Sydney: Faeces and bacteria found in mystery balls on beaches

The mysterious spheres that forced the closure of several Sydney beaches last week have been found to contain saturated acid, E. coli, and fecal bacteria, according to authorities' tests. These findings have sparked widespread public concern and prompted further investigation by relevant departments.

The Northern Beaches Council stated that it has sent the debris to the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for in-depth analysis. Previously, on January 14th, nine beaches, including popular spots like Manly and Dee Why, were closed due to the appearance of marble-sized spheres. This incident occurred after thousands of black spots began appearing along the city's coastline last October, which also led to the closure of some famous beaches for several days and a large-scale cleanup.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Northern Beaches Council said it had cleared the latest batch of spheres from harbor beaches this week. The council urged anyone who finds these spheres not to touch them and to contact the authorities immediately. In addition to acid and bacteria, the spheres also contain volcanic pumice. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she hopes the EPA's analysis will "determine the source so they can stop this happening on other beaches."

Mayor Heins also emphasized, "We are continuing to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the community to report any findings." The first batch of debris last October was initially misidentified as "tar balls," but was later found to contain a variety of substances ranging from edible oil and soap scum molecules to blood pressure medications, pesticides, hair, methamphetamine, and veterinary drugs. Scientists have stated that they are similar to fat, oil, and grease spots, commonly known as "fatbergs," which usually form in sewage systems.

However, Sydney Water has reported that its water treatment plants are operating normally and that there are no known issues with the city's waste disposal system. This makes the source of the mysterious spheres even more puzzling, further exacerbating public concerns. Relevant departments are working to find the exact source of these pollutants in order to prevent similar incidents from happening again.