Is the Mississippi River Sweet Water?
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, running through all or part of 10 states in the US, stretching 3,778 kilometers. For centuries, the mighty river has been providing drinking water, recreational opportunities, and transportation routes to humans. But the question is, is the water in the Mississippi River sweet or salty?
The answer lies in the geography and the sources of where the river flows through. Due to its unique path, the river can be both fresh in some sections, and salty in others. As it flows from the top of its path in Minnesota, the river is the cleanest, it collects runoff from the melting snow, and downstream tributaries like the Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Rock Rivers further contribute fresh water runoff from agricultural areas, factories, and cities.
However, the sweetness of the river water changes as it flows down through the states and reaches Louisiana. Approximately 30 miles south of New Orleans, the river meets the Gulf of Mexico, and the water changes from freshwater to salty. Additionally, the many swamps and bays, as well as a major ship channel all contribute to the overall salinity and turbidity of the water in certain sections.
The salinity of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is something that has been monitored for half a century. One of the rivers main and oldest monitoring stations, the Baton Rouge section, has been actively collecting data since 1968 and has consistently recorded for salinities exceeding 5 parts per thousand, though this can vary significantly depending on the river flow and other factors.
Each year the US Army Corps of Engineers releases the Hydrological Summary of River Conditions which provides a detailed records of the water levels and overflow of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The Hydrological Summary also provides an examination of the Mississippi River Basin’s salinity levels and an in-depth view of how they may have changed over the previous year.
The salinity of the Mississippi invokes a variety of consequences, both good and bad. The salinity can cause the river to be less hospitable to certain fish species, yet the increased level of salt is beneficial for those who enjoy recreational activities such as sailing, surfing, and swimming. Additionally, the salinity of the river is a major factor in the formation and formation of sediment which can reduce the navigation capability of the river.
Overall, the water of Mississippi River is certainly not sweet in general terms, however it can vary from region to region. Knowing the salinity and other effects of the river can help in developing strategies to handle any problems that might arise from it.
Effects of the Salinity on Sea Life
The salinity of the Mississippi River has a major impact on the sea life in the area. Salinity affects the migration patterns of species such as salmon, shad, and sturgeon. These species are usually accustomed to fresh water and cannot handle the increase in salinity. Additionally, the increased levels of sodium can be toxic to certain marine species, affecting their health and potentially endangering their survival.
On the other hand, the salinity of the river aids species that have adapted to living in salty water, such as shrimp and crabs. These creatures have developed a variety of strategies to cope with the salinity including osmoregulation, whereby fresh water is regulated out of the body via a process known as diffusion. The increased levels of sodium and chloride in the river encourage the growth of the crab, shrimp, and other species that thrive in brackish water.
The Mississippi River Delta has been eroded over time, resulting in the formation of expansive bays and marshes, further contributing to the salinity of the river. These areas have become home to a variety of marine species, many of which were not native to the area before the river delta formed. As such, the salinity of the Mississippi River has provided these species with a unique opportunity to inhabit and thrive in an otherwise inhospitable environment.
It is important for us to recognize the effects of the salinity of the Mississippi River, both positive and negative. Only by understanding the salinity of the river and its effects on the marine life, can we come up with informed and sustainable solutions to any threats the salinity might pose.
Effects on Shipping
In addition to the effects on sea life, the salinity of the Mississippi River also affects shipping. As aforementioned, the sediment created due to the increased level of salt can make the river less navigable. It can also reduce the speed at which boats can travel as the higher levels of turbidity can increase the resistance against the boats, thus decreasing their speed and efficiency.
Moreover, the saltier the water of the Mississippi, the higher the water levels of the river will be. This means larger ships can enter the river, allowing for heavier transport throughout the states the Mississippi meanders through. For instance, in 2017, the Ports of Lower Mississippi River comprised of more than 230 million tons of cargo, more than 830 million square kilometers of inland river transportation, and 364 million tons of domestic commodities.
To ensure optimal shipping, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastguard check the salinity of the river at regular intervals and issue depth reports that are made available to the public. Additionally, the Mississippi River Commission works to reduce the effects of sedimentation and salinity on the Mississippi River’s navigation channels to improve safety for those who ship with it.
The salinity of the Mississippi River has a major impact on the areas it passes through and the creatures that inhabit it. It is important to understand the effects it has on shipping, and the marine life, so that informed decisions can be made to prevent any negative impacts on either.
The Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is predicted to have a large impact on the salinity of the Mississippi River. Rising temperatures mean increased evaporation, which in turn would mean that the water levels and salinity of the river would decrease. This could be detrimental for the creatures that live off the saltiness of the river.
Furthermore, increased rainfall, due to the effects of climate change, can cause flash floods, leading to acidic water being pushed into the river. This can cause serious harm to the fish and sedimentation of the river, further affecting the already fragile salinity.
Changes to the salinity of the Mississippi River, either due to climate change or other sources, will have major implications for the people and states the river passes through. In recent years, increased efforts to protect the river have been made, however this a long-term and continually evolving challenge.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has worked to utilize various tools such as sand barriers, locks, and dams to help protect the river and maintain a certain level of salinity. These have been found to have a significant impact on the river’s salinity, although in certain areas, these efforts have been unsuccessful.
Global efforts to combat climate change, as well as effective management of the various tools used to protect the river, are key to protecting the Mississippi River and the ecosystems it provides.
The Role of Humans
The Mississippi River has been heavily shaped by humans throughout its history. Though this has enabled the US states to benefit from the river for many centuries, it has also caused significant damage to the environment.
The activities of humans have caused significant pollution of the Mississippi River, including chemical waste and oil spills. This has caused a tremendous amount of damage to the river’s ecology and the creatures that live in it. Furthermore, due to the overfishing of certain species, the fish populations of the river have drastically decreased in recent years.
Likewise, the increasing salinity of the river has been caused by human activities, as the river has been used for a variety of industrial purposes. The increased runoff of agricultural and industrial waste as a result of these activities has caused the salinity of the river to steadily increase.
Therefore, it is essential for humans to take responsibility for the increasing salinity of the Mississippi River, and ensure that we do our part to protect and restore the river. It is only through collective efforts that we can ensure the Mississippi River is preserved and its salinity is kept in check.
Conclusion
The salinity of the Mississippi River is a complex issue that is affected by many factors. Though it provides a variety of benefits to those who rely on it, the river’s salinity can have serious consequences for the creatures that live in it and the environment at large. It is essential to understand the effects of our actions on this important river so that we can come up with strategies to protect it in the future.
