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UK Spill Linked to Danish Nurdle Invasion
23 Oct
Summary
- Danish nurdles likely originated from north-east England spill.
- Tests confirm microplastics match one billion spilled in River Tyne.
- Pellets found along Danish coast in late September and early October.
Microplastic pellets, referred to as nurdles, found along the Danish coast are now believed to have originated from a significant spill in north-east England.
The Danish Environment Protection Agency has confirmed that tests on the plastic pellets discovered in September match those from the August spill in the River Tyne.
These nurdles possess the same characteristics as the billion plastic pellets that were spilled in north-east England. Their appearance on Danish shores in late September and early October is consistent with prevailing North Sea circulation patterns.
Signe Simonsen, from Race for Oceans Technology, first observed the extensive nurdle pollution on the island of Mandø on September 26. She noted the sheer volume of white pellets, which she had not previously seen in the area.
Simonsen also collected nurdles from Sylt in Germany and ten other locations along the Danish coast, spanning areas at a similar latitude to Newcastle. She subsequently provided samples to the Danish Environment Protection Agency.
Collaborating with Aarhus University, the agency's analysis further supported the link, noting the absence of any other plausible spills that could account for the nurdles' presence. Nurdles from the same spill have also been found along the coastlines of Teesside and Durham in England, with approximately 28% recovered as of September.
