Chemist Identifies Mystery 'Blobs' Washing Up in Newfoundland
A chemist identified mysterious blobs on Placentia Bay as likely synthetic rubber and PVA. Investigations are ongoing, raising concerns about their impact on marine life and origins related to ocean pollution.
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A chemist from Memorial University of Newfoundland has identified mysterious blobs washing up on the shores of Placentia Bay, which have been reported since September. The blobs, described as white, sticky, and spongy, range in size from a coin to a dinner plate. Initial investigations by Canada’s environmental agency are ongoing, but they have not yet released findings. Dr. Chris Kozak, who conducted his own analysis, detected a petrochemical odor and ruled out natural sources. His tests indicated the blobs are likely a mixture of synthetic rubber and polyvinyl acetate (PVA), commonly found in industrial adhesives. While Dr. Kozak believes the material is safe to handle, concerns remain about its potential impact on marine life, as it could be mistaken for food. The origin of the blobs is still unknown, with possibilities ranging from local industrial activities to distant sources carried by ocean currents. The incident highlights the broader issue of ocean pollution, which can manifest in less recognizable forms than typical plastic debris. Further research is needed to determine the blobs' origins and potential environmental risks.
- Chemist identifies blobs as likely synthetic rubber and PVA mixture.
- Ongoing investigations by Canada’s environmental agency have not concluded.
- Concerns raised about the impact of the blobs on marine life.
- The origin of the blobs remains uncertain, with potential local and distant sources.
- Incident underscores the complexity of ocean pollution beyond visible debris.
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- Several commenters speculate on the composition of the blobs, with mentions of PVA rubber and industrial adhesives.
- There are comparisons made to similar phenomena in other locations, such as Australia.
- Some users express disappointment that the article did not provide more clarity on the origins of the blobs.
- Humor and cultural references are present, with mentions of unusual place names and video games.
- Concerns about environmental impacts and the mystery surrounding the blobs are highlighted.
12 commentsFor a moment I misread that as washing up on Placenta Bay, which would have added a whole extra level of odd.
Come to think of it, that blend of unsettling reproductive metaphors and coastal desolation would fit in the game Death Stranding.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakville,_Washington#Oakville_...
> I’m quite confident that the sample that I handled was PVA butylene rubber,” [Dr. Kozak] said in a phone interview, describing a mix of synthetic rubber and polyvinyl acetate, known as PVA. That polymer, he said, is “the active ingredient in white glue — the kind of white glue you have at home is a very dilute, kid-friendly version of this stuff.”
> Globs of the white sticky substance, which have a spongy interior and range in size from a coin to a dinner plate, have been found for miles along Placentia Bay since at least September
> Dr. Kozak said that one of the first things he noticed was that the blob had “a kind of petrochemical odor to it, kind of like if you walk down the turpentine aisle of your hardware store.”
We have some very unusual community names. Come by chance, Goobies, Cow Head, Grannies Hole, Blow me Down, Spread Eagle, and of course the famous Dildo.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-07/what-were-black-balls...
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