Recently, tiny plastic pellets (nurdles) found on beaches in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala following the sinking of the container vessel MSC ELSA3.
About Nurdles:
These are small pre-formed masses of moulding material that have relatively uniform dimensions within a specific batch. These pellets are utilised as raw material in moulding and extrusion operations.
When in the form of microplastics, these pellets are commonly referred to as ‘nurdles’ and serve as the foundational material for manufacturing a wide range of plastic products.
They are classified as primary microplastics, these pellets and are between 1 mm to 5 mm in diameter. They constitute a major component in the global plastic chain.
Microplastic nurdles are mainly composed of polyethene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride.
These pellets are melted and moulded into various products, including packaging, water bottles, toys, and textiles.
Impact on Environment
These pellets remain a dangerous pollutant. Their short- and long-term impacts include habitat contamination and their breaking up into micro and nano plastics and entering the food chain.
They could have serious implications for the marine and coastal ecosystems and humans.
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