The sea returns plastic to the shore

In the Mediterranean Sea, Posidonia oceanica seagrass collects plastic waste and forms spherical fibres called “Neptune balls”. They wash up on the shore under the influence of waves and wind.

The seagrass slows down the water flow, traps sediments, and gathers plastic fragments as well. Scientists say hundreds of millions of plastic pieces accumulate this way every year.

In Spain, research has found that some Neptune balls contained hundreds or even thousands of plastic pieces. Experts call this “the sea returning the discarded waste to us”.

But scientists emphasize that this process does not solve the problem. They believe the main solution is to reduce plastic production and prevent it from reaching the seas.

Oqiljon Muhammad

Editor of «ZAMIN.UZ»