The Mississippi River is a drinking source for over 25 million people and is still one of the most contaminated river systems in the United States. Spanning from Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico, the Missippin River is the fourth longest river in the world and is the most contaminated tributary in the US that drains into the Mississippi River Watershed. The river and its tributaries are exposed to a variety of pollutants, and this has resulted in a decrease in its water quality in the past years. A recent study concluded that the majority of microbial contamination in the Mississippi River is consistently caused by human activity.
The waters of the Mississippi have been found to have extensive levels of fecal contamination. Pharmaceuticals and industrial wastewater contribute to this phenomenon as well, resulting in high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogens. Pollutants can be deposited into the river from a variety of sources including agricultural land runoff, chemical and industrial compounds from commercial facilities, and point-source inputs from treatment plants. All of these macro and micro pollutants can ultimately damage the natural environment, the wildlife, and the water quality of the Mississippi River.
Studies suggest that the Mississippi River Watershed is receiving about 45 billion gallons of wastewater and sediment every day. This could be leading to high pollutants and hazardous chemicals. Furthermore, police monitoring of the river is inadequate due to budget restrictions. This means that new developments such as water diversions, additional barriers and dams, urban sprawl, and agricultural activities may not be adequately checked before they become established.
Over the years, excessive inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus have entered the Mississippi River Watershed, resulting in eutrophication, an excessive growth of aquatic vegetation. Eutrophication can lead to loss of aquatic biodiversity, changes in aquatic community composition, and a reduction of the river’s water clarity. Debris and sediment deposits have also been observed, with the potential to physically damage the integrity of the waterway leading to erosion and water turbidity.
The consequences of contamination are already proving to be detrimental, with fish and shellfish kills, illness, and economic impacts. However, there are many steps that can be taken that can help reduce the levels of contamination in the Mississippi River Watershed. Improved agricultural practices, better land use management, better control of point source input, and improved public policy are all viable possibilities.
One of the most important approaches to reducing pollution in the Mississippi River Watershed is to strengthen infrastructure and prevent contamination from entering the watershed in the first place. When these measures are combined with improved wastewater and sewage treatment, public outreach and enforcement of environmental regulations, and voluntary efforts to monitor sources of contamination, then it is possible to start reducing the levels of contamination in the Mississippi River Watershed.
Agricultural Practices
Agricultural land runoff is a major contributor to the contamination of the Mississippi River Watershed. Excess nutrient inputs, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, have been found to be a major cause of eutrophication, while also causing contaminated water to be deposited into the river. In order to reduce the levels of contamination in the Mississippi River Watershed, farmers must adopt agricultural practices that reduce nutrient inputs, such as Integrated Pest Management and cover crops.
Integrated pest management is a way to reduce the use of chemical inputs and eliminate pests without the use of environmentally damaging substances. Cover crops are also important, as they act as a “green” barrier that can help mitigate agricultural runoff and slow down soil erosion. Through implementing these practices, it is possible to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the watershed and ultimately improve the water quality of the Mississippi River.
Wastewater and Sewage Treatment
Wastewater and sewage treatment have become essential components to reducing the contamination in the Mississippi River Watershed. Through proper treatment, it is possible to reduce the levels of bacterial, viral, and chemical contamination in the river. The purpose of wastewater treatment is to reduce or remove pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged back into the environment. Wastewater treatment processes include biological, chemical, and physical processes, which help to reduce levels of suspended solids, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.
Sewage treatment is also necessary for reducing contamination in the Mississippi River Watershed. This process involves collecting, treating, and disposing of wastewater. First, the solids are removed, and then the liquid undergoes a treatment process such as aeration and/or extended aeration. This process breaks down organic compounds and reduces the levels of nutrients and heavy metals. Finally, the wastewater is then treated with chlorine to kill any remaining microorganisms.
Public Outreach
Public outreach is another critical step to reducing contamination in the Mississippi River Watershed. The public must be made aware of the dangers of water pollution and its effects on the environment. Outreach efforts should educate people on the importance of water conservation and be designed to influence changes in behavior. The public must also be encouraged to participate in voluntary actions to protect the watershed, such as organizing cleanups and attending public meetings about water quality.
Through public education and outreach, people can begin to understand how their actions can affect the Mississippi River Watershed and how their decisions will shape its future. Outreaching to younger generations and schools is also essential for creating sustainable change in the way people interact with and value the environment.
Enforcement of Regulations
The enforcement of environmental regulations is essential for the protection of the Mississippi River Watershed. Polluters must be held accountable, and existing laws must be enforced in order to reduce contamination. This can include strict regulations on water rights and on the amount of nutrients and sewage that can be discharged into the river. The EPA must also monitor and inspect water rights, water transfers, water diversions, and other controversial projects to ensure environmental protection.
The enforcement of environmental regulations requires cooperation from all levels of government and from private entities. The EPA must receive the necessary funding to ensure proper enforcement of environmental laws. This is especially important for enforcing laws designed to reduce levels of pollution in the Mississippi River Watershed.
Voluntary Monitoring
The success of contamination reduction efforts in the Mississippi River Watershed will ultimately depend on the willingness of individuals and businesses to participate in voluntary monitoring. Businesses must be willing to monitor the amount of pollutants discharged into the river, to alert authorities of any potential problems, and to take measures to reduce their impact on the river. This can include eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous chemicals, adopting safer agricultural practices, and improving wastewater treatment.
For individuals, there are several actions that can be taken to help reduce the amount of contamination entering the Mississippi River Watershed. This can include conserving water, reducing the amount of single-use plastics, avoiding activities that generate debris and sediment, using low impact transportation, and disposing of household chemicals in a proper manner.
Conclusion
The contamination of the Mississippi River Watershed has been a growing concern for many years, and there are a variety of measures that can be taken to reduce the levels of pollution in the river. Improved agricultural practices, better wastewater and sewage treatment, public outreach and enforcement of environmental regulations, and voluntary monitoring all play an important role in this effort. As people begin to become more aware of the issue and take more proactive steps to reduce their contribution to pollution, it will not be long before the water quality of the Mississippi River Watershed is significantly improved.
