For decades, the Mississippi River has been plagued by pollution and the cause of dirty, murky waters. From the start, some of the river’s filth is naturally-caused. Mud, silt, and organic material that settle to the bottom of the river create a murky appearance in its waters. On top of this natural filth, industrial waste and pollutants, like fertilizer and agricultural runoff, gas outfalls, and production chemicals, are added to the mix.
The extent of the Mississippi River’s pollution was first recognized in the 10th century when it was considered “Father of Waters” by Native Americans. It wasn’t long before the river became overpopulated and the amount of sewage, industrial and agricultural waste running off into it drastically changed the quality of its waters. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the river is considered to be one of the most polluted in the world.
The pollution of the Mississippi River is so severe that it has caused public health concerns, fish deaths, and negative impacts on the overall balance of the environment. The sediments, nutrient runoff and chemicals present in the river are known to cause low levels of dissolved oxygen, leading to fish and aquatic life death, and contributing to the concentration of bacteria and algal blooms. In addition, the sediment pumped into the river is often rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, both of which are essential nutrients for aquatic plants and animals.
Various initiatives have been taken by governmental and non-governmental organizations to tackle the problem of the Mississippi River’s pollution. These include cleanup efforts as well as programs to reduce, reuse and recycle waste from manufacturing plants, farms and homes that would otherwise end up in the Mississippi River.
Since the 1950s, the US government has developed and implemented legislation that focuses on mitigating and controlling the sources of pollution. The government has also funded and implemented programs such as “Watersheds for the Future” and “Clean Rivers” that are aimed at improving the quality of waters in the Mississippi River. In addition, major dams have been constructed to improve navigation, flow, reduce sedimentation and improve water quality.
Although progress has been made to reduce the amount of pollution in the Mississippi River, the river still suffers from some of the highest levels of pollution in the world. With more than 500,000 metric tons of pollutants and hazardous waste dumped into the river each year, it is clear that there is still a great deal of work to be done in order to restore the water quality of the Mississippi River.
Efforts to Combat Pollution
The fight to restore the quality of the Mississippi River’s waters continues to this day. In addition to the initiatives described above, policy makers and environmental organizations recognize the need for action to control pollution and support sustainable water management. States and localities are investing in green infrastructures, such as stormwater detention ponds and wetlands, to help reduce the amount of runoff entering the river. Other efforts have included education and outreach programs targeting farmers, homeowners and businesses to minimize their disposal of pollutants into the river.
Moreover, citizens are encouraged to participate in efforts to reduce local water pollution. Simple steps, such as reducing chemical use around the yard, properly disposing of garbage and observing local fisheries regulations, go a long way towards improving the quality of the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment.
In recent years, technological measures have also been put in place to reduce the impact of sewage and industrial waste on the Mississippi River. These include online monitoring systems for water discharges, bio-filtration systems, and automated data collection systems. Such technological advances make it easier for environmental authorities to identify sources of pollution and take steps to reduce them.
Economic Impact
The health of the Mississippi River directly impacts the economic health of its surrounding environment. The river’s pollution has caused a significant decline in the quality of life of local communities and the local economy, costing millions of dollars in damages. In addition, the water pollution makes fishing and other recreational activities, such as swimming and boating, dangerous, resulting in a significant loss of potential income.
The cost associated with water pollution is not limited to the Mississippi River. The contaminated water flows downstream to the Gulf of Mexico and affects the entire region, where it has caused a wide range of problems, like the Gulf Interception Project, which is an effort to pump salty Gulf water into the river during the dry season in order to reduce the amount of saltwater intrusion into the river. All of these efforts come at a high price, and the cost of water pollution throughout the region continues to rise.
Environmental Issues
The environmental issues associated with the Mississippi River’s pollution are many and varied. In addition to the health and economic issues mentioned above, pollution of the Mississippi River has led to a reduction in fish populations, resulting in decreased trophy fishing opportunities. Additionally, the sedimentation and nutrient runoff caused by pollutants could have a long-term effect on the recreational and agricultural activities in the surrounding communities.
The aesthetic value of the river has also been greatly diminished by pollution. The murky brownish and greenish waters, which are caused by the sediment laden with nutrient runoff, take away from the beauty of the river and make it far less appealing for recreational activities.
Finally, the pollution of the Mississippi River affects the area’s drinking supply. In areas close to the river, the water supply is often contaminated with pollutants picked up by the river, making it unsafe to drink.
Stakeholders Involvement
All stakeholders, including public and private entities, have a role in the prevention and mitigation of water pollution in the Mississippi River. Governments need to continue to develop and implement legislation that focuses on limiting water pollution, while industries should adopt more environmentally-friendly technologies and practices, such as using green energy sources, recycling and reducing their water consumption.
Individuals who live near the Mississippi River can also play an active role in improving the water quality by participating in local water conservation efforts, reducing their water consumption and taking steps to properly dispose of their waste. In addition, citizens should be aware of the local water regulations and should report any signs of pollution or contamination to the local government.
Conclusion
The pollution of the Mississippi River has caused a variety of environmental and economic issues that require integrated solutions from all stakeholders if the river is to be restored to its natural state. Governments, industries and individuals all have a role to play in reducing the quantities of wastewater released into the Mississippi River. Additionally, the implementation of green infrastructures, technological measures, and local citizen efforts can go a long way in restoring the river to its former glory.
