Neptune balls: Nature’s secret weapon against ocean plastic
Strolling along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, one might easily encounter small, hairy balls that resemble tiny coconuts. The truth may be quite surprising for those who see them as litter cluttering the beach. These mysterious formations play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Research results published in the prestigious journal "Scientific Reports" have provided evidence that Neptune Balls, formed by seagrasses, effectively capture plastic waste and help remove it from the aquatic ecosystem. This process occurs naturally, as fragments of plastic become trapped in tufts of seagrass and then, along with the formed balls, are washed ashore.
Research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Barcelona, led by marine biologist Anna Sanchez-Vidal, confirms that Neptune Balls can reduce plastic in the marine environment.
We have demonstrated that plastic debris on the seabed can become trapped in seagrass remains and ultimately exit the marine environment through deposition on the shore, explained Sanchez-Vidal in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The scale of marine pollution is alarming
Plastic pollution poses a huge threat to marine organisms. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, up to 80% of waste in the seas is plastic.
To investigate the potential of seagrasses in removing this type of pollution, Spanish scientists analysed 42 samples of seagrass collected from four beaches on Mallorca in the years 2018 and 2019. The results were surprising – half of the samples contained over 600 pieces of plastic.
867 million pieces of plastic captured by Neptune Balls
Although not all Neptune Balls serve a "cleaning" function, those that do can capture massive amounts of plastic. It is estimated that seagrasses can, in a year, trap approximately 867 million fragments of plastic waste. This is an impressive number considering the scale of the ocean pollution problem. Moreover, these balls have other benefits – they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen while also serving as habitats for many marine species.
Neptune Balls mainly occur in the Mediterranean region, so they can be found on beaches in Spain, Greece, or Italy. Thanks to them, nature fights against plastic in a natural and efficient way, though for many, they remain unknown.
Sometimes, what initially seems like unwanted litter becomes one of the most important allies in the fight for the cleanliness of our seas and oceans.
