Millions of plastic pellets that were recently spilled into Sussex coastal waters have been found to contain lead and arsenic, among other dangerous elements.
Scientists from King’s College London have discovered traces of heavy metals in plastic pellets washed up along the Sussex and Kent coastline, raising concerns about potential risks to wildlife and coastal ecosystems.
The pellets, known as bio-beads, are used in wastewater treatment processes.
Researchers from King’s tested 200 beads collected from Camber Sands and found they contained elements including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and antimony.
Millions of bio-beads washed up onto Camber Sands beach and other parts of the Sussex coastline in November.
Investigations revealed they were released into the sea from Southern Water’s wastewater treatment works in Eastbourne after a screening filter failed.
Southern Water initially denied responsibility for the spill, but eventually admitted blame and are now funding clear-up efforts.
Clean Jurassic Coast said it was "one of the worst they have ever seen", while Rye Harbour Nature Reserve said they were "devastated" to find the pellets in their marshes.
Professor Andreas Baas, an expert on microplastics in coastal environments at King’s, said the findings highlight a significant environmental issue.
He explained: "While the concentrations do not classify the beads as hazardous waste, the presence of these metals is worrying.
"If ingested by birds or fish, they could have toxic effects on the nervous system.”
Previous studies by Plymouth University suggest that heavy metals can leach from these plastics in acidic conditions, such as inside an animal’s digestive tract.
This raises concerns for species that may mistake the pellets for food, as well as for plants if the beads degrade in the coastal dunes and release metals into the soil.
Professor Baas has shared the findings with the Environment Agency, which is conducting its own investigation.
“This is not just pristine plastic,” said Professor Baas.
“Our research shows these beads contain contaminants that should not enter the food chain.”
Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, played a large part in getting Southern Water to admit responsibility for the spill.
She has now launched a petition, calling for an end to the use of bio-beads in water treatment, arguing the method is outdated and poses too great an environmental risk.
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Sussex Wildlife Trust has also given its support to the ban.
Henri Brocklebank, the trust's director of conservation, said: "The answer is straightforward: end the use of bio-beads in wastewater treatment works across the UK.
"These plastic pellets are outdated technology.
"Modern alternatives exist, and water companies must make the transition to these safer technologies immediately."
An Environment Agency spokesman said:
"We acknowledge that Southern Water has admitted responsibility for the pollution incident at Camber Sands. This is an active investigation, and we will not hesitate to take robust enforcement action where appropriate.
"We continue to work closely with Rother District Council and other agencies following the incident. The council remains the lead authority for the clean-up, and we remain ready to help should they need it.
"We encourage anyone with information on this incident or if they suspect environmental pollution elsewhere to report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060."
A Southern Water spokesman said “We’re very sorry for the release of the biobeads from our Eastbourne site and we have moved to prevent further releases.
"We pledged to continue the clear up for the long haul and we’re keeping that promise – sponsoring microplastic experts Nurdle and providing our own teams to clear and monitor beaches along the coast.
"We’re also using innovative engineering to improve plastic clearance not just for this incident but to improve response to any other plastic release wherever or however it takes place.
"We have independent experts carrying out an investigation and the incident is also under investigation by the Environment Agency, but we are unable to comment on any third party testing.”
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