Biobeads are tiny plastic pellets used in wastewater treatment plants to help clean the water. These beads carry bacteria, absorb chemicals, and break down organic contaminants. However, the recent spill on the shores of Sussex, UK, has shown how dangerous they can be.
Birds, fish, and even pets may mistake the beads for food, while local ecosystems and tourism face long-term damage. Microplastics leaching from these pellets can harm wildlife for years.
This gallery explains what biobeads are, how they work, and what makes them so harmful. Curious? Click to find out.