Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is not only the longest river in North America, but also the world’s fourth longest river system. In recent decades, the river has been subject to much environmental degradation, primarily from agricultural and industrial runoff that cause increases in waterborne toxins such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This pollution has caused the river’s waterways to become unfit for use and has posed a great health risk to wildlife, plants and humans.
Experts have noted that factory farms, or ‘CAFOs’ (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) are greatly reducing the overall health and quality of water in the river. These farms produce massive amounts of animal waste that is used to fertilize fields, which can even wash into the river’s tributaries if left untreated. This waste-runoff is a leading cause of the harmful algal blooms present in the river, which can be poisonous to fish and other wildlife that live in the river, as well as present health hazards to humans.
In fact, the National Park Service found that over 75 percent of the Mississippi River’s sediment load, or ‘oxygen-robbing’ silt, come from factory farms. The presence of this nutrient-dense silt negatively affects the river’s natural habitat by wiping away aquatic vegetation and creating ‘dead zones’ in which life cannot exist.
Agricultural Pollution
Another major contributor to water pollution in the Mississippi River is agricultural run-off. Fertilizers and other crop nutrients used by farmers to increase soil fertility, can make their way into the river and its tributaries, contributing to its degradation. This agricultural pollution is the likely cause of much of the river’s algal blooms, which can cause an oxygen-depleting hypoxic zone much like the ‘dead zones’ caused by factory farm silt.
The presence of this hypoxic zone has caused major issues for marine life, prompting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take drastic measures in order to reduce the nutrient input from agriculture. The EPA’s ‘Water Clean-Up Plan’, which is aimed at reducing algae and hypoxic zones in the Mississippi River, involves steps such as increasing the implementation of soil conservation, planting cover crops and reducing nutrient loads from fertilizer applications.
Industrial Pollution
In addition to agriculture and factory farming, industrial operations are also to blame for the degradation of the Mississippi River’s water quality. According to the American Rivers group, more than 80 percent of America’s industrial pollution finds its way into our rivers. The presence of heavy metals, mining runoff, and chemical residues in the water can all contribute to the river’s pollution, posing huge health risks to those who consume its water.
The main source of industrial pollution in the Mississippi River is what’s known as ‘non-point source pollution’. This is caused by runoff from roads, parking lots, agricultural land, and other developed areas, in which pollutants can make their way into the river from land-based sources.
Disturbing Impact On Wildlife
Naturally, all of these forms of pollution have had a major detrimental effect on the river’s wildlife. Studies have shown that the plastic pollution present in the river is choking birds, fish and other species, while algal blooms are causing massive fish kills. The increase in toxic substances in the water has also been linked to deformities in frogs and other aquatic creatures, with some species even becoming endangered in the river’s polluted waters.
Moreover, the EPA has identified five aquatic ‘hot spots’ in the Mississippi River that are particularly vulnerable to the decreasing water quality. These habitats are essential for a variety of aquatic organisms but are extremely sensitive to chemical pollution, making their recovery difficult and often slow.
Economic Impact
Besides the obvious environmental impacts, the water pollution present in the Mississippi River also affects the river’s economy. The presence of industrial and agricultural pollutants can often make the river’s waters unfit for recreational activities such as swimming and fishing, leading to a decrease in the area’s tourism industry.
Furthermore, pollutants in the water can also make drinking water sources unfit for consumption, leading to an increase in health related issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, eye irritation and respiratory infections in the river’s residents. This can be quite costly, as health problems can lead to a decrease in overall productivity and an increase in healthcare costs.
Restoration Efforts
In recent years, many organizations and government agencies have come together to tackle the issue of water pollution in the Mississippi River. These agencies, such as the EPA and the International Joint Commission, are focused on putting in place measures to reduce the environmental degradation of the river.
One example of this is the collaborative effort to reduce the river’s ‘dead zones’. The EPA has developed an ‘Hypoxia Action Plan’, which involves setting limits on the amount of industrial, agricultural and other non-point source pollutants that can be discharged into the river.
Moreover, there are other organizations that are focused on raising awareness about the importance of preserving the river’s ecosystem, as well as promoting its use responsibly. The Mississippi River Conservation Coalition, for instance, is a coalition of advocates and experts that aim to restore the river to its natural beauty and ecological health.
Management Practices
The way in which the land is managed is key to improving the overall health of the Mississippi River. Through the implementation of responsible agricultural practices, such as crop-rotation, no-till farming, and cover-cropping, agricultural runoff can be dramatically reduced and the amount of fertilizer used can be minimized.
Moreover, the EPA has introduced a ‘Pollution Diet’, wherein the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that can be discharged from industrial sources is limited. This type of regulation has proven successful in reducing nutrient levels in the river and improving water quality.
Furthermore, the EPA has been working with farmers and states to come up with new solutions to reduce agricultural runoff. For instance, the ‘Four Rs Program’ which focused on ‘reducing, recycling, reusing and restoring’, has been a great success. The program focuses on sensible agricultural practices such as utilizing soil conservation methods, planting cover crops and reducing fertilizer applications.
Lack Of Enforcement
Despite the efforts of the EPA and other organizations, the water quality of the Mississippi River is still decreasing at an alarming rate. This is primarily due to the lack of enforcement when it comes to implementing the regulations set by the EPA.
For instance, many states have yet to adopt the EPA’s ‘Pollution Diet’, meaning a great deal of nitrogen and phosphorus continues to be discharged from industries into the river. There are also issues with agricultural runoff, as farmers often fail to adhere to the ‘Four Rs Program’ and continue to use large amounts of fertilizer.
Education And Awareness
One of the most important steps that can be taken in order to improve water quality in the Mississippi River is educating the public about the risks of water pollution. It is crucial that people become aware of how their actions, such as over-fertilizing and dumping waste, can have a significant effect on the health of the river.
Through educational campaigns, governments and organizations can encourage people to take action and adopt environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, more research needs to be done in order to develop better solutions to address the pollution of the river and to ensure that the regulations set by the EPA are being strictly enforced.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River has seen its fair share of environmental degradation due to agricultural runoff, industrial pollution and factory farming. Through the implementation of environmental regulations and better management practices, there is hope that the river’s water quality can improve. However, without the public’s support, it will be impossible to truly restore the river to its natural beauty. Therefore, it is essential that people become aware of the effects of water pollution and take action to protect this vital water source.
