University of Bath scientists make biodegradable microbeads from cellulose

This could potentially replace harmful plastic microbeads that contribute to ocean pollution

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Biodegradable microbeads in toothpaste

BS B2B Bureau Somerset, UK

Last Updated : Jun 15 2017 | 4:55 PM IST

Scientists and engineers from the University of Bath, UK, have developed biodegradable cellulose microbeads from a sustainable source that could potentially replace harmful plastic ones that contribute to ocean pollution.

Microbeads are little spheres of plastic less than 0.5 mm in size that are added to personal care and cleaning products including cosmetics, sunscreens and fillers to give them a smooth texture. However they are too small to be removed by sewage filtration systems and so end up in rivers and oceans, where they are ingested by birds, fish and other marine life.

It is estimated that a single shower can result

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