An Overview: What was Found in the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States, stretching more than 2,350 miles and is known for its rich history, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture. But the Mississippi is also a haven of human-caused pollution and hazardous items found in its depths. In this article, we take a closer look into what is hiding within the Mississippi, including hazardous items, debris, and sewage.
Mississippi River Pollution
The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to some of the most serious water pollution in America, including the mighty Mississippi. Human-caused pollution in the river has been a major problem for decades, and the latest studies show that the contamination continues to intensify.
According to reports from the Mississippi River Basin Alliance, the Mississippi and its tributaries are vulnerable to toxic chemicals, hazardous industrial waste, and municipal sewage. These pollutants have caused numerous dead zones along the river, affecting the flora and fauna in the area. The Mississippi River itself is struggling to remain healthy, as toxic pollutants, combined with elevated levels of heat, have led to oxygen depletion and thinning of the water’s nutrient content.
The Impact of Human-caused Debris
In addition to the pollutants mentioned above, the levels of human-caused debris in the Mississippi is alarming. According to reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), human-caused debris is the primary type of pollution in the river. This debris can include plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, medical waste, and hazardous materials.
The EPA has found that the main sources of human-caused debris in the Mississippi are the industries that line the riverbanks and the growing number of recreational users. The industrial zones, both offshore and onshore, produce large amounts of plastic, rubber, and metal waste that finds its way into the Mississippi River. In addition to this, recreational activities, such as boating, jet skiing, and fishing, often result in lost anchors and nets, as well as other hazardous materials ending up in the water.
The Effects of Sewage
The river’s often-overlooked and equally dangerous pollutant is sewage. According to the United States Geological Survey, an estimated 250 million gallons of untreated sewage enters the Mississippi River every day. This sewage often contains dangerous bacteria and viruses, which can cause intoxication, pneumonia, fever, or other illnesses. In addition to this, runoff from farming and urban areas, as well as industrial effluents, can find their way into the river and contribute to the contamination.
The Need for Improvement
The main priority for those trying to improve the health of the Mississippi River should be reducing human generated pollutants, in order to help protect both human health and the environment. The EPA encourages individuals to take simple steps, such as refraining from pouring oil, antifreeze, and cleaning chemicals into the water, and disposing garbage and other debris properly. In addition to this, reducing plastic usage and properly disposing of trash is also beneficial to the health of the river.
The Mississippi River Basin Alliance is also working to improve the water quality of the Mississippi River through the implementation of the Mississippi River Restoration Initiative. This program works with states and local communities to increase public awareness and establish water quality standards, such as reducing levels of contamination and providing more access to safe drinking water. Furthermore, they are also focusing on limiting the amount of pollutants entering the river by promoting sustainable agriculture and stormwater management.
Legal Action to Protect the River
In order to help protect the Mississippi from further pollution, several legal action plans have been enacted. The states along the river have an “Anti-Pollution Pledge” in place that prohibits the discharge of pollutants into the river. This includes sewage, hazardous materials, and dangerous pharmaceuticals. As of 2020, some areas of the Mississippi are also undergoing a “no discharge” zone initiative, which further limits the amount of hazardous materials that can enter the river.
The United States Supreme Court also recently heard a case arguing that the owners of the world’s largest pig farms, which are located along the river, should have to comply with federal clean water regulations. This is an important case, as the pig farms generate millions of pounds of manure every year, which if allowed to seep into the Mississippi River can cause significant damage.
Conclusion and Summary
The Mississippi River is a source of life for many American communities. However, it is also packed with contaminants, debris, and sewage that has been caused by humans. In order to reverse the negative impact of human-caused pollutants, it is important that individuals take simple steps to reduce their impacts, such as reducing plastic usage and properly disposing of trash. In addition to this, states and local communities are also getting involved by promoting sustainable agriculture and stormwater management. Lastly, legal action plans, such as the “Anti-Pollution Pledge” and the “no discharge” zone initiatives, are being implemented in order to protect the health of the Mississippi River.
