What are bio-beads used for and how did they get spilled on to Camber Sands beach? | Plastics
Millions of toxic plastic beads spilled onto Camber Sands beach in East Sussex a few days ago, putting wildlife at risk in what the local MP has called an “environmental disaster”.
Local water company Southern Water claimed responsibility for the leak after a mechanical failure at one of its treatment plants caused the beads to be released.
What are “bio-beads”?
Even though they are made of artificial materials, these beads are called “bio-beads” by water companies.
They are small plastic pellets used as filters in wastewater treatment. They are used to trap bacteria and other contaminants and are about 5 mm long and have a dimpled surface to allow bacteria to stick to them. They form a film of microorganisms, known as a biofilm, that break down contaminants in the water.
Water purification centers use billions of these tiny beads in their tanks.
Why are they so bad for the natural environment?
They are primarily plastic and can be ingested by marine life. They attract algae and smell like food, so they are eaten by birds, fish and dolphins. can be fatal.
They will break down into microplastics that remain in the environment and are nearly impossible to eliminate.
They are sometimes also made from waste materials from electronic equipment such as televisions, which means they are contaminated with heavy metals. Research has found that They contain a large number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are carcinogenic.
Additionally, they are also used to absorb bacteria, so they can also spread harmful pathogens into the environment.
How do they shed?
They are fleeing water purification centers en masse when filters are broken or not working properly. In addition, if the wastewater is poured into the environment without being purified from these centers at the point where it is filtered with plastic beads, the beads will also escape.
They can also escape from recycling centers and if the container they are delivered to is damaged.
Do they shed frequently?
Yes, quite often. A report prepared by Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition He suggested Cornwall and the Channel coast were the main hotspots of biobead pollution in the UK.
They remain in the environment because they are very difficult to destroy. Following the latest spill, volunteers spent days on their hands and knees trying to rescue as many people as possible on the beach. However, beads spilled into the Camber Sands during two major events in 2010 and 2017 can still be found. This latest spill will therefore likely have a negative impact on the environment for many years to come.
Are there any alternatives for their use?
Yes. There are similar products made of glass that are less harmful to the environment, but they are more costly.
Other sustainable options are also being developed, including filters made from coconut shells that biodegrade in an environmentally safe way.
Many water companies use fixed filters rather than floating, moving beads, which reduces the risk of plastic pollution spreading into the environment. This includes “bioblocks,” which are solid, porous blocks made of materials such as ceramics, concrete, or polymers that are designed to support the growth of biofilm.
Water companies may also use electrocoagulation, which involves using electric currents to remove contaminants.
