New research rejects microbeads as pollution causing agent

A new study by researchers of the University of Michigan has rejected the possibility of microbeads used in personal care products adversely impacting the environment.

This finding dismiss claims of environmentalists across the world, targeting the popular use microplastics in face washes, tooth pastes as well as other products.

For the research, the scientists examined 145 fish that represented six species that were most likely to consume microbeads from water sources with highest levels of microplastics in the world such as Lakes Huron and Erie.

The close examination of alimentary canal of fish revealed not a single plastic microbead.

University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment professor G Allen Burton Junior was quoted by Detroit News as saying: "But if environmentalists and lawmakers are trying to clean our water, protect marine life, and make fish safer for human consumption, their campaigns and legislative efforts have been a huge waste of time and taxpayer money."

Burton claims that the studies conducted on the issue previously involved fish placed in beakers filled with water and microbeads, which made the fish consume the beads in high concentration due to lack of other food.

However, in rivers, lakes and oceans where only 1-3 microplastic particles are found in every 300l-700l of water, fish consume a variety of plants and organisms including algae, zooplankton, and other fish.

Last week, the Australian senate committee has recommended a ban on the production or import of cosmetics containing microbeads.