Sewage plants are releasing millions of tiny plastic beads into seas around the UK, according to a study by environmental group the Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition (CPPC). At least 55 wastewater treatment plants in the country use pellets known as Bio-Beads, which are just 3.5mm wide, to remove chemical and organic contaminants from sewage. The Bio-Beads, which pose a risk to marine life and can enter the food chain, are hard to see and almost impossible to remove from the oceans once released. Europe said there was no evidence that its sites were releasing Bio-Beads.
Sewage plants are releasing millions of tiny plastic beads into seas around the UK, according to a study by environmental group the Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition (CPPC). At least 55 wastewater treatment plants in the country use pellets known as Bio-Beads, which are just 3.5mm wide, to remove chemical and organic contaminants from sewage. The Bio-Beads, which pose a risk to marine life and can enter the food chain, are hard to see and almost impossible to remove from the oceans once released. South West Water said there was no evidence that its sites were releasing Bio-Beads.