Sydney: Faeces and bacteria found in a mystery ball on the beach

The latest batch of footballs was cleared from the harbor beach this week, North Beach council said in a statement on Tuesday.

It urged anyone who saw the balls not to handle them and to contact authorities.

In addition to acid and bacteria, the ball also contains volcanic pumice.

North Beach Mayor Sue Heins said she hoped the EPA’s analysis would “identify the source so they can stop this happening on other beaches”.

“We continue to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the public to report any sightings,” he said.

The first collection of dust in October was initially mistakenly called “tar ball” but was later found to contain everything from cooking oil and soap scum molecules, to blood pressure medicine, pesticides, fur, methamphetamine and veterinary medicine.

Scientists say they resemble clumps of fat, oil and grease – often called “fatbergs” – that normally form in sewage systems.

But Sydney Water has reported that its water treatment plan is operating normally and there are no known problems with the city’s waste system.