An investigation is under way after millions of tiny plastic beads washed up on Camber Sands in East Sussex, prompting fears of an “environmental catastrophe”.
The biobeads, which are used in water treatment, are thought to have spilled from a local wastewater plant. Local MP Helena Dollimore has demanded answers from Southern Water, warning that the contamination poses a grave threat to seabirds, porpoises, seals, and fish that could ingest the pellets.
“These biobeads are deadly to marine life and wildlife,” Dollimore said. “Local residents are working tirelessly to remove them, but it’s a race against time.”
Volunteers have spent days trying to clear the black pellets, which are mixed into seaweed and sand, but officials say it is impossible to remove them all. The beads also pose a risk to dogs and humans, containing carcinogenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and bromine.
Southern Water confirmed it is working with the Environment Agency and Rother district council to trace the source and assist with the cleanup. “We’ve conducted water-quality tests that show no impact to environmental water quality,” a spokesperson said.
The Environment Agency said it is helping coordinate the cleanup and working to identify the source of the pollution.
