The Mississippi River is one of the largest and most vital waterways in the world. With its source located in Minnesota and an outlet in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River carries more than three million gallons of water a day. It is responsible for providing water for drinking and irrigation, transportation of goods, and an essential source of recreation and tourism. But in recent years, the river has been steadily declining in water volume due to a variety of causes.
The most remarkable decline in the Mississippi can be attributed to population growth. With more and more people utilizing the river’s resources, the river is being depleted faster than it is replenished. This can be seen in the fact that only 8 percent of total flow remains in the river at its mouth, with the rest having been used for recreational and agricultural purposes. Additionally, the construction of levees and dams have had a major impact on the ecology and hydrology of the river. This has resulted in the river losing between 17.5 and 40.8 percent of its sediment, an essential component to the ecosystem.
Another major factor contributing to the decline in the Mississippi’s water volume is climate change. Warmer temperatures cause rivers to dry up more quickly, reducing the amount of water in the river. In addition, due to air pollution and urban runoff, the surface quality of the water is decreasing, resulting in the river carrying less of its natural minerals, nutrients and organic matter.
This declining water level has caused the Mississippi to be labeled as “the longest and most polluted river in the United States”. It is home to a myriad of endangered species or species of concern, many of which rely on the river for food and sustenance. In addition, the decrease in water flow has had a negative effect on agricultural production and people living near the shores of the river. This prompted the United States Environmental Protection Agency to create the Mississippi River Basin HAP (Healthy Aquatic Resources Program) in 1994. This program aims to improve the water quality of the river by restoring and protecting aquatic habitats and reducing runoff from urban areas.
Despite numerous efforts to reduce the number of pollutants affecting the Mississippi River and its tributaries, the river is still in a state of decline. To ensure that the river and its resources are kept healthy and in a balanced condition, water conservation is essential. Measures like reducing non-essential water usage, conserving rainwater, and using efficient gardening practices are some of the ways we can conserve water and prevent further depletion of the river.
Pollutants and Their Effects
Aside from the natural sources that contribute to the decline of water in the Mississippi River, the river is also subject to numerous types of pollutants and chemicals that have been introduced into its water system. The most common pollutants entering the river are human and agricultural waste, industrial waste, and runoff from urban areas.
Human and agricultural waste is composed of sewage effluents, agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, and other chemicals from domestic use. This type of waste is highly toxic and releases a harmful substance (ammonium), which can be extremely damaging to the river’s ecology. Industrial waste, on the other hand, can contain toxic chemicals like heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and persistent organic pollutants, all of which can affect the health of surrounding communities.
Runoff from urban areas is also a major source of pollution in the Mississippi. This runoff contains nitrogen and phosphates, which can lead to an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants, resulting in “dead zones” that kill fish and other aquatic wildlife. In addition, runoff can also be contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic chemicals, which can cause serious health issues for those living near the river.
Environmental Protection Efforts
As the Mississippi River continues to suffer from the various types of pollutants entering it, initiatives such as The Healthy Aquatic Resources Program (HAR) are being implemented to combat the degradation of the river. This program’s purpose is to diminish and eliminate pollutants entering the river and encouraging water conservation. The HAR program operates to control pollutants entering the river from power plants and factories, reduce runoff from urban areas, and promote education and outreach on water conservation.
In addition to the HAR program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have also taken initiatives to reduce pollution levels and increase water quality. The main goal of this program is to maintain the free-flowing nature of the river, whereas other programs look to maintain the quality of the water. The Corps of Engineers are working on initiatives to modify levees and dams, reduce erosion, and maintain a balanced water flow in the river.
Environmental groups, local organizations, and individuals around the Mississippi River Basin have also come together to help in the cause. From cleanup efforts to community gardens to education campaigns, these citizens are actively campaigning for the betterment of the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living around its banks, and its waters are an important resource for those living near it. With the amount of pollutants entering the river, its water volume is steadily declining, threatening the health of the surrounding communities and ecosystem. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that we take appropriate measures to maintain and protect this precious resource. The combination of state, federal, and local policies as well as environmental efforts and community involvement is the only way to ensure that the Mississippi River is preserved for generations to come.
How We Can Help
There are a variety of ways in which individuals can help reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi. The most effective way is to reduce water usage and conserve rainwater in order to conserve the remaining water from the river. Water conservation programs such as xeriscaping and greywater systems are particularly effective for residential use. People can also reduce their chemical and fertilizer use to prevent runoff from entering the river. Regular boat maintenance and user education is another way to make sure that boats are not introducing pollutants into the waters. Finally, supporting and encouraging local environmental initiatives is a great way to help sustain the river.
The Role of the Government
The government also has a role to play in sustaining the Mississippi River. Politicians and lawmakers can push for legislation that seeks to preserve rivers and lakes, reduce or eliminate pollutants in industrial and agriculture runoff, and increase public education and involvement in order to protect the river. In addition, the government can provide funding and grants to organizations and private businesses in order to support their efforts in cleaning and protecting waterways.
The Significance of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River serves as an important resource for numerous people and businesses throughout the United States, and its waters are shared among many different jurisdictions. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that efforts to protect and preserve the river are taken seriously. The health of the Mississippi River is a reflection of the health of the nearby communities, and the river should be seen as a precious resource to be protected and conserved for future generations.
Biodiversity
The Mississippi River has also been home to a variety of wildlife, from fish and reptiles to birds and mammals. Unfortunately, the increasing levels of pollutants and reduced water flow have had a negative impact on these creatures and their habitats. To protect the biodiversity of the river, organizations, communities, and individuals have been providing aid to various species by replanting native plants, restoring wetlands, and stocking the river with fish. These measures are necessary in order to ensure that the Mississippi River remains a safe and healthy environment for all species living in and around it.
