Physical, Chemical, and Microbial Quality of Floodwaters in Houston Following Hurricane Harvey

Abstract

Hurricane Harvey brought more than 50 in. of rainfall to some areas of the Greater Houston Metro area (GHMA) starting on August 25, 2017; the Hurricane was also associated with damage to environmental infrastructure such as wastewater facilities, superfund sites, and leaks and spills from industrial and municipal facilities. This study collected post-Harvey water quality data in multiple streams for several weeks after the Hurricane. In addition to measuring impact, the study compared the observed concentrations of several physical, chemical, and microbial constituents and water properties to their historical counterparts in an effort to understand the water quality impacts of Harvey on the natural water systems within the GHMA. Unusual water quality findings such as low pH were observed that likely had acute and chronic effects on ecosystems including the loss of oyster populations in Galveston Bay. In-stream microbial concentrations, using E. coli as the indicator, were within historical norms typically reported for the GHMA. The observed levels of measured dissolved metals post Harvey, while relatively low, when multiplied by the significant volume of water discharged from bayous to Galveston Bay, meant the delivery of a substantial load of trace metals to the estuary. Specifically, the load in the particulate phase would be expected to accumulate and gradually repartition to the dissolved phase for a long period of time. Total metal concentrations, when elevated relative to their historical counterparts, could be associated with the presence of industrial activities. Overall, anthropogenic activities including the presence of hydraulic flood control structures, local runoff from industrialized areas, and active superfund sites were recognized as key factors affecting short-term acute water quality impacts. Watersheds with very little human alterations experienced minimal water quality changes and had relatively rapid recoveries post-Harvey.

A Global Perspective on Microplastics

“…Floodwaters carry deposited debris into receiving waters. Storm waters also can inundate treatment plants resulting in untreated wastewater entering receiving waters (Kiaghadi & Rifai, ). Nonetheless, few studies have examined the role of extreme weather on the fate of plastics.…”

Assessing COVID-19 risk, vulnerability and infection prevalence in communities

“…Furthermore, environmental exposures due to proximity to contaminated areas such as Superfund sites, hazardous waste sites, landfills, and leaky petroleum tanks has long-term adverse effects on public health, immune systems, and vulnerability to certain diseases [ 17 – 21 ]. Public health is further exacerbated by natural disasters, such as hurricanes and severe storms [ 22 – 24 ] that expose populations to pathogens and pollutants in floodwater and their flooded homes and potentially contribute to weakened immune systems. Behavioral and lifestyle factors could also affect the vulnerability of a population to an infectious disease such as COVID-19.…”

On a Reef Far, Far Away: Anthropogenic Impacts Following Extreme Storms Affect Sponge Health and Bacterial Communities

“…Although various studies document the impacts of terrestrial runoff on coral reefs, few works in 2019. Each of these floods impacted Central Texas nearshore ecosystems, including salt marshes (18,19) and oyster beds (20). In addition, a significant decline in surface water salinity occurred near the East Bank in the FGB following the 2015 flooding event, but it was assumed floodwaters would not impact the benthic reef ecosystem at 20-30 m depth.…”