The Mississippi River is the fourth longest and tenth largest river system in the world; it runs through many United States cities including Minneapolis and New Orleans. In the 19th century, it became a lifeline and a major economic hub along its 2,320 miles of waterway. Unfortunately, the Mississippi River has become so polluted that it has earned the title of the most polluted river in America.
Long before development and population growth spread along the Mississippi, the waterway was one of the most pristine and beautiful in the United States. As the population began to grow, the development along the banks led to increases in industrial runoff, sewage, oil and other pollutants entering the river. This, combined with the effects of oil spills, caused bacteria levels to skyrocket, resulting in many areas of the river becoming devoid of water life.
The most significant cause of the Mississippi River’s pollution is the increased agricultural runoff from rural areas of the states along the river. This runoff carries with it high levels of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates which can cause algal blooms – resulting in oxygen depletion and death of fish. Additionally, this nutrient runoff is often contaminated with various chemicals, herbicides and pesticides, further damaging the quality of the riverwater.
The next major cause of the Mississippi’s pollution is the excessive amounts of industrial wastewater that are discharged directly into the river. These wastewater releases often contain high concentrations of heavy metals, chemical additives and industrial compounds that have contributed to the death of fish and other wildlife, as well as hazardous health dangers to humans. In addition to this, these contaminated wastewaters create an oxygen-depleted environment in the river, inhibiting the growth of fish and other species.
The effectiveness of water treatment plants in the area is another source of pollution of the Mississippi – with only 50-70% of wastewater released into the river actually being treated. Even this treated wastewater often still contains high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and bacteria, leading to further reductions in aquatic life and river health.
Finally, the presence of plastic in the river is another major concern for the health of the Mississippi. Poor waste management in cities and towns along the waterway has led to large amounts of plastic entering the river – and with the river’s large size and slow current, this plastic often does not break down quickly, resulting in an abundance of plastic debris.
Unsustainable development – Responsible for Problem
Unsustainable development is largely responsible for the Mississippi River’s pollution problem. Populations living along the river have continued to grow with no thought of proper waste and water management. In addition to this, the lack of proper treatment of industrial sewage and other effluents has led to a huge increase in the amount of pollutants being released into the river.
Because of this, the public needs to now put a greater emphasis on sustainability and green development practices in order to reduce the amount of pollutants being released into the river. By making changes to the way we construct and maintain buildings and not only increase water and wastewater treatment capabilities, but to also collect and properly utilize stormwater runoff, the Mississippi River can be restored.}
Restoration Efforts
There are several restoration efforts that have been implemented in order to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi River. These strategies include the improvement of agricultural practices, the creation of buffer strips along the river banks, and the installation of artificial wetlands to filter out pollutants.
In addition to this, local governments have also implemented better sewage management policies, cleaner water treatment plant technologies, and public awareness campaigns to help inform citizens what they can do to reduce their negative impact on the river. Finally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched a comprehensive effort to monitor the river’s water quality and identify and clean up sources of contamination.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River was once one of the most pristine and beautiful waterways in the United States. But due to poor water and waste management practices combined with a growing population, it has now become the most polluted river in America. Fortunately, there are several restoration efforts being undertaken to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, and with the help of citizens and local governments, the Mississippi River can one day be restored.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the Mississippi River’s pollution can be seen in the health of the river and its inhabitants. Fish populations have been drastically reduced due to low oxygen levels and high levels of contaminants. This has led to a decrease in the overall biomass of fish, which has a direct effect on the overall health of the river.
The high levels of nitrates, phosphates, bacteria, and other contaminants have also caused a decrease in the amount of recreational activities that can be enjoyed along the river. As a result, many of the businesses that depend on tourism are suffering and are at risk of going out of business.
In addition, the polluted water has been identified as a direct health risk for humans. Various levels of contaminants, such as nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals, have been linked to diseases such as cancer, birth defects, and hormonal health issues.
Pollution Solutions
The key to reducing the pollution in the Mississippi River is to reduce the amount of nitrates and phosphates entering the water. This can be done by implementing better agricultural practices, such as cover crops and buffer strips, to reduce the amount of nutrient runoff. In addition, increasing the effectiveness of water treatment facilities and implementing public awareness campaigns to educate people on proper water and waste management practices can help reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river.
Lastly, greater investment needs to be made in the development of more efficient and cleaner technologies for industrial wastewater, oil and plastic waste treatments. By investing in these technologies, we can help ensure that the Mississippi River does not continue to be one of the most polluted rivers in the United States.
Economic Effects
The pollution of the Mississippi River has had a serious economic impact, both on the people living along the river and on businesses and industries that depend on the river. Many companies that depend on tourism are seeing a decrease in visitors due to the health risks associated with swimming, fishing and boating in the river.
Further, the polluted waters are affecting fish populations, leading to a decrease in catches. This has caused many local businesses that rely on the river for their livelihoods to suffer financial losses.
Lastly, local governments are now having to spend more money on wastewater treatment and water management efforts, as well as on education and public awareness campaigns. This has put a strain on local budgets, leading to less money being available for other essential services.
Public Responsibility
The pollution of the Mississippi River is a problem that we all must work together to address. Individuals must be willing to make changes to everyday practices and be aware of the effect their actions can have on the health of the river. By reducing the amount of pollutants entering the water, we can ensure that the Mississippi remains a healthy and beautiful river.
In addition, municipal, state, and federal governments must implement stricter water and wastewater management regulations, as well as invest in cleaner technologies to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river. Lastly, businesses and industries must strive to reduce their pollution output and become more sustainable.
International Environmental Movements
With the increasing awareness of climate change, the public is becoming more informed about the need to protect and restore our environment. International environmental movements including the Global Environmental Initiative have been formed in order to help raise awareness, promote sustainability, and reduce pollutants around the world.
These movements have begun to take steps to reduce the amount of pollutants in the Mississippi River, such as advocating for clean water treatment capabilities and implementing better agricultural practices. In addition, the Global Environmental Initiative has provided financial resources for education and public awareness initiatives to help inform citizens about the importance of sustainability and how we can all work together to keep the Mississippi River clean and healthy.
