A collection of sticky, black balls washed ashore on Coogee Beach in mid-October, later found to contain a mix of human and industrial waste, prompting concerns about pollution along Sydney’s beaches.
Initial reports had suggested the black balls were likely “tar balls” from an oil spill, leading to health warnings and beach closures across multiple popular swimming spots, including Coogee, Bondi, and Maroubra.
However, a team of scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) conducted further analysis and discovered that the balls contained a range of surprising and unpleasant materials, inconsistent with the composition of the oil spill.
Unexpected and Alarming Composition
The findings, made through a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and other techniques, revealed that the balls contained an unusual blend of human-made pollutants. The composition included fatty acids, cooking oils, soap scum, traces of human faecal matter, and chemicals commonly found in household and industrial products, like PFAS, a “forever chemical” often used in manufacturing. Among other unexpected elements, the team detected antihypertensive medications, pesticides, and even traces of recreational drugs such as methamphetamine and THC.
According to UNSW scientists, the mix of fats, oils, and calcium in these balls aligns with a “fatberg,” a congealed mass of waste materials that typically forms in sewer systems. This indicates that the balls likely originated from sewage or urban runoff sources. Researchers added that the strong, unpleasant smell and high concentrations of waste substances make it unsafe to swim near the balls.
Environmental Impact and Concerns for Sydney’s Beaches
While the scientists confirmed that the balls do not resemble typical tar balls from oil spills, they have not yet identified the specific source of the waste or how it reached Coogee Beach and other locations. This discovery highlights a larger pollution issue along Sydney’s coastline, as multiple beaches face contamination risks, especially after heavy rains.
A recent report shows that around 28 per cent of monitored swimming sites in New South Wales experience pollution, which can often lead to poor water quality ratings. Local beaches such as Gymea Bay, Malabar Beach, and Frenchmans Bay frequently receive advisories against swimming due to contamination from human waste.
Ongoing Investigation and Environmental Monitoring
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has conducted its own investigations alongside UNSW to monitor the situation. Despite the extensive testing, the origin of the balls remains a mystery. Scientists have emphasised the importance of identifying pollution sources to prevent similar incidents in the future and underscore the need for thorough environmental monitoring to address the issue of urban waste affecting Sydney’s coasts.
Published 8-Nov-2024
