As communities across America struggle to come to terms with pollution, it becomes increasingly crucial to understand which rivers are the most polluted and why. The Mississippi is often seen as the most polluted river in America, however, the St. Croix river is also home to significant pollution. Both rivers suffer from industrial and agricultural pollution, with long-term effects on the environment, local populations, and the wildlife that calls each body of water home. The question then remains, is the Mississippi more polluted than the St. Croix?
Pollution in the Mississippi River
In terms of volume and scale, there is no denying that the Mississippi has some of the worst water pollution in the United States. This is in part due to its vast size, however, its geographic location also contributes to its contamination. Multiple states and cities use the Mississippi River as a wastewater dumping ground, with many of the bigger cities located within its watershed. Combined, they discharge millions of tons of industrial waste and agricultural runoff into the river. Additionally, pharmaceuticals, nutrients and hazardous materials such as heavy metals and chemicals are found in the river, creating contaminated hotspots along its banks.
The consequences of this have been severe, with a drastic decline in water quality since the 1960s. Several species of fish have become endangered, including the American eel, the pallid sturgeon, and the shortnose sturgeon. The bottom-dwelling organisms in the river have also suffered as a result of erosion and sedimentation. Furthermore, this water contamination poses a threat to the health of local communities, and the river has become increasingly inhospitable to various species of birds, mammals, and aquatic life.
Pollution in the St. Croix River
The St. Croix River is significantly smaller than the Mississippi and is located in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Similarly, the St. Croix is subject to agricultural and industrial pollution, with toxic runoff from animal agriculture and wastewater being a major concern. The effects are far-reaching, and some species in the St. Croix have been contaminated with heavy metals and PCBs. Additionally, extreme acid mine drainage in nearby waterways taints the water, and the nearby Lake St. Croix has registered phosphate levels around nine times higher than the maximum recommended levels.
The effects of the contamination are just as serious as the Mississippi River, if not more so. The St. Croix has provided a habitat for important species of fish, mussels, and turtles. However, many species are now at risk of extinction due to the water contamination, and the river’s ecosystem is under threat. Additionally, the contaminated water poses a serious health hazard for locals and visitors alike, and many recreational activities, such as swimming and boating, are no longer safe.
Comparison of Both Rivers
When it comes to water pollution, it is difficult to say which river is more polluted, as both rivers suffer from industrial and agricultural runoff. Additionally, the severity of contamination can vary along different parts of each waterway. The Mississippi is considerably bigger and sees greater levels of waste entering its waters, however, the St. Croix is significantly more impacted because of its size. Therefore, both rivers suffer from water pollution that is in need of urgent attention.
Government Regulations
In response to this crisis, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies have taken action. The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, was designed to protect the nation’s surface waters from pollution and was pivotal in restoring the quality of the nation’s rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. However, the Act has not been entirely successful and continues to be amended in light of new environmental protections.
US laws are also becoming increasingly strict when it comes to wastewater and pollution regulations. In the past, companies and factories were able to operate with little oversight, but are now required to adhere to specific standards and avoid contaminating rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. The emphasis on environmental stewardship has seen a gradual improvement in water quality, however, the effects of pollution are still the cause of great concern.
Importance of Citizen Involvement
In addition to government regulation, citizens and local communities have a significant responsibility in protecting rivers from pollution. One of the most important steps is to address agriculture runoff, which is a major source of water contamination. Governments can help by making sure farmers use proper soil conservation techniques and practice land management to reduce the amount of nutrients entering rivers.
Additionally, citizens can volunteer their time to help clean up rivers and lakes, or work with local conservation organizations to help spread awareness of pollution. Many communities also hold events and campaigns to raise money for environmental initiatives, and raising awareness about water pollution is a key factor in tackling this crisis.
Recent Research
Research into water pollution has been ongoing for over a decade, with scientists attempting to identify the causes and find solutions. Through the use of satellite images and extensive fieldwork, researchers have been able to map precisely where pollutants are entering each river and have monitored the long-term effects of water contamination. Scientists have also been able to measure the extent of newly discovered pollutants as well as analyze the chemical composition of river sediment, helping them to gain a better understanding of how pollutants behave and how best to address the problem.
What is often overlooked is the role of the community in restoring water quality. Studies have shown that the combined efforts of citizens and local governments can often be more effective than legal intervention alone. Community-led initiatives can help to build support for environmental initiatives and reduce the impact of water pollution.
Conclusion
The Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers are both subject to pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff. While the Mississippi does see significantly higher volumes of waste entering its waters, the St. Croix is more impacted due to its size. It is difficult to say which river is more polluted, but one thing is certain, the water pollution crisis requires urgent attention. Governments and citizens have the power to make a difference by reducing water contamination and preserving the biodiversity of both rivers.
