Bio-beads washed up on Camber Sands because of the spill from Eastbourne’s wastewater treatment plant have been found to contain heavy metals including lead, arsenic, antimony, barium, rubidium, strontium, thorium and cadmium, according to a scientist from Kings College London.
Southern Water had stated that the beads were non-toxic, however samples from Camber were tested by Professor Andreas Baas, an expert in microplastics in coastal dune environments, who expressed concern that they were potentially toxic for birds and fish, which could mistake the beads for food. There is the added concern that beads caught in the dunes could leach these heavy metals into the soil which could be taken up by plants.
In the past, beads were made from recycled electronic products such as computers and televisions which contain high levels of these metals. Although a 2003 EU directive limited the allowed level of these metals in the plastic beads, it is not yet clear if the beads released from Eastbourne treatment works, built in the 1990s, were produced before the date of these regulations.
Southern Water have committed to an independent testing of the beads but says that it cannot comment on third party testing. Professor Baas’ findings have been passed to the Environment Agency who are conducting an investigation into the pollution incident.
This comes after a study by Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the University of Exeter found that these type of microplastics can carry disease-causing and antibiotic resistant bacteria, as reported in Rye News.
Rother District Council advise that gloves should be worn when handling the beads and that dogs on Camber beach should be kept on leads and should not eat the pellets.
Image Credits: Sarah Watson .