Testing done on samples from recent high profile pollution event
Scientists from King's 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 a recent spillage on Camber Sands and found they contained elements including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and antimony. The analysis was carried out using an X-ray fluorescence scanner.
Professor Andreas Baas, an expert on microplastics in coastal environments at King's, said the findings highlight a significant environmental issue.
"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," he explained.
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."
King's continues to lead research into microplastics and their environmental impact, contributing vital evidence to inform policy and conservation efforts.
