This book written by a multidisciplinary team of authors comprising scientists artists and
communicators explores one of the most pressing issues of our time - the menace plastics pose
to marine environments and organisms. It takes readers on a journey that begins on the beaches
of Galicia where the beach litter formed the starting point for an exhibition that combines
art and science to alert the audience to the urgent need for action. The journey culminates
with a short plastic story which reveals a disturbing vision of the future significance of
plastics for humans and an example of how comics can deliver information to a younger
audience. Along the way there is plenty of fascinating science such as insights into the
impacts of plastics and microplastics the new marine ecosystem known as the plastisphere and
the current status of the oceans from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. The book also explores
the historical developments sustainable solutions including the use of circular economy
methodologies and protective measures like those being tried in China and the Far East.
Lastly it describes the role played by rivers as transport vectors for plastic with special
reference to the Danube and to complete the picture since most of the plastic is of
terrestrial origin it investigates problems related to microplastics in soils.
