Sydney Beaches Spark Health Concerns Over Mysterious Contaminated Balls

Tue Jul 29 2025 06:48:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Sydney Beaches Spark Health Concerns Over Mysterious Contaminated Balls

Multiple Sydney beaches are shut down following the discovery of hazardous debris containing bacteria.


Authorities in Sydney are grappling with a resurgence of mysterious marble-sized balls washed ashore, now confirmed to contain harmful bacteria, resulting in the temporary closure of nine popular beaches.


The Northern Beaches of Sydney have become the center of a health scare as the recent discovery of marble-sized balls on the sand has led to closures of nine beaches due to contamination concerns. Following an analysis, it has been determined that these peculiar debris contain saturated fatty acids, E. coli, and other faecal bacteria.

As of January 14, beaches such as Manly and Dee Why were closed after the balls started appearing, reminiscent of a previous incident in October when hundreds of dark blobs led to another closure and a significant cleanup effort. In light of these findings, the Northern Beaches Council has sent samples to the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for comprehensive evaluation.

The local council has advised residents and visitors to refrain from touching the balls and to report any sightings to authority figures. In addition to the harmful components, the new findings also revealed that the balls contained volcanic rock pumice.

Northern Beaches mayor, Sue Heins, expressed hope that the EPA will pinpoint the debris's source, allowing preventative measures to be implemented to safeguard other beaches. While prior incidents were misidentified as “tar balls,” investigations showed a mixture of harmful substances, including cooking oil, soap scum, pesticides, and even veterinary medication. Scientists noted that these shapes could be likened to "fatbergs," waste accumulation often seen in sewage systems.

Despite concerns, Sydney Water reports no abnormalities in its water treatment facilities and has stated that there are no current issues impacting waste management across the city.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:53:42 GMT

The Lingering Shadows of the X-Press Pearl Disaster: An Environmental Crisis Unfolding

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:53:42 GMT
Sat, 26 Jul 2025 18:54:51 GMT

**Canadian Wildfires Result in Air Quality Alerts Across New York**

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 18:54:51 GMT
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:25:24 GMT

### Unprecedented Coral Bleaching Crisis Hits Australia's Ningaloo Reef

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:25:24 GMT
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:26:45 GMT

"Ningaloo Reef Faces Unprecedented Threat from Marine Heatwave"

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:26:45 GMT
Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:08:17 GMT

Australia's Toxic Algae Bloom Declared 'Natural Disaster' by Premier

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:08:17 GMT
Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:52:37 GMT

Australia's Toxic Algal Bloom Declared Natural Disaster by State Premier

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:52:37 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:27:51 GMT

North America Faces Air Quality Crisis Amid Ongoing Wildfires

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:27:51 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:39:37 GMT

Environmental Fallout: Myanmar's Rare Earth Mining Crisis Affects Thailand's Waterways**

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:39:37 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:52:50 GMT

**Confidence Boost for EU Chief: von der Leyen Survives Vote from Far-Right Faction**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:52:50 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:32:09 GMT

Rare Earth Revolution: Europe's Path to Independence

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:32:09 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:23:31 GMT

Rare Earths Awakening: A Path Beyond China

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:23:31 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 21:37:28 GMT

Paris Welcomes Swimmers Back to the Seine After a Century's Hiatus

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 21:37:28 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:42:16 GMT

**Seine's Revival: Paris Embraces Open Swimming Once More**

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:42:16 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 08:10:48 GMT

Swimming Allowed Again in Seine as Paris Prepares for Olympic Games

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 08:10:48 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:57:21 GMT

Malaysia Declares "No More" to U.S. Plastic Waste: A Groundbreaking Move in Global Recycling Efforts

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:57:21 GMT
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:22:29 GMT

**Europe Faces Deadly Heatwave as Wildfires Rage and Records Shatter**

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 08:22:29 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:02:38 GMT

Tuvaluans Rush for Climate Visas as Rising Seas Loom

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 01:02:38 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:00:19 GMT

Mexico Scrutinizes SpaceX After Rocket Debris Linked to Environmental Damages

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:00:19 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:10:28 GMT

Republican Proposal to End Fuel Economy Penalties Raises Environmental Concerns

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:10:28 GMT
Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:24:06 GMT

Cooking Oils That Help the Climate: A Guide for Conscious Consumers

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:24:06 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.