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Seagrass Spheres Trap Plastic Pollution in the Mediterranean
3 Sep
Summary
- Curious balls washing up on Mediterranean shores are actually seagrass bundles
- Seagrass collects plastic waste as it forms these 'Neptune balls'
- Plastic pollution, including microplastics, is being removed from the sea
As of 2025-09-05T06:51:30+00:00, curious balls washing up on Mediterranean shores have been puzzling locals and tourists alike. These spherical objects, dubbed 'Neptune balls', are not fallen coconuts or curled-up animals, but rather compact bundles of a seagrass species called Posidonia oceanica.
This seagrass, endemic to the Mediterranean, has been playing an unexpected role in addressing the region's plastic pollution crisis. As the plant's leaves detach and gather together underwater, they form loose spheres that collect plastic waste, including food packaging, carrier bags, twine, and even microplastics. These 'Neptune balls' then wash up on beaches, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's plastic obsession.
According to researchers, the shape and arrangement of the Posidonia oceanica underwater acts as an effective filter, trapping plastic debris that has entered the coastal waters. This ingenious natural process is effectively removing plastic from the sea and returning it to land, where it can be properly addressed and disposed of.
