A disturbing mystery that baffled Sydney’s beachgoers last month has been solved – and the revelation is as unpleasant as it is perplexing. The black balls that washed up on iconic beaches, including Bondi Beach, were not tar or oil as initially suspected, but mini “fatbergs,” made up of a disturbing mix of human feces, methamphetamine, human hair, fatty acids, and food waste.
In October 2024, the discovery of these foul-smelling black spheres prompted the closure of seven beaches in Sydney as authorities worked to figure out their origin. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was quick to warn residents against touching or swimming near the mysterious balls after they were spotted along the coastline.
A team of scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has since conducted extensive testing, revealing the balls’ revolting contents. “They smell absolutely disgusting, they smell worse than anything you’ve ever smelt,” said Associate Professor Jon Beves, the lead investigator.
Initially, experts believed the balls were made from unrefined oil, possibly from an oil spill. But further analysis uncovered a far more grotesque reality: the black balls were mini fatbergs, congealed masses of fats, oils, and other debris typically found in sewer systems. These “waterlogged fatbergs” are believed to have been dumped into the water, a stark reminder of the ongoing pollution problems along Sydney’s coastline.
Fatbergs, which are notorious for causing massive blockages in sewers, come in various shapes and sizes. A particularly large 330-ton fatberg in Birmingham, UK, famously caused significant sewage disruptions in 2021. However, the Sydney fatbergs have taken an even more alarming form, as their contents include not only waste and oils but also recreational drugs and medication.
The exact source of these fatbergs remains unclear, but experts suggest they may have originated from a source releasing mixed waste, such as a shipping spill or wastewater outflow. Despite extensive testing, the full origin of the fatbergs has not been confirmed, leaving a lingering mystery that highlights the environmental challenges faced by coastal cities like Sydney.
Source: Swifteradio.com
