The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic waterways in the world. It has long been cherished by Americans and admired by outsiders, but has it ever been considered gross? In the past, the river has certainly been polluted, but what about now? Is the state of the Mississippi now gross and unsafe for swimming and recreation?
The answer depends on what section of the river you are looking at. For example, the upper part of the river, running from Minnesota down to the Ohio River, is generally considered much cleaner than further downstream. The states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa all have regulations that prevent large-scale agricultural runoff from entering the river. However, further downstream, where the Illinois and Missouri rivers flow into the Mississippi, the water quality begins to decline. This is due to increased amounts of agricultural and industrial waste entering the river. At times, these pollutants can reach such high concentrations that swimming and other recreational activities are discouraged.
Of course, the state of the Mississippi is not only dependent on pollution. It also depends on a variety of other factors. For instance, high levels of rainfall can lead to higher levels of sediment transported down the river, making it murky and unappealing. Additionally, water temperature can also play a role in how ‘gross’ the river appears. Warmer temperatures can cause the bloom of algae, creating offensive odors and an unpleasant aesthetic.
Regardless of what section of the Mississippi you are looking at, one thing is sure: the river still has some areas that are very dangerous. The Mississippi Delta, for example, has become rife with industrial pollution and runoff, leading to severe health risks for its inhabitants. In addition, the presence of viruses and bacteria are also of great concern in the river. According to the EPA, there are over 15,000 square miles of contaminated water in the Mississippi Delta. It is estimated that the total amount of waste present in the Delta is five times the size of Lake Superior.
The History of Pollution in the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has endured a long history of pollution since the Industrial Revolution. The most notorious pollutants include chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenols, or PCBs, that were used in a variety of manufacturing processes during the mid-to-late 20th century. As of 2018, it was estimated that the concentration of PCBs in the river was still at least 60 times above the legal limit. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, such as damage to the nervous system and reproductive system.
In addition to chemicals, there are also a variety of other forms of pollution present in the Mississippi. These include large amounts of sediment from erosion and agricultural land runoff, as well as dangerous bacteria from industrial and residential sewage discharge.
The state of the Mississippi has improved slowly over the past few decades, thanks in part to the introduction of new regulations and technologies designed to limit the amount of pollutants entering the river. Major cities along the river have also begun to invest in wastewater treatment facilities, to further reduce the amount of pollutants coming from urban areas.
Are There Any Benefits of Pollution?
Surprisingly, pollution can actually provide some benefits to the Mississippi River. Excess pollutants, along with an influx of warmth and sediment, can create habitats preferred by certain species of fish and birds. In particular, the presence of some pollutants can make the water less hospitable to some species while being attractive to others. So while it can take enormous amounts of effort to clean up the river, some of the resources present in the Mississippi are actually crucial to the health of its ecosystems.
Furthermore, the presence of pollutants is essential for the development of innovative new technologies. Research into filtering out pollutants, for example, can help to improve the water quality of rivers and lakes worldwide. Additionally, many of the pollutants in the Mississippi are also useful for industrial and scientific applications, such as synthesizing pharmaceuticals.
Limitations of Current Pollution Control Efforts
Despite many efforts to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi River, a variety of challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues involves non-point source pollution, which is incredibly difficult to monitor and regulate. Atmospheric pollutants, run-off from farm fields, and wastewater discharge from small communities all contribute to the amount of pollutants in the river.
In addition, cheaper sources of industrial energy, like coal and oil, are still preferred over cleaner alternatives. The fossil fuel industry continues to use the Mississippi as a disposal ground for their waste, with zero incentive to reduce their pollution levels. Without new regulations or other measures, this type of pollution will remain as one of the largest contributors to the contamination of the Mississippi.
Short & Long-term Actions for Water Quality Improvement
To improve the water quality of the Mississippi, a variety of efforts must be taken. In the short-term, better enforcement of existing regulations is essential. This includes reducing the amount of pollutants allowed in the river and instituting harsher penalties for violators. In addition, non-point source pollution must be monitored more closely, particularly in rural areas.
In the long-term, changes in the way we produce energy must be considered. Cleaner alternatives to traditional fuels must be developed and promoted, while incentives should be offered to those who make the switch. Furthermore, non-point source pollution should be addressed through local solutions, such as better wastewater treatment and more effective agricultural practices.
Summary & Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic waterways in the world, and for good reason. It has been revered for centuries, and though it has been polluted in the past, tremendous efforts have been made to reduce its contaminants. Even so, there are still areas of the river that are unfit for swimming and recreation. Pollution from agricultural land runoff, industrial waste, and other sources still plague the Mississippi, although there are some positive benefits from its presence as well.
In order to improve the water quality of the Mississippi, both short-term and long-term solutions must be implemented. Better enforcement of existing regulations is essential, while cleaner sources of energy must be developed and promoted. Furthermore, local efforts must be taken to reduce non-point source pollution, such as better wastewater treatment and more effective agricultural practices.
