Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, flowing more than 2,340 miles through 10 states. It is an integral water source and serves several major industries, including agricultural, tourism, commercial shipping and industry. As a result, water quality in the Mississippi River must meet certain criteria in order to remain suitable for consumption, recreation, and industrial and commercial purposes.
Overview of Mississippi River Water Quality Problems
Water quality in the Mississippi River has been a pressing issue for many years. The Mississippi is home to millions of people, and its other beneficial uses vary from agricultural to recreational fishing. In 2017, the Mississippi River received an “F” grade for water quality from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reflecting its status as one of the dirtiest rivers in the United States. Currently, the Mississippi River is plagued with several water quality issues, including excessive sediment buildup, sewage releases, phosphorus runoff, agricultural runoff, and urban and industrial runoff.
Excessive Sediment Build-Up
Excessive sediment build-up has been a long-standing issue in the Mississippi River. The sediment accumulates in the river as a result of soil erosion and sediment runoff from upstream sources, including farmland and construction sites. This sediment is often dense, which impairs the river’s natural flow. In addition, sediment can clog physical structures in the river, such as dams and locks, and may even lead to flooding.
Sewage Releases
Sewage releases from treatment plants in the upstream river basin present another water quality problem in the Mississippi River. These releases introduce excess nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, into the water, which can lead to algae blooms. Algae blooms can reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which can harm aquatic life and create dead zones in the river. Additionally, sewage releases can introduce pathogens into the water, which can lead to waterborne illnesses.
Phosphorus Runoff
Phosphorus runoff is another source of contamination in the Mississippi River. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and runoff from agricultural soil can lead to excessive levels of phosphorus in the river. High levels of phosphorus can cause an algae bloom, which can lead to reduced dissolved oxygen levels in the river and dead zones in the water. Furthermore, phosphorus runoff can lead to elevated levels of eutrophication, which can harm the functionality of rivers, streams, and wetlands.
Agricultural Runoff
Agricultural runoff can also present potential threats to the Mississippi River’s water quality. Agricultural runoff includes fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste, which can introduce excess nutrients and chemicals into the water. This can lead to a variety of water quality issues, such as increased levels of nitrates, phosphorus, and other pollutants, as well as chemical contamination.
Urban and Industrial Runoff
Urban and industrial runoff is another threat to the water quality of the Mississippi River. These sources introduce a variety of pollutants into the river, including metals, oils, chlorides, and waste from industrial processes. Such pollutants can harm aquatic life and human health, as some may be toxic when ingested.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River faces numerous water quality issues, including excessive sediment buildup, sewage releases, phosphorus runoff, agricultural runoff, and urban and industrial runoff. It is essential to address these issues in order to maintain suitable water quality in the river and to ensure the river remains suitable for both human and ecological uses.
