Year-long study to research impact of nurdle spill

A team of experts from Newcastle University and the University of Liverpool has commenced a year-long research project to assess the environmental impact of plastic pellets, known as nurdles. The initiative is being supported by various regional groups, including the Environment Agency, Tyne Rivers Trust, and Groundwork North East and Cumbria.

Researchers plan to track the movement of the pellets, which have already been discovered on beaches throughout Tyneside, Wearside, and Teesside. There is evidence to suggest the plastic may have drifted as far as the coast of Denmark.

Dr Geoffrey Abbott, a reader in geochemistry at Newcastle University, said: "We hope to visit Denmark to determine if the pellets found are the nurdles from the Port of Tyne spill." He added: "There have been cases where they can travel great distances, for instance a spill in South Africa led to nurdles washing up in Perth, Australia, in no time at all."

Members of the public are encouraged to assist the study by continuing to submit photographs of any nurdles they encounter.