Background
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, spanning over 2,340 miles and draining over 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Its current source is Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, located in the headwaters of the Mississippi River. From there, the Mississippi River heads south towards its ultimate destination, the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, the Mississippi River takes in two major tributary rivers.
The Missouri River
The first and longest tributary of the Mississippi River is the Missouri River, which spans over 2,540 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana. During its course, the Missouri River passes through eight U.S. states and collects water from tributaries in seven states and two Canadian provinces. The Missouri River is regarded as the longest river in North America, making it a major source of water for the Mississippi River.
The Ohio River
The second and shorter tributary of the Mississippi River is the Ohio River, which winds 981 miles through six U.S. states. From its source in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Ohio River meanders northward, through western New York and into Ohio. Along its course, the Ohio River collects water from tributaries in six states and one Canadian province. Along with the Missouri River, the Ohio River is an important contributor to the Mississippi River and helps propel the Mississippi River’s waters southward towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Impact On Water Quality
The addition of Missouri River and Ohio River tributary waters helps to enhance the water quality of the Mississippi River. Without its tributaries, the Mississippi River would be substantially less populated with aquatic life. The tributaries provide essential nutrients, minerals, and oxygen to the Mississippi River, which helps to create a healthier environment for fish and other aquatic species. It also results in cleaner water, noticeably cleaner in many areas of the Mississippi River.
Regulations
The quality of the waters in the tributaries also affects the quality of the water in the Mississippi River. Therefore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instituted several regulations that are designed to protect the quality of the water in the Mississippi River. These regulations require public water systems to test regularly for contaminants in the water and to treat those contaminants if they are detected. In addition, the EPA has established limits for certain pollutants and for certain water bodies, such as the Missouri and Ohio Rivers, which flow into the Mississippi River.
Environmental Significance
The tributaries of the Mississippi River are of immense environmental importance. Not only do they provide essential nutrients and minerals to the Mississippi River, but they also serve as a habitat for a variety of aquatic species. The Missouri and Ohio rivers provide important migration routes for species such as muskellunge, paddlefish, and sturgeon. These species rely on the tributaries to find the food and habitat they need to survive.
Economic Significance
The Mississippi River tributaries also have immense economic significance. They have long been used as trade routes and have provided sustenance to many species of fish and other aquatic life that are popular sources of food. They are also popular recreational destinations, with many people taking part in activities such as fishing and boating. In addition, the Missouri River has been used as a transportation route, helping to facilitate the movement of goods and people across the country.
Risk Of Pollution
Despite the economic and environmental significance of the Mississippi River tributaries, there is a significant risk of pollution. Large-scale agricultural operations and urban runoff can lead to high levels of bacteria and other pollutants in the tributaries of the Mississippi River. These pollutants can eventually flow into the Mississippi River, threatening the health of aquatic life and humans that depend on the Mississippi River for essential resources.
Prevention Of Pollution
To protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries from pollution, the EPA has instituted a number of programs to reduce the impact of pollutants on the environment. These programs include the development of best management practices in agriculture and other industries that may lead to the release of pollutants into the watershed, as well as the establishment of specific discharge limits for certain pollutants. In addition, public education programs have been developed to emphasize the importance of protecting the ecosystem of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Conservation Measures
Conservation measures are also necessary to protect the delicate ecosystems of the tributaries of the Mississippi River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has established several conservation areas along the Missouri and Ohio Rivers, including nature preserves and aquatic refuges, which provide habitat for endangered species. In addition, the EPA and other government agencies have established programs to reduce the amount of erosion, sediment, and other pollutants that enter the tributaries of the Mississippi River.
Human Intervention
Despite the efforts of the EPA and other organizations to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries, human intervention continues to present a threat to these rivers and the species that depend on them. Pollution from cities, agricultural runoff, and other sources continues to threaten the health of these rivers and their associated ecosystems. It is important that we continue to be aware of the risks associated with human intervention and take measures to reduce the amount of pollutants entering these rivers.
Long-Term Solutions
To ensure the long-term health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, steps must be taken to reduce human intervention and prevent pollution. This includes better management of runoff, stricter regulations for agricultural operations, and increased enforcement of current regulations. In addition, public education is essential to ensure that people are aware of the risks associated with activities that could lead to the release of pollutants into the river system.
Green Infrastructure
One measure that is being taken to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries is the development of green infrastructure. This involves the incorporation of green spaces—such as parks, wetlands, and other forms of vegetation—into urban and suburban landscapes. These green spaces absorb stormwater and filter out pollutants, preventing them from entering the river system. In addition, green spaces provide habitats for native species and create valuable recreational opportunities for people.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is also essential to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Through the use of rain barrels and other water-conserving measures, people can reduce the amount of water that enters the river system. In addition, reduced water consumption helps to reduce the amount of pollutants that are released into the river system, ensuring that the Mississippi River and its tributaries remain healthy.
Alternative Energy Sources
The use of alternative energy sources is also helping to reduce the impact of human intervention on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, helps to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the river system. In addition, these alternative sources of energy reduce the demand for electricity and water, both of which are essential to maintaining a healthy river system.
Conclusion
The Missouri and Ohio rivers serve as crucial tributaries of the Mississippi River. By providing essential nutrients, minerals, and oxygen to the Mississippi River, they help to create a healthier environment for fish and other aquatic species. In addition, these tributaries are of immense economic and environmental importance and provide habitat for a variety of species. In order to ensure the long-term health of the Mississippi River, it is important that we continue to reduce human intervention and take steps to prevent pollution. This includes the implementation of regulations, public education programs, and the development of green infrastructure. Additionally, alternative energy sources and water conservation are essential to ensuring a healthy river system.
