Microplastics Study in Tributaries to Galveston Bay
U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, is conducting a microplastics study in tributaries to Galveston Bay. Water samples will be collected at nine sites across the Galveston Bay Watershed at various hydrologic conditions. Tributaries include: Trinity River, San Jacinto River, Buffalo Bayou, Double Bayou, Chocolate Bayou, Dickson Bayou, and Clear Creek. Sample analysis will be completed by the USGS Microplastics Laboratory. A second phase of this study is scheduled to start later this year. During phase two, samples will be collected at ten locations in Galveston Bay. The results of this reconnaissance study will provide a preliminary assessment of where microplastics are found in Galveston Bay and its contributing watersheds and provide the foundation for future study and abatement.