Nurdles, what are they?

Nurdles are often described as the building blocks for plastic items. They are also referred to as pre-production plastic pellets, mermaids’ tears and plastic beads, they are also similar in size and look to biobeads. Nurdles are lightweight primary microplastics that easily fall into our oceans and are incredibly hard to remove. They are made from non-renewable fossil fuels and pollute at every stage of their lifecycle. 

Recent data from the Seabin catches highlight the severity of the nurdle pollution problem. In 2024, 14,220 nurdles were counted in the Ocean Health Lab (OHL), accounting for only 13% of total Seabin catches. This number is much bigger when extrapolated, at 109,385 recovered in 2024. This shocking number underscores the global scale of nurdle pollution and the need for urgent action.

What does Science say about Nurdles?

A Tunnell et al., 2020 study looked at where nurdles were present in the Gulf of Mexico and, in one case, found 30,846 nurdles in 10 minutes; this site was situated in close proximity to nurdle manufacturing plants. This study helped to identify the source of nurdle pollution and has helped increase regulations in this area. It is important regulations increase as this has been a problem for many years; in 1992, a  U.S. EPA study called the Harbor Studies Program found 700,344 nurdles in the Houston Ship Channel, indicating nurdle pollution occurs at multiple stages along their transportation (Environmental Protection Agency, 1992). These nurdles are damaging as a problem in themselves and harbour nasty pathogens that affect both ecosystem function and biodiversity health. 

Biofilm is the name for the community of microorganisms that live on a surface area (Science Direct, n.d.). A study by Rodrigues et al., 2019, was conducted to look at the biofilm of nurdles; it found that all five public bathing beaches in the study contained nurdles with E. coli and Vibrio spp colonisation on the biofilm. Depending on the strain of E.coli, infection symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramping can range in intensity (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Vibrio ssp, depending on the strain and type of infection, can cause cholera, bloodstream infection and wound infection (U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Along with these pathogens, nurdles also contain toxic substances, which was observed in a study by Jiang et al., 2022. This study found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mercury in nurdles. This is disturbing as bioaccumulation through the food chain can lead to mercury poisoning in humans and other organisms. PAHs can also bioaccumulate and are harmful; they are referred to as possible carcinogens that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin and bronchial tubes. Very high levels may cause headaches, nausea, damage red blood cells, damage the liver and kidneys, and may even cause death and thus pose a significant danger to human health and the well-being of humans (Australian Government, n.d.). They also have moderate to high chronic (long-term) toxicity to aquatic life (Australian Government, n.d.). Skin, lungs, pancreas, esophagus, bladder, colon, and female breast are numerous organs prone to tumour development due to long-term PAH exposure. PAH exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD), including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, and myocardial infarction (MI) (Mallah et al., 2022). 

Why Does it Matter

Nurdles are primary microplastics that harm ecosystem health and significantly threaten biodiversity. Once in the environment, nurdles disrupt ecosystems by introducing persistent pollutants and pathogens that impact water quality and harm marine organisms. They threaten biodiversity as species that ingest or become exposed to these pellets suffer malnutrition, impaired growth, or mortality, contributing to declining populations. At the Seabin Foundation, we aim to raise awareness of these issues and encourage governments, businesses, and individuals to help regulate nurdles, ensuring better practices to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Three Branches of Nurdles

General Public

The public plays a crucial role in advocating for change by spreading awareness of the environmental hazards nurdles pose. By supporting nurdle clean-up efforts, making informed purchasing decisions, and calling for stricter regulations, individuals can contribute to protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Local Council/Government

Local councils and governments have the power to implement policies that regulate the handling, transportation, and containment of nurdles. These microplastics pose significant threats to local ecosystems and biodiversity as they easily escape into waterways, where they are nearly impossible to recover. Governments can introduce regulations that require industries to adopt best practices for managing plastic pellets, and they can also support community education programs to raise awareness of nurdle pollution.

