Threats to human and environmental health
Plastics are pervasive in our environment. The impact on seabirds that have been found to have large quantities in their gut is well documented. The impact of microplastics (plastic pieces less than 5 mm) on human health and the environment is still the subject of much research. It is clear that their presence in our soils and waterways will make it inevitable that they will affect the organisms that live in these environments and be transferred into food chains.
Microplastics can contain toxic additives used during production (including PFAS and endocrine-disrupting substances), but can also absorb pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides from their surroundings, later releasing them into the environment. It is inevitable that the grass blades of synthetic turf will break off and be carried into the environment.
Microplastics have been shown to affect soil microflora and fauna and are linked to reduced crop production. Microplastics affect organisms at lower trophic levels, reducing their growth, productivity and availability as prey for higher consumers up the food chain. Similarly, microplastics are increasingly recognised as a potential threat to human‑health. They have been detected in drinking water, food, air and a range of human tissues and organs, indicating exposure through multiple pathways and the potential for accumulation. Microplastics can act as carriers for chemical additives and environmental contaminants that have the potential to trigger immune responses, inflammation and oxidative stress. While long-term impacts are still uncertain, current evidence provides clear cause for concern and supports efforts to limit microplastic release into the environment.
Reference
Do We Have a Microplastic Problem in NSW Coastal Waterways?
Recent research in NSW
Concern about the increasing prevalence of microplastics in the NSW environment has been confirmed in two recently published studies. They should raise awareness within community of the scale and spread of microplastic contamination.
The studies have been carried out in order to establish a baseline about the distribution and prevalence of microplastics. Consistent and detailed monitoring is essential to understand where and how these pollutants accumulate in the environment. Robust baseline data will enable the effectiveness of future management and policy action to be measured over time.
First study: EPA broad scale microplastic assessment of NSW estuaries
This study covered the period 2021–24. It sampled 120 catchments across the state and failed to find a single body of water free from microplastics. Scientists conducting the assessment scooped water from the top 15 cm of water and filtered it through a sieve to see what synthetic treasures they could find.
The majority of the pollution observed falls into three categories:
- fragments: broken down bits of harder plastic items, like bottles or containers
- film: small pieces of soft plastic from plastic bags or packaging
- foam: the small balls that make up foam cups, insulation and packaging
The major results were:
- Microplastics were detected in all 120 waterways, with concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 34.80 particles per cubic metre.
- Highest contamination was found in urban waterways in the Hawkesbury–Sydney region, including Cooks River, Dee Why Lagoon and Upper Parramatta River.
- Northern Sydney waterways within the top 10 hotspots were Middle Harbour Creek, Dee Why Lagoon and Manly Lagoon.
- Lowest contamination was found in minimally disturbed catchments on the state’s north and south coast – Myall Lake, Nadgee Lake, Middle Lagoon, Myall Broadwater and Wallaga Lake.
- Smaller particles (<1 mm) dominate accounting for 68% of particles.
- Items like packaging foam and pellets point to traceable sources and therefore are considered priority items.
Prevalence of synthetic turf
Of particular note is the North Shore data which showed a disproportionate amount of one plastic: synthetic turf blades. In Middle Harbour, a quarter of the contaminants were fragments of fake grass. At Manly Lagoon it was 56.5%. In comparison, the state-wide proportion of plastic grass was 5.5%.
The report recommendations included the targeting of priority sources, namely:
- foam packaging – regulate or phase out
- artificial turf fragments – containment and phase out
- pellets (nurdles) – enforce handling and containment
References
Broadscale Microplastic Assessment of NSW Estuaries: Report Card 2021–24
Broadscale Microplastic Assessment of NSW Estuaries: Technical Report 2026
Second study: AUSMAP, the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project
The AUSMAP report published in 2026 was titled Do We Have a Microplastic Problem in NSW Coastal Waterways? The report covered seven years of data collected by over 5,000 individuals. It reveals persistent microplastic hotspots sites and the most prevalent microplastic types infiltrating our waterways.
Using a standardised sampling method combined with the power of citizen science, AUSMAP has mapped pollution hotspots, characterised dominant microplastic types, and supported local action through councils, schools, and community networks. The samples are taken from sediments along the waterline edges of estuaries, creeks and beaches.
Consistent with the EPA study, Metropolitan Sydney was found to be the state’s primary microplastic hotspot area. Microplastic pollution has increased threefold since 2018.
In the 2018–21 monitoring period, microplastics averaged 306 particles per m² on Metropolitan Sydney shorelines. However, in the 2022–25 period there was an approximate three-fold increase in microplastics with an average of 1,004 particles per square metre.
This microplastic contamination occurs on Sydney’s coast, but on average is far greater in its estuaries, driven by the closeness to urban sources. Foam (polystyrene) and hard plastic fragments dominate, representing between 50 to 90% of all microplastics entering waterways, primarily via diffuse pathways such as stormwater. While less abundant, industrial resin pellets and synthetic grass fragments are particularly concerning as they represent point source preventable losses that highlight shortfalls in current management practices.
Action required
The report recommended a suite of actions, including:
- further restrictions on single-use plastics
- regulation of synthetic grass to address crumb and blade loss into waterways
- mandatory adoption and enforcement of Operation Clean Sweep © principles to prevent industrial pellet loss, supported by compliance reporting
- integration of extended producer responsibility principles to ensure producers are responsible for the lifecycle impacts of their products, including microplastic loss, associated chemical additives and end-of-life management
- establishment of minimum standards for stormwater capture systems
- integrate microplastic data into local planning and coastal zone management strategies