Evaluation of Nature-based Stormwater Infrastructure to Reduce Microplastic Pollution in Galveston Bay

Purpose/Objectives

Through funding from the Galveston Bay and Estuary Program, the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) has partnered with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and the Harris County Flood Control District to provide critical data on baseline microplastics loading in Galveston Bay watersheds and quantify the treatment potential of nature-based stormwater infrastructure to reduce microplastic loading in surface waters from stormwater runoff. The results of the study will recommend priority watersheds for future green infrastructure projects to reduce microplastic concentrations and improve stormwater quality flowing into Galveston Bay.

The primary objectives for this study are to:

1. Monitor background levels (Baseline Monitoring) of microplastic pollution in major contributing waterways to Galveston Bay:
   1. Compare microplastic concentration between dry-weather (base flow) and wet-weather events
   2. Identify contributing sub-watersheds to Galveston Bay with the highest microplastic concentrations for consideration of future green infrastructure projects.
2. Determine the treatment potential of various Nb-SI installments for removing microplastic pollution from stormwater.

Study Area

Galveston Bay Watersheds

Project Period

2025–2028

Project Sponsors and Partners

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Galveston Bay Estuary Program
• Houston-Galveston Area Council
• Harris County Flood Control District