Contributing Factors of the Mississippi River’s Stream
The Mississippi river is one of the largest river basins in the world, being fed by over two million acres of drainage basin from 32 states in the United States. Its major water source is approximately 500 sioux river tributaries that are known collectively as the ‘Grand’ Mississippi River. As it is one of the most intensively used water source for both industry and agricultural use, the water from Mississippi River has to be monitored closely for changes.
Pollution & Discharge
The increasing rate of discharge of pollutants into the river has had a profound impact on its water quality. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus as a result of agricultural inputs, toxic chemicals detailing from industries, and acidic runoff from mining have resulted in the river becoming increasingly polluted. According to the EPA, bacteria levels are rising as runoff from animal and human waste concentrate, as well as chemicals and fertilizer added onto land.
These pollutants, if unchecked, have the potential to contaminate drinking water, damaging public health and ecological systems, while impacting the aquatic habitat of the wildlife that call the river home.
Water Diversions & Uses
With an estimated annual flow of approximately 550 million acre-feet from the Mississippi, it is the United States’ fifth-largest river by volume. Its water is used for a variety of purposes, including domestic water supply, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, industrial and agricultural production, as well as recreation and more.
Water diversion of the Mississippi River for purposes of shipping and as a source of energy is not a new concept. In fact, two of the greatest engineering feats of the twentieth century — the locks and dams that form the lower Mississippi — were in part initiated to open up the traditional points of the river to navigation and development.
Impact on Biodiversity
The increased pollutants in the river have greatly affected many of the species living within its waters. The presence of harmful pollutants such as heavy metals and other chemicals have significantly reduced both the quantity and quality of the fishery. Adult fish and freshwater mussels are particularly at risk, as contaminants that are consumed or breathed in can cause damage to their organs and tissues, leading to health problems and ultimately death.
The River also plays an important role in migration, but it has become increasingly difficult for many species to move between its sources thanks to the growth of dams and levees along its length. This has resulted in decreased water flow and the changing of the river’s course, making it difficult for certain species to feed and reproduce.
Efforts to Mitigate Threats to the River
In order to protect the river and its wildlife from the effects of pollution, there has been a number of efforts from both government agencies and non-profits. The EPA has mandated that any facilities near the river test for and reduce the amount of pollutants released into it. Companies are also making advancements in their wastewater treatment technologies, which are designed to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the Mississippi River.
There have also been efforts to restore the natural habitat of the river, aiding in its rejuvenation and support of the wildlife inhabiting it. Restoration projects are underway, such as the construction of shallow wetlands and creek mouth projects, which are intended to improve water quality, reduce sediment runoff, and create habitat for fish and wildlife among other goals.
The Future of the Mississippi
The future of the river largely relies on the decisions of those living in its basin and the surrounding areas. As increased development takes place, the pressure will be put on the river’s resources to be managed responsibly.
Although there are still many issues that state and federal agencies need to address, the current trend suggests that the river is improving. However, the continued health of the river depends on the public taking measures to reduce pollution and conserve its precious resources. The management and stewardship of the Mississippi River is the responsibility of everyone living in its basin — the river’s future is our shared responsibility.
Impact on Aquatic Life
The increasing presence of pollutants, discharge of wastewater and other changes to the river have had a negative effect on the aquatic life living in it. Due to the increased nitrates, bacteria and other contaminants in the water, the ecosystems of the river are under stress, as it has become increasingly inhospitable for certain species.
The concentration of the contaminants in the water causes physical stress due to the loss of oxygen in the water which affects the fish, crustaceans and other marine life living there. As the health of the ecosystems of the river declines, it also has an effect on the larger wildlife that inhabit the Mississippi, further affecting their habitats.
Manufacturing & Industry
In recent years and as the population continues to grow, there has been an increase in the need for raw materials and manufacturing, both of which heavily rely on the Mississippi River. The majority of this industrial activity takes place closer to the lower stretches of the river, polluting the waters and releasing chemicals, solvents and other pollutants into the water.
The demand for the resources of the river could have a long-term environmental consequence if not managed properly. The thermal discharge of the industries have been known to lead to changes in the temperature of the river, resulting in an increase in the water’s salt content, new species and decreasing the health of existing species.
Agricultural Practices
As the population continues to expand, so does the need for agricultural products such as grains, cotton, livestock and produce. The majority of the agricultural activities take place in the upstream regions of the Mississippi River, causing runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into the water.
With the increased runoff pollution, the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the river has been increasing and leading to the growth of eutrophication, which leads to oxygen-depleted water. This has an effect on the health of the fish and other aquatic organisms that are dependent on the river’s food sources, reducing the number of fish in the river and leading to an increased chance of extinction.
Recreational Use of the River
The Mississippi River is a popular spot for recreational activities such as boating, fishing and canoeing, leading to the potential of harm to the environment through discarded trash or chemical spills. This puts additional strain on the river and its wildlife, as these activities are known to affect the water quality and increase the amount of sediment in it.
It is important to be mindful of the practices conducted near and in the Mississippi River, with responsible steps such as not discarding of waste material and refraining from fishing in heavily contaminated areas. This will help to lessen the impact of pollutants and aid in restoring the health of the river for all who benefit from it.
