00:00Scientists warn that rising river flows could flush 2.2 tonnes of plastic pellets down the
00:06River Tyne and towards the North Sea. The tiny pellets, known as nurdles, spilled after a
00:12collision between two vessels damaged shipping containers at the Port of Tyne. Newcastle
00:18University modelling suggests around one in eight remained in the estuary six weeks after the
00:24incident. Researchers say higher flows could move some of the material downstream and
00:29want authorities to consider ways to trap or to recover it. The Port of Tyne says it has
00:35taken responsibility for daily monitoring and for collection. South Tyneside Council
00:40says plans are in place to respond to any further movement.
