What’s Happening to the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is currently undergoing dramatic changes that are impacting both its health and the wellbeing of those living around it. This beloved waterway has been of enormous importance to the United States since the 18th century, when it formed a vital artery for trade and transportation. It has also been a major source of recreation and wildlife habitats for centuries. Unfortunately, it is facing a host of environmental, economic and social concerns that require urgent attention.
Stretching for over 2200 miles, the Mississippi runs through 10 states including Louisiana and Arkansas, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Water flow rates can range from low to high, depending on the amount of rainfall in each state. Over the past 200 years, its levels have continually fluctuated due to numerous man-made and natural changes. Unfortunately, the river’s current predicament is largely due to human activities.
The chief source of the Mississippi River’s current issues is believed to be poor water management practices. Excessive water withdrawals and an inadequate drainage system has caused water levels to sink substantially in some areas. This, in turn, has created significant problems such as decreasing biodiversity, reduced recreation opportunities and impaired water quality.
Moreover, significant agricultural and industrial runoff has polluted the river, causing the spread of toxic chemicals and bacteria. This has had disastrous consequences on the river’s health, with the Gulf of Mexico suffering from one of the world’s largest “dead zones” – an area where almost no aquatic life can survive. Runoff from fertilizer and animal waste has also accelerated the growth of algae blooms, which rob the river of oxygen.
Experts are quick to point out that these problems cannot be tackled without a serious shift in our collective mindset. According to environmental scientists, the only way to preserve the river’s health is to make better use of existing resources and take serious steps to reduce human impact on the environment. This means everyone from the individual to national governments have to adopt more sustainable practices.
Given the complex and interconnected nature of the river system, there are no single solutions to address its current issues. Solutions must involve both short-term and long-term interventions, while also engaging all stakeholders – from governments and businesses to individuals.
For instance, businesses can join forces with conservation groups to implement more sustainable practices. Farmers, meanwhile, can make use of more efficient irrigation systems and new technologies, such as satellite imagery, to monitor crop water use. Governments, meanwhile, need to implement better water management policies, and invest in more advanced technologies and research to monitor water quality.
Climate Change
Climate change has been identified as a major threat to the Mississippi river and its surrounding areas. According to a report by the National Climate Assessment, the region is expected to experience a drier, hotter and more variable climate as temperatures continue to rise. This is likely to have a drastic impact on farming and water levels, as well as increasing the risk of flooding and drought.
The diminishing snowpack in the watershed is also likely to aggravate existing water shortages and ecological decline. This is because a large amount of the river’s water comes from the melting of snow, which has already declined steadily over the past few decades. Moreover, the loss of sea ice, which moderates storms and floods, will reduce the river’s ability to store and regulate water.
Economic Factors
The Mississippi river provides jobs, recreation, and transportation opportunities to millions of Americans. But, this could all be threatened if the current state of decline continues. As the river’s health diminishes, so do its economic opportunities.
The worsening water quality has caused both recreational and commercial activities to suffer. The tourism and hospitality industry, for example, has seen a major decline, and fishermen are faced with diminishing catches and declining profits.
The Mississippi is also an important route for shipping and freight transport. But, decreased water levels mean that cargo ships are unable to travel as far upstream and must make their way around the river’s bends and shoals with greater caution. This has reduced capacity and placed additional costs on businesses.
Impact on Human Health
The river’s poor health has had a major impact on human health. Contaminated drinking and surface water has been linked to numerous health issues, and lead contamination has been found in some of the river’s drinking water sources. This is concerning, as exposure to lead can result in developmental delays, learning disabilities and other serious health effects.
In addition, the large number of factories, chemical plants, and other industries located along the river pose a danger to both the people and the environment. Pollutants from these factories have been associated with a range of diseases, including asthma, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River has been a vital source of habitat for a variety of ecosystems. But, the river’s current health crisis is endangering some of the species that depend on both the river and its related wetlands.
Receding water levels have caused the disappearance of wetland areas, while deteriorating water conditions have seriously threatened various aquatic species. Alligator snapping turtles, for example, have seen a sharp decrease in their population, largely due to overfishing and water contamination.
Moreover, the spread of algae blooms in the river has altered the food web, disrupting the balance of the entire river ecosystem. This, in turn, can cause a range of other ecological problems, such as the destruction of aquatic habitats.
Economic Opportunities
Given the breadth of problems facing the Mississippi River, it is easy to see only the negative. But, there are also some potential economic opportunities that could be harnessed to protect both its environment and economy.
The river’s length, for example, mean it could provide immense potential for renewable energy development. Its length and vast size mean that it is well suited to tidal power, hydroelectric power, and wind turbines on the riverside.
Alternatively, the river’s numerous wetlands could also be a source of income, as they provide habitat and support wildlife. Governments could turn to eco-tourism and conservation schemes as a source of revenue, or allocate funds for conservationists and scientists to protect the area’s abundant wildlife and natural habitats.
Restoration Projects
The Mississippi River has seen an increase in restoration projects aimed at correcting past mistakes and restoring its health.
Most of these projects rely on dividing the river into “management units”, which allow for customized solutions for each location. For example, a project in the Louisiana Delta seeks to re-establish the original hydrology of the region, while also using new technologies to reduce flood risks.
In addition, several organizations have sought to protect the river through purchase programs, which purchase land around the river so that it can be used as natural habitat and undisturbed wetlands. These organizations typically work with landowners to design and implement best management practices, while also providing technical assistance.
Bottom-Up Solutions
So far, most of the restoration projects along the Mississippi have focused on larger-scale solutions. But, many experts believe that the river’s issues can only be solved by taking a bottom-up approach.
This means providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to take part in the restoration effort. For instance, farmers could adopt “null-till agriculture” and other sustainable farming practices, or seek out environmentally-friendly inputs for their crops.
At the same time, citizens need to be made aware of their own impact on the river. This means education, as well as incentives to reduce water consumption and pollutants.
New Technologies
New technologies have been playing an increasingly important role in both monitoring and responding to the issues along the Mississippi.
Satellite imagery, for example, is being used to track water levels and identify water problems in the watershed. In addition, researchers are using the latest tools, such as drones, to collect data and gain insights into the river’s health.
Meanwhile, the Internet of Things is allowing organisations to install sensors in strategic locations to detect changes in water quality, flow, and temperature.
Conclusion
The Mississippi river is a vital artery for the United States and its people. But, the river’s current predicament is proof that it is facing serious health issues that require urgent attention.
Fortunately, there are ways for us to preserve its health and ensure it remains a source of joy and recreation for generations to come. This will involve a collective effort from farmers, businesses, and governments to adopt more sustainable practices, while citizens need to be made aware of their own impact on the environment.
Only with a concerted effort will we be able to secure the river’s future, allowing it to continue providing vital economic opportunities, while preserving its unique ecosystems.
