The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the US, stretching from its origin in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Unknown to many, this river is also an important source for water in the US. Unfortunately, the Mississippi River is also contaminated. Pollutants such as bacteria, industrial and agricultural chemicals, metals, and sediment are found in its waters. These pollutants add to an ongoing water crisis in the US, with both the federal government and state governments struggling to take action.
As with many sources of water pollution, the primary culprit of the Mississippi River’s contamination is Non Point Source (NPS) pollution. This type of pollution is a result of runoff from agricultural and urban areas, as well as industry and human waste. The runoff can contain many different pollutants, including bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals. These pollutants can enter the river through various channels, including rain and stormwater runoff, septic systems, agricultural runoff, and direct discharge from industrial sites.
The most commonly found pollutants in the Mississippi River are bacteria and nutrients. Bacteria, such as E. coli and coliform, can enter the river from domestic and agricultural runoff. They can cause illness, and are often indicators of the presence of other pollutants in the water. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause algae blooms that reduce oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish kills and death of other aquatic animals. Other pollutants found in the river include pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and heavy metals, all of which can have serious impacts on aquatic life.
The risk of contamination of the Mississippi River is further increased due to its slow-moving and deep waters. This creates an ideal environment for pollutants to travel long distances before being detected or mitigated. Compounding this problem is the fact that many agricultural activities occur along its banks, leading to increased runoff and contamination.
Lack of enforcement
In addition to the primary source of river pollution, the lack of adequate enforcement is also a major issue. Historically, government bodies have not taken strong action to regulate this type of pollution, leaving the Mississippi River vulnerable to pollutants. This is especially true for smaller tributaries, which are often unregulated and, as a result, receive lower levels of emissions trading and other forms of pollution control.
Furthermore, many industrial facilities are not required to obtain permits or meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. This means that these facilities can release pollutants, such as heavy metals, into the river with impunity. As a result, the pollution levels in the Mississippi River are much higher than they should be.
It is clear that the federal and state governments need to take a stronger stance on regulating water pollution and improving enforcement of existing regulations. With stricter enforcement of regulations and increased funding for pollution control and monitoring, the levels of pollution in the Mississippi River can be reduced.
Regional Agreements
In recent years, several regional initiatives and agreements have been developed to address the issue of water pollution in the Mississippi River. For example, the Great Rivers Mississippi-Ohio-Illinois Water Quality Agreement was established in 2015 to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution from the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This agreement between the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky includes specific goals for reducing pollutants and improving water quality.
In addition, several federal agencies are working together to reduce pollutants in the Mississippi River. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers are collaborating to reduce sediment, nutrients, and bacteria in the river. This includes actions such as improving stormwater management and conserving wetlands to reduce runoff, monitoring the river for pollutants, and developing best management practices to reduce agricultural runoff.
These joint efforts aim to reduce pollution in the river, and are a good start in improving the water quality of the Mississippi River. However, more efforts need to be taken in order to achieve long-term, sustainable water quality goals.
Clean Water Advocacy
In order to improve water quality in the Mississippi River, it is essential to engage citizens and local governments in the effort. Citizen engagement is key, as it demonstrates to state and local governments that water quality is a priority for those living in the region. This may include attending meetings, speaking out at the polls, writing letters to elected officials, and pressuring them to take action on water quality issues.
In addition, local governments and organizations can take action to reduce pollution in the river. This includes implementing better stormwater management practices, conserving wetlands and other natural areas, reducing agricultural runoff, and finding ways to reduce the amount of waste being released into the river. It also includes educating citizens on the importance of taking care of the river, and engaging in activities like river cleanups to help reduce pollution.
Technological Solutions
One way to reduce pollution in the Mississippi River is through technological solutions. For example, devices such as sensors can be used to detect pollutants in the river and alert authorities to areas of contamination. This allows remediation efforts to be targeted in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Another technology that can be used is wastewater treatment. This involves treating wastewater from industrial plants and other sources to reduce pollution before it is released into the river. This can reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, helping to improve water quality.
In addition, research and development into new methods of reducing water pollution can help to ensure that the Mississippi River remains healthy and continues to provide important benefits to those living in the region. This includes the development of green technologies and innovative approaches to water quality management.
Policy Solutions
In addition to technological solutions, policy changes are also necessary in order to ensure long-term water quality in the Mississippi River. This includes improving enforcement of current regulations and passing new laws to protect the river. The federal government should also provide additional funding to states and local governments to monitor and reduce pollution.
Finally, the federal government should work with industry to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river. This may include the implementation of new regulations, or the introduction of economic incentives to encourage companies to reduce their environmental impact.
Environmental Diplomacy
The final piece of the puzzle is environmental diplomacy. This involves working with foreign governments, industry, and other stakeholders in order to reduce pollution in the Mississippi River. This could include international agreements to reduce pollutant loading in the river, as well as greater cooperation between countries in order to combat water pollution.
Environmental diplomacy also involves educating and engaging the public. This can be done through media campaigns, conferences, and other forms of outreach. By educating people about the importance of clean water, it can help to create a groundswell of support for greater water protection and conservation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important source of water and a vital resource for the US. Unfortunately, it is also contaminated with pollutants from agricultural, industrial, and urban sources. It is essential that government bodies, local organizations, and citizens work together to reduce the pollution in the river and protect its long-term health. This can be achieved through a combination of technological solutions, policy changes, and diplomatic efforts.
