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Bio-Beads Hazard: Wildlife at Risk in River Irwell
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Bio-beads from wastewater treatment pose a hazard to wildlife.
- Birds can mistake beads for food, causing fatal blockages.
- Experts question bead composition and potential toxicity to wildlife.
A potential hazard to wildlife has emerged from the use of bio-beads at United Utilities' wastewater treatment plant in Bury. These beads, employed to process sewage before water is returned to the River Irwell, are now a cause for concern among conservationists.
The RSPB has highlighted that bio-beads can be mistaken for food by birds, leading to serious health issues. When ingested, these beads can cause blockages in the digestive tract, resulting in a false sense of fullness and subsequent malnutrition.
Professor Jamie Woodward from the University of Manchester further elaborated on the risks, noting that bio-beads trapped in an animal's gut could be toxic if they contain heavy metals or arsenic. The exact composition and contaminant levels of the beads in this Greater Manchester instance remain unknown, prompting calls for detailed analysis.
