Scientists are BAFFLED by mysterious 'Neptune balls' on beaches

"Neptune balls are round, compact bundles of a seagrass species called Posidonia oceanica, which is found in the Mediterranean Sea. A common name for Posidonia oceanica is Neptune grass, which is why they are given the name 'Neptune balls'. Anchored to the seabed, the plant's leaves fall off and gather together like some kind of underwater tumbleweed, forming loose spheres."

"These spheres collect plastic as they form, including bits of food packaging, carrier bags, twine, bottle caps and much more. They finally wash up on the shore, where they act as a reminder to beach-dwellers of the scale of humanity's plastic obsession. In this way, the ingenious plant is effectively removing the plastic from the sea and returning it to where it came from."

Neptune balls are compact, often spherical bundles of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica that form on Mediterranean seabeds. Leaves detach and tangle into loose spheres anchored by rhizomes and debris, sometimes shaped like rugby balls. Swaying plants trap plastic, including microplastics, bits of packaging, carrier bags, twine and bottle caps, as the balls form. Storms often dislodge the balls and wash them ashore. Beach-stranded balls can contain sanitary towels, tampons and wet wipes flushed from toilets. The balls effectively collect and remove plastic from the ocean by returning trapped debris to coastal areas.

Read at Mail Online