Plastic Manufacturers and Transport Companies

Plastic manufacturers and transport companies are directly responsible for ensuring nurdles do not leak into the environment. Implementing strict containment measures, such as improved packaging, handling protocols, and spill prevention strategies, is essential to minimise environmental risks. By taking proactive steps to safeguard against nurdle spills, manufacturers and transporters can play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of plastic production and transport while also promoting a culture of accountability and sustainability within the industry.

The Need for Nurdle Regulation

We need stronger, more targeted measures to effectively regulate nurdles and prevent their harmful environmental impact. While current regulations in NSW, such as those under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, provide a foundation, they fall short of fully addressing the nurdle issue at its source.

Current Regulations and Limitations

At present, local councils are often the primary regulatory authority overseeing plastic feedstock, including nurdles. However, businesses that hold an Environment Protection Licence (EPL) or those involved in pollution incidents classified as emergencies come under the jurisdiction of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). This regulatory framework includes fines and penalties for pollution involving plastic nurdles:

For individuals, fines of up to $15,000 may be imposed if plastic feedstock causes pollution of land or water. For corporations, fines can reach $30,000 for the same offences.

If prosecuted in court, these penalties escalate significantly. Individuals may face fines of up to $500,000, while corporations could be fined up to $2,000,000, especially if the offence persists over time.

More severe penalties apply to offences that are committed wilfully or negligently and result in environmental harm.

The unlawful transport or storage of nurdles classified as “waste” (including discarded or surplus pellets) may also lead to fines or penalties under the act.

While these penalties serve as a deterrent, they often come into effect after a spill or incident has already occurred. The regulations primarily address the aftermath of pollution, not the prevention of nurdles escaping into the environment.

Why Existing Regulations Aren’t Enough

Nurdles are classified as primary microplastics, meaning they are produced intentionally in a small form, making them inherently difficult to contain. Once these pellets escape into the environment—whether during manufacturing, transport, or handling—they are nearly impossible to clean up due to their size and ease of spreading. The current regulatory framework does not provide strict enough oversight at every stage of the nurdle lifecycle, particularly within plastic manufacturing plants, transport, and storage facilities. The sporadic application of fines and penalties only after pollution has been detected leaves too much room for accidents and mishandling. There is also limited proactive regulation on how nurdles should be contained, handled, and transported to prevent spills before they occur.

What Should Be Done?

To tackle the nurdle problem, we must shift focus from reactive to preventive action. Here are some key steps that could strengthen regulation and enforcement:

Mandatory Containment Protocols: Businesses dealing with nurdles should be legally required to implement stringent containment practices at every stage—during production, storage, and transport. This includes using secure packaging, spill-proof containers, and proper handling techniques to minimise the risk of spills.

Regular Audits and Compliance Checks: Routine inspections and audits by regulatory bodies like the EPA should be mandatory for all businesses that manufacture or transport nurdles. Compliance with containment measures should be rigorously monitored, with heavy penalties for any breaches.

Stronger Penalties for Non-Compliance: While existing fines can be substantial, there should be additional penalties specifically for failing to follow best practices for nurdle containment. This could include higher fines for repeat offenders and the threat of business license suspension for severe violations.

While the current regulations in NSW offer a starting point, it is clear that without more robust preventive measures, nurdles will continue to pollute our oceans and harm biodiversity. Stronger, proactive regulation is essential to stop nurdles from entering our environment in the first place. By enforcing stricter containment practices, increasing compliance checks, and pushing for better transparency, we can begin to address the growing nurdle problem before it’s too late.

A Call to Action

Nurdles might be small, but their impact on our oceans, wildlife, and health is enormous. These tiny plastic pellets are a significant source of pollution, threatening marine ecosystems and biodiversity. But the good news is, we can all play a part in tackling the nurdle problem. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Learn and Share

It all starts with awareness. Nurdles are primary microplastics—intentionally small plastic pellets used in manufacturing—that too often escape into the environment. Once released, they can carry harmful pollutants and toxins, posing risks to both marine life and humans. Take the time to learn about nurdles and how they affect our ecosystems, then share what you’ve learned with friends, family, and your community. The more people understand the issue, the bigger our collective impact can be.

