{"id":9388,"date":"2023-10-29T09:55:11","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T08:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=9388"},"modified":"2023-10-29T09:55:11","modified_gmt":"2023-10-29T08:55:11","slug":"dont-drink-mississippi-river-water-curse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/dont-drink-mississippi-river-water-curse\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Drink Mississippi River Water Curse"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Water Pollution<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the United States and the tenth-longest in the world. Unfortunately, due to water pollution, it is now considered one of the most contaminated rivers in the United States. Human activities such as industrial waste and agricultural runoff are to blame. As a result, the water quality in the Mississippi River is so poor that drinking it could be hazardous to one’s health. The water is not only unsafe for drinking, but it is also unsafe for swimming and fishing.<\/p>\n

Dangers of Water Pollution<\/h2>\n

Water pollution presents a number of dangers to the human body. Its consequences can range from minor illnesses to more serious medical conditions, including organ damage and even death. The most common effects of drinking polluted river water are nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. These are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites that thrive in water with poor sanitary condition.<\/p>\n

Impact of Pollution<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is a major source of drinking water for many cities and towns, so water pollution has a direct effect on humans. The water in the river is so heavily polluted that it can cause diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, dysentery, and, in some cases, even cancer. Pollution in the Mississippi River has had devastating effects on fish, birds, aquatic plants, and other wildlife.<\/p>\n

Deteriorating Quality Of Mississippi River Water<\/h2>\n

In recent years, the Mississippi River has seen a sharp decline in its water quality. In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the river had some of the highest levels of phosphorus and nitrogen pollution in history. Both of these pollutants can cause algae blooms, which can lead to oxygen depletion and, in turn, fish mortality. Additionally, large amounts of man-made chemicals are found in the river’s water, posing a serious health risk to anyone who attempts to swim, boat, or fish in it.<\/p>\n

Effects Of Human Activity On Water Quality<\/h2>\n