A study from the University of Texas indicates a higher concentration of microplastics at the mouths of Austin’s major urban tributaries, like Shoal and Waller creeks. The majority of particles found in samples had tire and road origins, compared to lower numbers of plastic fibers or fragments broken off of other plastic products.
Last week, Dr. Brent Bellinger, who is the conservation program supervisor with the Watershed Protection Department (WPD), discussed the presence of microplastics in Austin’s reservoirs during an annual update to the Environmental Commission.
Scientists are still determining the full health impact of microplastics in waterways. Some companies have removed intentionally-created microplastics like exfoliant beads in skincare from their products, but particles are unintentionally sloughed off of everyday plastic or rubber materials as a result of friction. In waterways, microplastics have the potential to accumulate…