Introduction to the Mississippi River
Situated in the United States, the mighty Mississippi River stands as the second longest river in North America and the fourth longest in the world. It is renowned for its rich history, often tied to the culture of the many people who inhabit its basin and rely on it for their livelihoods. The river begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and flows south through 10 states, travelling 3700 kilometres before ultimately draining into the Gulf of Mexico. It is responsible for the formation of a host of thriving ecosystems and is home to an extensive number of plant and wildlife species.
Does the Mississippi River Empty into the Atlantic Ocean?
The answer is an unequivocal no. Despite its large size and impressive network of tributaries and distributaries, the Mississippi River does not actually flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The end of the river is marked by the entrance of the last of its major tributaries – the Atchafalaya River – which then proceeds south across the state of Louisiana and into the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby Mississippi River Delta – created by the convergence of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers – provides the area for sediment to be deposited and has been an integral factor in the formation of the continental United States.
Role of the US Army Corps of Engineers
The US Army Corps of Engineers is charged with the responsibility of managing and maintaining the Mississippi River. The Army Corps of Engineers uses a system of levees, floodgates and locks to manage the water level of the river, controlling the water flow and controlling the sediment and debris that enter the river at its delta. This responsibility is also extended to the thousands of levees and dams that are located all along the river.
Impact of Pollution on the River
The extensive industrial activity that the Mississippi River encounters in its vast watershed has led to a great degree of pollution and water contamination in the Mississippi River. Reports suggest that the river contains a range of toxic substances, including lead and other metals from industrial processes. This threatens the health of numerous species of wildlife in the river, and has led to the recommendation for the reduction of further pollution by reducing the number of effluent discharges, utilizing conservation practices and reducing water withdrawals.
Analysis of Mississippi River Pollutants and Their Effects
Sewage, runoff from agricultural fields and other sources have all contributed to the increasing pollution of the Mississippi River and have prompted authorities to analyze the pollutants present in the river and the potential effects that they may have on the surrounding environment. High levels of aluminum, pesticides, nitrates and polyandromas have all threatened the wellbeing of surrounding plant and animal species, as well as potentially adverse impacts on human health. The presence of such pollutants in such a massive body of water further serves to illustrate the dangerous and oftentimes devastating consequences of unchecked pollution.
Rebuilding the Mississippi Delta
The impact of pollution, erosion and the buildup of sediment has resulted in the Mississippi Delta shrinking dramatically over the past two centuries. The Delta plays a vital role in mitigating flooding and the development of natural wetlands, and its decline has resulted in a stark alteration in the environment of the lower reaches of the Mississippi River. In recent years, scientists and environmental conservationists have sought to restore the Delta’s wetlands by providing further sediment and water.
Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Efforts
One of the most effective methods of conserving the Delta’s wetlands is by initiating the construction of wetlands conservation areas. This involves creating shallow wetlands for the purpose of trapping sediment and allowing vegetation to take root, allowing for the growth and development of much more complex and varied ecologies. Additionally, efforts to reintroduce native plants to the Delta such as bald cypress and black willow are being made in order to restore the natural habitat of the area, fortifying its defences against the negative effects of flooding and erosion.
Conclusion
Throughout the centuries, the Mississippi River has evolved and adapted to the human and environmental impediments of the world in which it exists. It still stands as one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, and its broad range of effects on the neighbouring states serves to demonstrate its significance. Even as industry and our lifestyles continue to do battle with the threats of pollution and environmental decline, conservation and restoration efforts to protect the river and its resources continue to be put into place, ensuring a potential existence for the future of the river and the environment.
