Scientists will continue River Tyne nurdle spillage research for a year, tracking pellets and wildlife effects
A year of funded research
The National Environment Research Council (NERC) is funding research into the spillage’s effects on the River Tyne and the coast. Scientists and experts from Newcastle University and the University of Liverpool are leading the work.
The spill followed a collision between ships at the Port of Tyne on 19 July, releasing tonnes of microplastics. Researchers plan to study the effects on seabirds and marine life over the coming year.
Checking seabirds for nurdles
For six weeks, researchers have carried out necropsies on dead seabirds at the Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats, North Tyneside. The current phase involves rinsing stomachs to check whether nurdles are present.
The work was prompted by concerns that birds could mistake the pellets for food and fill their stomachs, potentially leaving them unable to feed properly. Dan Turner, from the North East Bird Survey Group, has been rinsing the birds’ stomachs.
Tracking pellets and public help
The research will also map the movement of the plastic pellets. Dr Geoffrey Abbott, a reader in geochemistry at Newcastle University, said the team hoped to visit Denmark to establish whether pellets found there came from the Port of Tyne spill.
Members of the public are being asked to keep sending pictures of nurdles to support the research. Volunteers across North and South Tyneside have also been helping clean nurdles from beaches.
Key points
- NERC funding will support research into the spill’s effects for the next year.
- Tonnes of microplastics entered the River Tyne after a 19 July ship collision.
- Researchers are checking seabird stomachs for nurdles and mapping pellet movements.
- The public is asked to send nurdle pictures to help the research.