Many research projects are currently underway to investigate the kills.
Dallas office conducted a field study to characterize the quantity, quality, and toxicity of river bottom sediments in 1985, and assessed water quality and toxicity in the river during two rise events in 1986. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will measure concentrations of toxic substances in fish tissues, and the TPWD is planning to evaluate the condition of the Trinity River fishery. That study will inventory the biology of the river and will examine bottom sediments and sources of toxins and BODs. Fish have been observed trying to swim into tributaries when they sense DO levels are low in the main channel of the river. Tributaries may also have low DO levels during rises if high BOD waters from the main body of the river flow into them.