When talking about rivers, the Mississippi River stands out due to its size and importance. It is not only the second-longest river in North America, it is also widely known as it flows through the middle of the United States and has had a great importance in the country’s history. Despite its symbolic contribution to the country, the river is plagued with pollution.
The most common sources of contamination of the Mississippi River are related to the industrial processes and agricultural practices of the entire watershed. Dangerous chemicals and other pollutants are released into the river in large quantities, causing a series of environmental issues. Sewage and other forms of biological matter also contribute to the pollution of the waters, as fecal bacteria and salmonella can develop in high numbers. The different levels of contamination vary along the river and its tributaries, yet the overall degradation of the river is evident.
The consequences of such pollution are multiple, ranging from the direct digestive damage to various animal and human life in the area as well as difficulty in fishing, secondary to the presence of mercury and certain other metals, to the death of some aquatic species as a side effect. Moreover, the river is no longer able to provide safe drinking water for its communities: the States supplying untreated water for human consumption often surpass the safety standards for toxic pests.
Though commercial fishing is still relatively common, reducing the commercial interests that may benefit from a dirty river helps curb pollutants. Regulations may also be put in place to limit wastewater discharges or impose fines on companies that do not respect pollution norms. The lack of current federal action in this regard is a pressing issue as it makes it increasingly difficult to reduce contamination.
Although the number of outbreaks related to drinking water has decreased overall, threats to public health along the Mississippi River still exist due to the numerous contaminants that exist in its waters. The long lasting effects of high amounts of pesticide, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution might be hard to quantify yet it carries a great risk. The increased presence of lead and other heavy metals is of concern for the future generations and to some of the native species.
However, hope still exists in this regard. New steps are being taken to reduce levels of contamination. In 2020, the State of New York doubled its investment in monitoring the water quality of the river. Taken together with the limiting of certain activities upstream, the effects of improved practices can already be felt. Multiple projects are also in the works to reduce the nutrient loads and to cut down on the presence of pollutants.
Economic Impact
In addition to the public health risks associated with waterborne pollutants, the Mississippi river suffers from falling water levels due to drought and draining, further aggravating its pollution issues. For example, low water levels along a 146 km stretch of the river allowed pollutants to accumulate, resulting in a very concerning cocktail of contaminants in the region of Baton Rouge. Such a situation can have serious economic implications, primarily due to the fact that the river is a major trade and transport route.
This consequently proved to have a significant effect on the marine transportation: many vessels struggle to navigate the river due to the accumulation of suspended solids and the consequent shallowing of the waters. What is more, certain expensive dredging projects were needed to ensure that navigation could be restored in the river’s navigation chamber. As a direct result of the high levels of pollutants, the operation of commercial vessels is limited.
Further, due to the unnavigable waters, inland barge transportation also suffers: containers of sediment obstruct the water bearing traffic despite the costly efforts to clear the river. All of this implies that economic activities that rely on the river at any point are compromised. The shipping of goods or products along the Mississippi is severely limited due to toxic pollutants, leading towards an estimated yearly expenditure of $5 billion.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi’s waters are also affected by periodic flooding, made worse by climate change. The flooding caused by these episodes can exacerbate the pollution issues by spreading contaminants beyond their origin, causing a wider threat to the environment and its inhabitants. Even worse, the sediment and soils trapped in flooded areas also carries contaminants such as oil and toxins.
The damages resulting from such catastrophes can compound the already-existing issues to devastating effects. Crops, resources and infrastructure are all put at risk and can cause great economic and social damage. Animals living in the river and its surroundings can also suffer the consequences of flood-spread pollution. Local species may absorb toxins that can cause a decrease in their populations or displacement. Furthermore, some of the compounds found in the Mississippi, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, may further contribute to the destruction of animal habitats and the destruction or death of aquatic species.
The situation of the Mississippi River is dire: high levels of contamination still remain two decades after the last major main act was passed. Although certain remedies have been implemented in attempts to reduce the presence of pollutants, the situation is yet to be improved. Efficient and coordinated action, both from governmental and civic players, is needed for this to be achieved.
Sustainable Approaches
The effects of pollution in the Mississippi River can be mitigated by sustainable approaches. Better management and regulation of watersheds may reduce the number of pollutants flowing into the river. Moreover, the use of green engineering practices, such as sustainable waste treatment systems, can help reduce the influx of contaminants. Finally, environmental awareness and education campaigns may also help to reduce the number of dangerous pollutants being released into the water.
Programs that encourage farmers to reduce runoff and engage in better water conservation practices can also make a significant difference. Additionally, the implementation of green practices in agriculture and industry can significantly reduce water pollution. Some green approaches to production and maintenance include using biodegradable materials, promoting ecological agriculture and utilizing renewable energy sources.
Furthermore, developing profitable approaches to water management can also help reduce the problem. This may include water fee systems and trading schemes that provide incentives for water conservation. Regions that implement these systems may be more effective in reducing water pollution. Additionally, the establishment of governmental policies that ensure the cleanliness of the rivers and its tributaries can also contribute to protecting the biodiversity of the area.
Civic Participation
Given the gravity of the situation, it is evident that the Mississippi River’s health is a priority for many organizations and communities. Many citizens living in the watershed region have taken an active role in fighting for the protection of the Mississippi River. This has included supporting clean-up drives as well as advocating for greater regulations on industrial and agricultural runoff.
Additionally, nonprofit organizations have also been instrumental in aiding the preservation of the Mississippi River. Such organizations have often been able to provide resources to research the effects of pollution, as well as to fund projects that aim towards the improvement of aquatic life. Such resources have been invaluable to the cause of protecting the Mississippi River.
Finally, many citizens have gone beyond traditional means of lobbying, preferring to pursue an environmental lifestyle. Such practices may include using biodegradable soaps, minimizing the use of plastic, raising awareness of reducing waste and re-purposing household items. All of these can help reduce the quantity of pollutants ending up in the rivers and its tributaries.
Environmental Status
Despite the efforts, the environment of the Mississippi River is still in a serious state. The high levels of contamination, combined with the lack of regulations, are a source of concern. Current water quality data indicates that the river is still vulnerable to pollutants. Although certain regulations have been successfully accepted and implemented, more needs to be done in order to protect the Mississippi River.
Protecting the Mississippi River is important in order to protect the wildlife and citizens living in the vicinity of the river. Co-operation among regional and federal governments, nonprofits and citizens is needed in order to solve the current situation. Furthermore, thorough research is required in order to identify the root causes of the pollution and thus target them accordingly.
The status of the river is uncertain and potential threats continue to linger. The public awareness of the current state of affairs is necessary to ensure that take appropriate action and protect the river before it is too late.
