Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s great rivers and has been an integral part of the development of the United States. Spanning from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, it has been an important resource for transportation, commerce, and recreation. Unfortunately, it has also been polluted over the years by a variety of sources, including runoff from agricultural lands, industrial and waste runoff, and point source impairment from municipal and industrial facilities. In this article, we will explore the pollution of the Mississippi River and how it has impacted the environment, the economy, and the people living along it.
Impact on the Environment
The Mississippi River is 1570 miles long and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Pollution in the river has had various impacts on the environment, including increased turbidity and nutrient loading which can both lead to algal blooms and oxygen-depleted “dead zones.” These effects can be devastating for the aquatic life in the river, as well as for the people and businesses that depend on it. Additionally, the presence of harmful substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, as well as human waste, can all have negative impacts on human health, as well as harm the environment.
Impact on the Economy
The Mississippi River is an important economic hub in the United States. It is a major source of transportation, with barges and ships used to transport agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other items. Additionally, its countless riverside cities and towns are dependent on the tourism and recreation associated with the river. It is estimated that total revenue associated with the Mississippi River is upwards of $20 billion dollars every year. Pollution in the river can have a detrimental effect on this economic engine. For instance, algal blooms can reduce the aesthetic appeal of the river, leading to decreased recreation and tourism. Additionally, increased turbidity can cause problems for barge traffic due to dampened engine power.
Effects On People
Pollution in the river can cause serious health risks for humans. For instance, exposure to PCBs has been linked to several cancers, including brain, lymphatic, and bladder. Additionally, exposure to mercury can lead to neurological damage, especially for unborn children. Pollution in the Mississippi River has been especially acute for communities in the floodplains of the river. This is due to the fact that floodwater carries pollutants along the floodplain, where they can enter the groundwater, or even people’s homes.
Management and Mitigation Practices
The federal government has taken several steps to mitigate the impacts of pollution in the Mississippi River. The 1972 Clean Water Act is one example, as it requires facilities that discharge pollutants into the river to obtain permits and meet strict environmental standards. Additionally, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides numerous programs that promote sustainable agricultural and forestry practices in the 14 states through which the Mississippi River passes, such as conservation tillage and the use of cover crops and buffers.
Role of Stakeholders
The importance of the Mississippi River and the potential impacts of its pollution has led to the involvement of several stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, academics and citizens’ groups. For example, government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seek to protect the river through regulations and enforcement. Industry, such as commercial barge companies and chemical manufacturers, can have both negative and positive impacts on the river, depending on their practices. Academics often do research to understand the nature and extent of the pollution, as well as to identify potentially effective solutions. Finally, citizens’ groups often advocate for the river and engage in activities that help protect it, such as river and watershed clean ups.
Role of Non-Governmental Organizations
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as The Nature Conservancy, National Audubon, and The Environmental Defense Fund play an important role in protecting the Mississippi River. They often engage in advocacy, education, and research, as well as provide important technical assistance to stakeholders. Additionally, many NGOs engage in river and watershed cleanups, work on restoring wetlands and riparian habitats, and provide advocacy support for legislative and regulatory efforts.
Community Engagement
Communities along the Mississippi River play an important role in protecting it. Individuals can reduce the amount of runoff they produce, as well as limit the amount of pollutants they use, discard or dispose of improperly. Additionally, communities can come together and engage in activities such as restoring local streams and wetlands, educating and advocating for effective policies, and engaging in clean up efforts.
Inter-State Cooperation
Efforts to protect the Mississippi River often involve cooperation between the 14 states through which it passes. The Arkansas-Missouri-Tennessee-Mississippi Regional Water Quality Planning Project is one example of this kind of cooperation. It is a consensus-based approach between states to develop uniform water quality standards for the river and its tributaries. Additionally, state and local governments often collaborate on things like water quality monitoring and enforcement of regulations.
Technological Solutions
Advances in technology can provide solutions for reducing the impacts of pollution on the Mississippi River. For instance, advanced monitoring techniques can be used to detect and quantify pollutants in the river. Additionally, researchers are developing various technologies that can reduce or even remove pollutants from the river, such as constructed wetlands and phytoremediation, in which plants are used to remove pollutants from runoff. Finally, decision-support tools, such as computer models, can be used to better understand the river’s hydrology and identify potentially effective solutions.
