Since the beginning of the 2000’s, thousands of biomedia have been found on Europe’s coastlines. To fight against this new type of plastic pollution, Surfrider Europe has implemented a system of observation to follow their circulation in nature. After more of 10 years of investigation, malfunctioning WTPs (Water Treatment Plants) have been identified as a primary culprit. Here we present the results of our investigation on the origins of this curious pollution.
ESSENTIAL ON-SITE OBSERVATIONS
When walking on the beach or along the banks of the river, you may have asked yourself, “What were those mysterious plastic washers? Trivial Pursuit Camemberts? Italian Pasta? The little plastic sizing circles found on clothing hangers?
Francois Verdet, volunteer at Surfrider Foundation Europe, asked himself the same question in 2007 when he noticed them for the first time on the beaches of the Basque coast.
ENOUGH ELEMENTS FOR SURFRIDER TO INVESTIGATE
With the proliferation of biomedia pollution observed in Europe, more specifically in France, Surfrider Europe has initiated a large-scale investigation.
BUT THE WORK DOESN’T STOP HERE
Thanks to the numerous testimonies of our volunteers on the ground and the organization of an extensive observation network, Surfrider has derived a thorough understanding of this once mysterious pollution.
To contribute to our ongoing investigation, share your testimony with us if you witness biomedia pollution on your local beaches or riverbanks! Each reported case is treated as a new piece to the puzzle and helps us construct a broad map of the problem.
