A.2.1 Prevent the release of biomedia to the marine and riverine environment
Action Theme: Theme A: Actions to reduce land-based sources of marine litter
Action number: A.2.1
Action Title: Prevent the release of biomedia to the marine and riverine environment
Lead Party(ies): Sweden and France with support from Surfrider
Image: ©Kusträddarna Louise Johansson
What is the issue?
Biomedia are small plastic washers from 1 to 5 centimetres in diameter. They can be of different size, shape and colour. They are used in wastewater treatment facilities and other industrial treatment facilities for example fish farms, food or papermaking industries, where they separate biological waste or remove nitrogen compounds from water without requiring the addition of chemicals.
Due to unintentional leakages plastic biomedia end up in the aquatic environment and coastlines, where they contribute to plastic pollution. Because of their functionality, these biomedia can easily travel long distances and once in the environment they are difficult to remove. There are quite simple management measures that can be implemented to prevent releases; however, the problem and the solutions need to be highlighted to the industry and policy makers/authorities.
What has OSPAR done?
OSPAR will promote measures preventing the release of plastic biomedia into the marine and riverine environment by addressing wastewater treatment facilities and other industrial treatment facilities using plastic biomedia. Where necessary, OSPAR will consider the need for additional measures to prevent releases of plastic biomedia into the marine environment
Final outputs and published reports
A guidance on best practices to reduce the loss or leakage of plastic biomedia from wastewater treatment plants is in development.
