Mystery surrounding black balls on Sydney beaches partially solved: tests provide clarity

sydney - Sydney beaches reopened for swimmers after 2,000 black balls washed ashore last week, initial concerns about toxicity proven wrong.

Sydney beaches reopened for swimmers on Saturday after around 2,000 black balls washed ashore last week, initially sparking speculation over their composition. There were concerns they might be highly toxic. However, tests have revealed that they are made of fatty acids and chemicals resembling those in cosmetics and cleaning products, mixed with fuel oil.

Iconic Bondi Beach was among the beaches closed after the balls, some as large as golf balls, ended up on the shores of the Australian city. Authorities in Sydney stated on Saturday that the balls, which continued to wash ashore in smaller amounts on Friday as well, are not harmful to public health when lying in the sand. Experts did warn people against touching the balls.

Tests in Sydney's laboratories are ongoing to determine the origin of the black balls. "It remains a bit of a mystery, and it may take a few more days before the source is identified," said Stephen Beaman, director of the Australian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).