Support Local Action

Local councils and governments are beginning to recognise nurdles’ dangers, and you can help push for stronger regulation. Advocate for policies that require better handling, transport, and containment of nurdles. Contact your local representatives, sign petitions, or support groups campaigning for change. Your voice matters, and together, we can encourage stricter rules to prevent nurdles from polluting our environment.

Choose Responsible Products

As consumers, we hold a lot of power. Look for companies that are transparent about their environmental practices and are committed to reducing nurdle spills. When businesses feel the pressure from consumers to adopt sustainable practices, they are more likely to improve how they handle and transport nurdles. Every purchase is a chance to make a positive impact, so choose brands that are trying to protect our planet.

Encourage Businesses to Act

If you’re part of a business that uses or transports plastic, now is the time to take responsibility. Implement strict containment practices and spill prevention strategies to stop nurdles from escaping into the environment. By being proactive, businesses can reduce their impact and become leaders in sustainability. Plus, growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices is a win-win!

Join Cleanup Efforts

While nurdles are hard to spot, they’re out there, causing damage to our waterways and wildlife. You can make a difference by joining beach or waterway cleanups, helping to remove these harmful pellets before they cause more harm. Cleanup efforts reduce pollution and raise awareness, inspiring others to get involved. Or better yet, organise your own local cleanup event and invite others to help protect your local environment.

Get Involved in Citizen Science

Citizen science projects like “Nurdle Patrol” empower everyday people to contribute to important research. By collecting and reporting nurdle sightings, you help scientists track where these pellets are coming from and how they’re spreading. This information is critical for shaping future regulations and industry practices. It’s a hands-on way to be part of the solution; anyone can get involved!

We all have a role to play in tackling the nurdle problem. Whether it’s spreading the word, supporting stronger regulations, or participating in local cleanups, your actions can help protect our oceans, wildlife, and even human health. Let’s come together and work towards creating a cleaner environment!

References

Australian Government. (n.d.). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. DCCEEW. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons

Day, J. K., Swadling, D. S., Huggett, M. J., & Gaston, T. F. (2024). First evidence of microplastic “nurdle” consumption by fish in south-eastern Australia. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103715

Environmental Protection Agency. (1992). The study of floatable debris in U.S. waters: (Harbor studies program), March 1989 through April 1991 : Final data report. https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/200050NR.TXT?ZyActionW=Download&Client=EPA&Index=1991+Thru+1994&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=3&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=pubnumber%5E%22842R92001%22&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=pubnumber&IntQFieldOp=1&ExtQFieldOp=1&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5Czyfiles%5CIndex%20Data%5C91thru94%5CTxt%5C00000003%5C200050NR.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=10&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=p%7Cf&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page

Jiang, X., Conner, N., Lu, K., Tunnell, J. W., & Liu, Z. (2022). Occurrence, distribution, and associated pollutants of plastic pellets (nurdles) in coastal areas of south Texas. Science of The Total Environment, 842, 156826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156826

Mallah, M. A., Changxing, L., Mallah, M. A., Noreen, S., Liu, Y., Saeed, M., Xi, H., Ahmed, B., Feng, F., Mirjat, A. A., Wang, W., Jabar, A., Naveed, M., Li, J., & Zhang, Q. (2022). 

Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 1). E. coli – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and its effects on human health: An overview. Chemosphere, 296, 133948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133948

Rodrigues, A., Oliver, D. M., McCarron, A., & Quilliam, R. S. (2019). Colonisation of plastic pellets (nurdles) by E. coli at public bathing beaches. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 139, 376-380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.011

Science Direct. (n.d.). Biofilms. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/biofilms#:~:text=A%20biofilm%20is%20defined%20as,matrix%20of%20primarily%20polysaccharide%20material

Tunnell, J. W., Dunning, K. H., Scheef, L. P., & Swanson, K. M. (2020). Measuring plastic pellet (nurdle) abundance on shorelines throughout the Gulf of Mexico using citizen scientists: Establishing a platform for policy-relevant research. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 151, 110794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110794

U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14). About vibrio infection. https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/about/index.html

How to get involved

There are many ways we can all contribute to the global effort for cleaner oceans! Contact us here to find out how you can get involved on our mission for cleaner oceans.

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