The Mississippi River is a world-renowned body of water which is regarded as the fourth-longest river in the world, stretching across the Midwestern, Central, and Southern United States. It starts at Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows southbound to the Gulf of Mexico, where it is finally emptied into the Gulf. As such, this river is one of the most important bodies of water in the United States both commercially and culturally, having been immensely important to the development of the ancient cultures of the Mississippi Valley and even today being a major source of commerce and recreation.
Today, the Mississippi carries a wide range of vessels from small, recreational boats to commercial barges and oil tankers. Commercial boat traffic on the inland waterways of the United States can be traced back to the early 1800s, when steamboats began to ply their trade on the Mississippi. Since then, the river has been critical for commerce, linking large cities such as Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and New Orleans via barge and water transport systems.
Experts in the field have long been studying the impact of the river on its surroundings. Ecogeochemist Amitabh Vossu, for example, has studied how nutrient-rich sediment from the Mississippi is delivered to the Gulf of Mexico and how this has affected the Gulfs food chain. It is widely accepted that the influx of nutrients has helped bolster the population of algae, crustaceans and fish in the Gulf, creating a more ideal environment for marine life. Different species of phytoplankton, which feed bottom-dwelling organisms and drive the local food web, have also been seen to increase as a result of the Mississippi.
Lately, research has shifted to the effects of human activities on the riverbanks and its waters. One very pressing concern is the amount of agricultural ploughing and fertilizer runoff that enters the Mississippi via local rivers and streams. Fertilizers are known to stimulate the growth of unwanted phytoplankton and aquatic plants, which in turn deplete the oxygen levels in the water and lead to algal blooms and other forms of water pollution. As a result, the health of fish and other aquatic animals can be jeopardized.
Vertically, the Mississippi River empties undisputedly into the Gulf of Mexico, where it splits into three lobes – the Atchafalaya, South Pass, and West Pass. It is worth noting that the Atchafalaya may carry as much as 30 percent of the river’s water and sediment, making it a crucial factor in the river’s ecology. The river’s massive delta has also been shaped by centuries of sediment-laden water and the result is one of the largest coastal wetland systems in the world.
Benefits of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has had a major effect on the lives of locals and on the ecology of the surrounding areas. The ample amount of sediment that the river brings has made a significant contribution to the fertility of the land for farming, as well as to the unique and lush vegetation of the region. Additionally, its powerful waves and corrosive elements have helped with erosion control and the proper formation of soil.
The river is also incredibly important for the commercial activity of the United States. With its relatively low cost for transport and its deep waters, the river has been utilized as a key avenue for transport of agricultural goods as well as many other kinds of goods that are significant to the economy of the region.
The river is also known to provide a great attraction for recreation. People flock to the river banks to hike, bike, indulge in the local wildlife and more. The diversity of the wildlife is something of great importance to the area, bringing people to observe and appreciate the beauty of the region around the Mississippi.
Extraneous Sources of Pollution
Apart from agricultural runoff such as fertilizers, other forms of human-caused pollution also exist in the Mississippi River. Industrial and human waste is known to be a major source of pollution, but more worryingly, chemical pollutants such as lead and mercury have been found in the water. These pollutants, which enter the river from sewage treatment plants, industrial processes, and the burning of certain materials, can have serious and long-lasting effects on aquatic life.
The most concerning aspect of pollution of the Mississippi River is the risk of contamination to the larger Gulf of Mexico. If a spill were to occur, the damage caused could be catastrophic and a burden to the already fragile ecosystem of which it is a part. In order to protect the river, the EPA and other environmental organizations have introduced strict regulations to limit these pollutants and monitor their levels in the water.
On a more positive note, public interests and awareness have also been raised in recent years, leading to campaigns and initiatives that have attempted to improve the water quality of the Mississippi. For example, a number of non-profit organizations have initiated programs to encourage public awareness and action in protecting the river. Among these, Save the Mississippi is the most active, having established education and awareness programs to help ensure the long-term health of the river.
The Controversy over the River
The idea of using the Mississippi River as a means of transportation has recently been the topic of much debate and controversy. An ongoing debate exists between landowners, environmental activists and other interested parties on the decision to use the river as a direct route. Questions have arisen over the safety and environmental effects of this practice and whether it would negatively influence the local communities.
In addition to this, some have argued that the river should be put aside as a water source, with the water being utilized instead of the open ocean. The proponents of this idea have put forward the notion that the Mississippi River could be used as a source of clean, safe and reliable drinking water, saving money on the construction of large-scale pipelines and filters in the process.
Critics of the idea, however, have emphasized the dangers of altering such a complex atmosphere, arguing that salination and contamination could be long-term side effects of such a large-scale move that could be detrimental to the local wildlife and aquatic ecosystem.
Management Plans for the Future
In order to ensure that the Mississippi River is able to continue to provide benefits in the future, it is essential that management plans are put in place to ensure that it is being managed sustainably. There are two major plans that have been proposed over the years; The Mississippi Basin Initiative and the Mississippi Delta Regional Framework. These plans aim to address issues such as improving water quality, conserving wetlands, and restoring fish and wildlife habitat.
In addition to this, these plans also propose a range of economic incentives, such as the production of ethanol and other biofuels, in an effort to spur economic growth in the area. The goal of these plans is to reduce environmental impacts while still allowing the river to provide the benefits that it currently offers.
Finally, it is necessary to look to the future of the river in terms of long term management plans. Conservationists are advocating for efforts to be made to reduce the amount of pollution entering the river, such as leaving buffer strips between agriculture and the river, as well as for wetland restoration projects that would help with erosion control and water buffer management.
The Role of Technology in the Mississippi
In recent years, the Mississippi has become a haven for innovative technologies and strategies which have been implemented in order to reduce pollution levels and increase water efficiency. Technologies such as low-flow toilets, water reuse systems, and remote sensing devices have all contributed to the sustainability of the river.
Ultimately, the role of technology in maintaining the health of the river is essential. With the introduction of these new technologies, we are better able to monitor water quality, monitor the actions of commercial shipping, and ultimately reduce the environmental impacts caused by the river.
Environmental Regulation
Environmental regulation is a key factor in maintaining the health of the Mississippi River, as it is essential to keep pollutants below safe levels and to ensure that the ecosystem remains balanced. The Clean Water Act is the primary piece of legislation that is in place to ensure that the river is protected. The Act regulates the levels of pollutants that can enter the river, restricts certain practices such as dumping of untreated wastewater and sewage, and enforces stringent fines for those who break the laws.
In addition to this, the Louisiana Environmental Control Commission and other state agencies are also in place to monitor and enforce regulations relating to the Mississippi. These agencies have an important role to play in the enforcement of these regulations and it is important that they have sufficient funding and personnel in order to do their job effectively.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a powerful force both culturally and commercially in the United States, as well as being a major source of recreation, agriculture, and pollution. It is essential that this river is managed sustainably and that particular attention is paid to its environmental effects. With the use of thoughtfully enacted legislation and the introduction of innovative technologies, the Mississippi River can continue to supply its valuable benefits for years to come.
