Texas waterways found with pervasive microplastic pollution

A study by the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center tested 77 North Texas waterways and detected microplastics at almost every site. The sampling included the Trinity River, White Rock Lake, Mountain Creek Lake, Lake Lewisville and other streams, with 99% of locations showing at least one type of plastic residue. Microfibers were the most common pollutant, and plastic pellets – the raw material for many products – were also identified.

Researchers warned that the contamination poses a serious physical hazard to wildlife, causing suffocation and gut blockage in fish and waterfowl, and could affect the food chain and human health. Former state Rep. Jason Villalba highlighted potential economic damage to the region's fishing and tourism industries.

The report urged Governor Greg Abbott and state environmental officials to tighten oversight of plastic waste, especially the release of plastic pellets, to curb the spread of microplastic pollution in Texas waterways.