Tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, are increasingly polluting Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin, according to new research from the University of Texas. These particles, smaller than five millimeters, originate from sources like asphalt bindings and tire materials, accumulating in lakebed sediments. Danielle Zaleski, a recent UT graduate, found that microplastic concentrations have risen significantly over time, reflecting Austin’s urban growth. Her research, conducted over 2.5 years with UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences, shows a stark increase from 200 microplastics per 100 grams of sediment in deeper lakebed samples to 4,600 in surface samples.

The study, which involved collecting core samples from lakebeds, highlights the growing presence of microplastics ranging from 45 micrometers to 1 millimeter. Zaleski’s findings, supported by researchers Marcy Davis and Cornel Olariu, will contribute to a new city of Austin report. As microplastics are also found in human bodies— with individuals ingesting 39,000 to 52,000 particles annually— their environmental and health impacts remain under scrutiny. Zaleski, now pursuing a Master’s at UT, will continue investigating solutions to this escalating issue.