Background Information
The Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River are two of the most iconic symbols of Earth’s natural environment – and they both play a significant role in public health and ecosystems. Both the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River are experiencing negative impacts from human influence, but is one site more polluted than the other? To begin to address this question, it is essential to understand some of the primary ways and sources of human activities that have the potential to pollute the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River.
Human activities that have the potential to negatively impact the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River, can be broken down into two primary categories; point-source pollution and non-point source pollution. Point-source pollution is when pollutants are discharged in specific locations, causing damage to the environment within the vicinity of the discharge. Non-point source pollution is when pollutants are released by diffuse sources or multiple sources, and they can be carried away by wind or water and dispersed across a greater area. Examples of non-point sources include wind-blown dust, agricultural runoff and sedimentation.
One of the primary pollutants of concern for both sites is polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly referred to as PCBs. PCBs are a class of chemical compounds that have been used in industrial and commercial applications since the 1930s. PCBs were used in manufacturing, but were banned in the US in 1979 due to their potential effects on human health and the environment.
The Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River both have naturally occurring sources of pollutants, but human activities have exacerbated the pollution in both sites. In addition to point-source and non-point source pollution, both sites experience a degree of litter-related pollution, which can come from either deliberate or accidental disposal of items.
Perspectives from Experts
In order to gain a better understanding of which site is more heavily polluted, perspectives from key experts on the subject can provide valuable insights. According to Benjamin J. Gilbert, an environmental science professor at the University of Sussex, the Trash Mountain appears to be the more heavily polluted of the two sites. Gilbert points to the Trash Mountain’s lack of natural or engineered water filtration that would mitigate some of the pollution it receives, as well as its location near densely populated urban areas.
Meanwhile, Anna Freund, a professor of environmental science at the University of Maryland, points out that due to its natural filtration systems, the Mississippi River is able to mitigate some of the pollutants it receives. Freund also notes that pollution levels in the Mississippi River are driven primarily by agricultural runoff, whereas pollution levels in the Trash Mountain are driven primarily by a combination of urban runoff, industrial pollutants, and litter from people living nearby.
John D’Souza, an environmental toxicologist with the Great Lakes Toxicology and Risk Assessment Program, notes that the Trash Mountain tends to be more acutely impacted by pollutants, as it does not have the same natural water filtration systems as the Mississippi River. D’Souza also states that PCBs are having a particularly pronounced effect on the Trash Mountain, as the chemical compound has been found to be a persistent pollutant, unable to break down naturally in the environment.
Data and Analysis
In order to assess the relative pollution levels of the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River, it is necessary to look at the available data. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), monitoring data collected from the Trash Mountain reveals that pollutant levels are higher than anywhere else in the United States. In particular, the EPA has identified high levels of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
However, the EPA also reports that concentrations of pollutants in the Mississippi River have been decreasing over the past decade. The main sources of pollutants for the Mississippi River are agricultural runoff and urban stormwater runoff. It is important to note that the EPA finds that the levels of pollutants in the Mississippi River are still too high, but that the water quality is generally improving.
From comparing the available data, it appears that the Trash Mountain is more heavily polluted than the Mississippi River. The lack of natural or engineered water filtration systems and its proximity to densely populated urban areas mean that the pollution levels for the Trash Mountain are higher than for the Mississippi River, despite the latter’s issues with agricultural runoff and urban stormwater runoff.
Impacts and Solutions
The state of the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River has real-world impacts on both ecosystems and human health. One of the primary concerns is the potential for fish and other aquatic species to be exposed to pollutants. Pollutants in both sites can accumulate in aquatic species, making them unsafe for human consumption.
In order to address the pollution in both cases, it is essential for stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies that mitigate pollutants and improve water quality. For the Trash Mountain, efficient and effective waste management strategies are an essential step. Likewise, for the Mississippi River, improvements in agricultural practices, such as improved fertilizer use, can help to lessen the environmental impact of agricultural runoff.
Furthermore, there are a variety of strategies that can be employed to reduce non-point source pollution and clean up existing sources of pollution. These strategies include phyto-remediation (using plants to clean up toxins), bio-remediation (using microorganisms to degrade pollutants), and chemical remediation.
Effects on Human Health
The Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River have both been linked to negative effects on human health. PCBs are a particular area of concern, as the chemical is known to have a variety of impacts on human health, including liver damage, reproductive and developmental issues, and cancer. Furthermore, the pollutants in both sites can contaminate drinking water supplies, leading to a variety of adverse health effects.
In order to address the health risks posed by the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River, it is essential to implement effective strategies to reduce and clean up pollutants in both sites. In addition, people living in or visiting the vicinity of either site should exercise caution and be aware of potential health risks, such as eating fish caught in the surrounding waters.
Economic Impact
Apart from the environmental and health issues posed by the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River, both sites also have a significant economic impact. Pollution and lack of clean water can have a severe negative impact on local economies, as businesses rely on clean water sources in order to operate.
Furthermore, environmental degradation in the form of the Trash Mountain and the polluted Mississippi River can harm local tourism, as both scenic beauty and clean water are essential for attracting visitors. Finally, pollution from both sites can discourage new businesses from setting up in the region, as the poor environmental conditions may make the area an unattractive option for potential investors.
Government Action
In order to address the issues associated with both the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River, it is essential that governments take action. Local and national governments must put in place effective strategies to reduce and clean up pollutants, as well as to reduce the amount of pollution entering the environment in the first place. In addition, governments must support and fund initiatives that promote environmental protection and public health.
Finally, governments must raise awareness among the public about the risks posed by the Trash Mountain and the Mississippi River, as well as the steps that can be taken to mitigate these risks. Only through a combination of effective strategies and public awareness can the pollution in both sites be adequately addressed.
