en.Wedoany.com Reported - A new global citizen science initiative has revealed widespread plastic pellet pollution in waterways across most of the United States and several other countries, indicating that the spread of microplastics in aquatic environments cannot be ignored.

The newly released 2026 International Nurdle Count Report shows that in May 2026, over a thousand volunteers surveyed 249 locations across 31 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries. At more than half of the survey sites, participants counted nearly 1 million plastic pellets, also known as nurdles.

Environment America Research & Policy Center, in partnership with Nurdle Patrol, organized this annual effort. The survey employs a standardized 10-minute counting method to assess the distribution of pre-production plastic pellets—the raw material for plastic products—in the environment. Organizers note that the results indicate plastic pellet pollution is no longer confined to industrial areas but is widespread across various waterways.

Data is concentrated around sites where pellets are manufactured, handled, or transported. The largest find was at the Victoria Barge Canal in Texas, where volunteers collected over 1 million pellets. The San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper alone recorded approximately 715,000 pellets at this location.

Environmental groups analyze that plastic pellets may enter waterways through leaks during production and transport, as well as through compliant industrial wastewater discharges. Once in the environment, these pellets absorb polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and other toxic chemicals. Wildlife such as fish, birds, and sea turtles are prone to mistaking them for food, leading to injury or death.

The survey was conducted amid growing public concern over microplastic pollution in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal areas. Organizers state that data collected from the annual count helps identify pollution hotspots and supports efforts to cut off the source of plastic pellets before they enter waterways and storm drains.

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