The liquid flow in proximity of bubbles is studied experimentally by using the time-resolved particle image velocimetry and high-speed flow visualizations. The measured velocity field will be treated in order to get information on the forces acting on bubbles in different flow situations. The calculation and analysis of the viscous dissipation and inertia of liquid in motion will be performed for various situations both in pure liquids and in surfactant solutions. The results will enlarge the knowledge of bubble flow dynamics, required to improve computational models used for the prediction of macroscopic two-phase flows.