Has there been a recent sewage spill or wastewater discharge?
- Are there pipes leading into the water where foam is building up?
- Is there industrial activity nearby (factories, refineries, airports, or military sites)?
- Does the foam smell like soap, chemicals, or perfume instead of earthy or fishy?
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” the foam is more likely to be pollution-related.
Health and Safety
Foam from pollution can contain harmful bacteria or toxic chemicals such as PFAS, which are used in firefighting foams, aerospace industries, and wastewater treatment. These can pose health risks to people and animals.
Safety tips:
- Do not swallow foamy water.
- Keep pets and children away from foam-covered areas.
- Report unusual foam to local environmental or water quality agencies.
Ongoing Research
To better understand the risks, researchers at the University of Florida are studying how flooding from hurricanes spreads PFAS through the environment. This project will help communities identify where pollution risks are greatest.
Learn more at: fight4zero.org/ufproject