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Biomedia on the beaches an eye on water treatment plants

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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.

After several weeks of research, a part of the enigma was solved. It was biomedia, otherwise known as plastic washers used in water treatment plants.

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.

To put a stop to this pollution, a group of environmental experts has been working alongside our dedicated volunteers to understand the paradox of this pollution.
Why are these objects, which are supposed to help clean water, now becoming part of the pollution problem? Which WTPs use them? Why are they ending up in the oceans? How do we stop it?

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.

It is time to share your observations so that concrete measures can be taken. Surfrider Europe’s goal is to generate solutions, whether technical or regulatory, to put an end to biomedia pollution, and with your help, we are closer each day!