Tiny plastic pellets, seemingly insignificant, may be triggering a massive ecological crisis. Each year, millions of tons of these pellets leak into the environment during production, transportation, and use, posing severe threats to aquatic ecosystems. Known as "nurdles" or "pre-production plastic pellets," these industrial materials are increasingly becoming a focal point of global environmental concern.
Plastic pellets, also called pre-production plastic granules, serve as raw materials for manufacturing various plastic products. These small granules, typically 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter, consist of polymers (about 90%) and chemical additives (about 10%). Global production reaches 300 to 400 million tons annually, with over 80% comprising six primary polymers: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Their distinct shapes and colors make them easily identifiable in environmental monitoring efforts.
Pellet leakage occurs throughout the supply chain—during production, packaging, transportation, conversion, and distribution. Packaging typically involves 25-kilogram bags on pallets, 500-1300 kg octagonal cardboard boxes (Octabins), 500-1000 kg flexible intermediate bulk containers (Big Bags), or storage in containers and silos. Transportation methods include road, rail, sea, and air—any mishandling can lead to spills.
During conversion, pellets enter thermal extruders or injection molding machines to create products. Improper handling during unloading, storage, mixing, drying, or loading can cause losses. Distributors purchasing pellets in bulk for resale to converters also risk leakage.
European Environment Agency Eunomia estimates 16,888 to 167,431 tons of pellets leaked in Europe during 2018 due to operational errors. These pellets enter aquatic ecosystems, becoming ubiquitous in coastal areas and rivers.
Accidents also cause major spills. In 2021, the MV X-Press Pearl cargo ship sank off Sri Lanka, releasing 11,000 tons of pellets and devastating local environments.
No international or European regulations specifically address pellet losses in supply chains. While some European countries have implemented measures, oversight remains inadequate.
Transport regulations classify most pellets as "non-hazardous," except for pre-expanded pellets (classified as "miscellaneous dangerous goods" due to flammable pentane emissions). This exempts them from strict international maritime conventions (MARPOL, HNS) regarding packaging, labeling, or documentation.
The International Maritime Organization has been urged to address this issue, but progress remains limited.
Pellets possess solid, persistent, insoluble, non-emulsifying, non-dispersing, non-volatile, non-biodegradable, and non-adhesive properties. Their low density keeps them afloat, enabling long-distance travel via water currents and wind—even across borders.
On land and beaches, wind, tides, and runoff spread pellets into waterways or trap them in vegetation. Foot traffic and natural forces may bury them dozens of centimeters deep in soft substrates.
Pellets threaten ecosystems in three primary ways:
While laboratory studies demonstrate these impacts, real-world socioeconomic data remains scarce. However, pellet pollution likely affects local economies through beach closures, fishing bans, aquaculture disruptions, and aesthetic degradation.
Four primary techniques address major pellet spills:
Cleanup efforts prove effective when observations exceed 150 pellets/m² (post-MV Rena, New Zealand), operators collect over 50g daily (post-MSC Susanna, South Africa), or over 500ml daily (post-Trans Carrier, Norway).
France's Ministry of Ecological Transition appointed Cedre to oversee national coastal and waterway litter monitoring, collaborating with 40+ partners. As the Center of Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution, Cedre provides technical solutions for pellet contamination.
Plastic pellet pollution presents a complex global challenge requiring coordinated action. Strengthening regulations, preventing leaks, improving cleanup technologies, and raising public awareness are essential to safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
Người liên hệ: Ms. Chen
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