The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and is one of the most important waterways in North America. Its water is integral to the ecology and transportation of the region, while its contribution to the United States’ economy is immense. But, is the Mississippi River freshwater?
The answer is yes, the Mississippi River is freshwater. However, this does not completely answer all questions about the river’s contents, as it is composed of a variety of sources. The most important source is the diverse range of streams and municipalities connected to it, including the Mississippi’s tributaries, which flow from the upper Midwest and northern Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, some of the water flowing into the Mississippi comes from the inland rivers of the lower portion of the United States.
Estimates of the Mississippi’s discharge rate vary but the average discharge rate is estimated at 1.5 billion cubic feet (425,000 cubic meters) of water per day. This would make the Mississippi the largest river in the world. Over the course of one year, it may contain as much as 8 million gallons (33 million liters) of freshwater. In comparison, it would take over one year for the largest river in the world, the Amazon River, to contain this much water.
The Mississippi is considered one of the most biologically productive freshwater systems in the United States, and due to this, it is home to an impressive array of wildlife and aquatic life. It is suggested that the wide variety of sources the river collects from, helps to contribute to this diversity, as each source has its own ecosystem. Species of fish, mollusks, birds and other wildlife can be found in the waters of the river or along its banks. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that it is particularly important in terms of freshwater and soil conservation in North America.
The Mississippi River has been highly impacted by human activity, however, the rate of degradation has slowed over the years. For example, states such as Louisiana have shown improvement in water quality, while others such as Minnesota have made considerable efforts to reduce pollution sources. Many initiatives have been established along the length of the river in an attempt to limit and reduce the impacts of human activity and enhance the protection of the ecosystem. This includes initiatives such as the Mississippi River Basin Model, the Great River Environment Action Network, and the Critical Zone Project.
It is widely accepted that the Mississippi River is a freshwater river. Its immense size and scope of sources, along with its remarkable biodiversity, make it an irreplaceable natural resource. Although there have been detrimental impacts from human activities along its length, the US government and individuals are attempting to counter these by focusing on conservation, preservation and education.
Rate of Flow
The rate of flow of the Mississippi River is extremely large compared to rivers around the world. It has an average estimated flow rate of around 1.47 million cubic feet per second. This means that the river is carrying an estimated 486,080 cubic meters of water away from its headwaters every day. The flow rate of the river is so large that it can affect waterways and environment both upstream and downstream. For example, is it one of the primary determinants in the amount of sediment that flows downstream and thus affects the life forms in lowland rivers and estuaries.
The flow rate of the river is determined by numerous factors, primarily precipitation and river elevation. In most cases, the higher the elevation of the river, the higher the rate of flow. Furthermore, the more water released from upstream dams and reservoirs, the larger the rate of flow. This means that during the wetter months the flow rate of the Mississippi River increases greatly, whereas during drier times the rate of flow decreases.
As the first large river downstream from the continental divide in North America, the level of sediment and nutrients flowing in the Mississippi River is high. This could potentially lead to problems such as an influx of pollution and a decreased capacity to carry large boats and ships. However, experts suggest that regular flow management and structural engineering solutions can help alleviate this, such as increasing the flow of water to reduce the risk of flooding which can further reduce pollutants.
Impact on Other Bodies of Water
The impact of the Mississippi River on other bodies of water is considerable. It not only affects the adjacent estuaries and wetlands, but also the ocean. This happens because when the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico, water, sediment, and various pollutants that have been caught up in the river move into the gulf.
The nutrients from the Mississippi River can also have an effect on the ocean. The excess of nutrients can lead to an increase in primary production, an increase in the rate at which organisms photosynthesize and produce organic compounds; and eutrophication, the process whereby an increase in nutrients in the water causes an increase in the growth of plants and algae.
The presence of these harmful substances can also cause other impacts, such as the potential destruction of ecosystems. Additionally, humans and other animals could find themselves in danger of consuming contaminated fish and other marine species that have been infused with the nutrient-rich runoff from the river.
For this reason, it is important that efforts to reduce the impact of the Mississippi River on other bodies of water be taken. Many of these mitigating efforts, such as controlling water flow, reducing pollutants, and establishing regional management plans, are already in place. It is also important for citizens to do their part to reduce their contributions of pollutants into the river in order to ensure the safety of other bodies of water.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River has had a profound impact on the American economy, providing a significant resource for transportation and commerce. Businesses and industries of all types have been established along the banks of the river, allowing commodities such as grain, coal, and petroleum to be transported in large amounts at a cheap cost. Not only has the river boosted trade, but it has also affected employment in the U.S.
The Mississippi River has been a major source of employment for hundreds of years. It is estimated that the river provides over 4 million jobs for those who live and work around it. Fishers, farmers, loggers and other laborers who work the land and water depend on the river for their livelihoods. Additionally, the Mississippi River transportation system supports industries such as steel, automotive, and chemicals, providing millions of jobs to communities.
The Mississippi River also serves a major source of recreational activities. Every year, thousands of people go to its banks to hike, camp, hunt, fish and kayak. These recreational activities provide economic benefits to communities in the form of taxes, job growth and tourism.
The impact of the Mississippi River on the U.S. economy is incalculable and its importance cannot be overstated. It is a major transportation corridor that has connected the country’s interior to the coastline and made the United States an economic powerhouse.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of the Mississippi River is also drastic. It is estimated that the river and its tributaries discharge over 500 metric tons of nitrogen each year. This nitrogen is derived from numerous sources, including runoff from agricultural land, industrial effluent, and fertilizers from residential yards.
This nitrogen is a nutrient; however, it can lead to an increase in plant growth and algal blooms, which can damage aquatic life, harm biodiversity and reduce water quality. Additionally, phosphorus, another nutrient, discharged from the river can further damage aquatic life by reducing the amount of oxygen in the water, killing fish and other aquatic animals in vast quantities.
The wastewater discharges from the Mississippi River can also lead to contamination of shallow aquifers, which can further contaminate drinking water supplies. Furthermore, the nutrients can lead to increased turbidity, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the bottom of the river and depleting the amount of oxygen in the water.
The river has also been known to flood, leading to destruction of property and habitat. Even during non-flooding events, the water level of the river can vary greatly, leading to the destruction of ecosystem necessary for a variety of wildlife. The destruction of natural habitats can also lead to the displacement of some species, as well an increase in invasive species.
In recent years, the United States and numerous other organizations have implemented various efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the Mississippi River. However, much remains to be done in order to ensure that the river continues to be a healthy and vibrant source of freshwater.
