health
February 3, 2026
Up to half of coarse sediments on UK urban beaches may be human-made, study suggests
Researchers say waste dumping and climate breakdown have contributed to rise in brick, concrete and glass on beaches
TL;DR
- Up to 50% of coarse sediments on some British beaches may be human-made materials like brick, concrete, and industrial waste.
- Climate breakdown and more frequent coastal storms are increasing these substances on beaches.
- A study surveyed six sites on the Firth of Forth in Scotland to analyze the composition of "urban beaches".
- On Granton beach, near Edinburgh, researchers found up to half of the coarse sediments in the tidal zone were human-made.
- Similar phenomena are observed on Crosby beach in Merseyside and in the Thames estuary, where rounded bricks are known as "Thames potatoes".
- Researchers suggest a new classification: "anthropogenic sand and gravel" beaches.
- The study's findings highlight the impact of human activity on natural environments and the need for further research in urban coastal areas for effective management.
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