Nurdle (bead)

[1][2] These microplastics are made primarily from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and other plastics or synthetic resins.

[7] As nurdles stay out in the world they continue to break down and get even smaller than previously recorded.

Nurdles can adsorb toxins and other harmful chemicals, known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), that can be eaten by fish, which can poison them or get caught for human consumption.

[7] Nurdles that wash up along waterbodies and along railroad tracks are monitored using citizen science programs.

In the United States, community members can monitor nurdles using methods outlined at www.nurdlepatrol.org.