The Mississippi River is a river of controversy and sorrow. Its length and breadth, along with its rich delta region, are a source of national pride, but are marred by destructive agricultural practices and industrial pollution.
Each year, the Mississippi’s sediment-filled and polluted waters threaten not just the health of the river, but that of humans and ecosystems nearby.
Agricultural practices, such as fertiliser use and poorly planned drainage systems, are two major contributors to the pollution of the river. These practices allow vast amounts of soil, nutrients, and pesticides to run off into the river. These pollutants are then carried downstream, causing destruction to the river’s wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Industrial pollution is another source of destruction, including that from industrial wastewater. This wastewater is filled with contaminants and toxins that can poison the fish, mammals, and other aquatic life that dwell in the Mississippi. These pollutants also find their way into water supplies downstream of the factories, leading to health and environmental problems.
Unregulated fishing and hunting, as well as the destruction of the floodplains, can have serious consequences on the health of the river, its inhabitants, and the people who rely on it for food. Without these floodplains, wetlands, and other ecosystems, the river’s water levels drop, reducing the habitats needed by species such as the iconic American alligator and other predators.
The consequences of these issues are far-reaching. People living along the banks of the Mississippi are at great risk from contamination of drinking water. The pollution can also spread to other rivers and streams, leading to further destruction of their ecosystems. In addition, the increasing amount of continental runoff and silt can cause flooding and disrupt navigation on the river.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has been at the forefront of attempts to clean up the Mississippi River. The agency has implemented innovative measures to reduce water pollution, such as artificial wetlands, aquatic vegetation, and sediment reduction facilities. The US Army Corps of Engineers also works with state and local governments to ensure that appropriate regulations are in place to prevent further degradation of the river.
The Mississippi River has long been a source of life and beauty for humans and wildlife alike, and it is essential that we take steps to protect it before it is too late. People need to become aware of the issues affecting the river, take action, and become caring stewards of this important waterway.
What Are the Effects of Industrial Pollution?
Industrial pollution can have a direct and immediate detrimental impact on the Mississippi River’s ecology. Pollutants, such as nitrates, heavy metals, and solvents can have drastic effects on aquatic organisms. The main effect is on the ecosystem’s food chain. When industrial pollutants enter an ecosystem, they can block sunlight and reduce the growth of aquatic plants, which serve as food sources for fish and animals. The pollutants can also make the water more acidic, killing the fish, reducing the oxygen levels, and altering the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Industrial pollutants can also have a negative impact on human health. Ingesting or even coming into contact with contaminated water can have serious effects. The pollutants in industrial wastewaters, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals can cause a large range of chronic or acute health effects.
Finally, industrial pollution has been linked to the decline of aquatic life in the Mississippi River. Certain species, such as oysters, crabs, turtles, and birds are most susceptible, as these are top predators in their ecosystem and depend heavily on clean water sources.
What Are the Effects of Agricultural Practices?
Agricultural practices are the largest source of pollution in the Mississippi River. The primary cause of diverted agricultural pollution into streams, rivers, and water supplies is runoff. Runoff is caused when water, containing soil, fertilizers, and pesticides, moves through a landscape and eventually enters a water body. This can have a devastating effect on the aquatic ecosystem. The pollutants can kill fish and cause damage to water quality, food availability and to the health of any organisms living in the affected area.
Agricultural pollution also affects the food chain. The pollutants can accumulate in the food chain and, when consumed, can have a devastating effect on human health and the health of other animals. In addition, pollutants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and pesticides can destroy the delicate balance between oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in the water, leading to the death of aquatic organisms.
Finally, agricultural runoff can affect the turbidity of water, or the cloudiness caused by suspended particles and sediment. This, in turn, can reduce the amount of light reaching aquatic plants, further damaging the aquatic ecosystem.
How Is the US Army Corps of Engineers Managing the Issue?
The US Army Corps of Engineers is managing the pollution of the Mississippi River through a range of short-term and long-term projects, such as the Interagency Flood Risk Management Plan and the Mississippi River and Tributaries Program. These programs address pollution by introducing innovative methods to reduce contaminants, such as artificial wetlands, sediment reduction structures, and effluent reduction techniques.
The agency works with local and state government to ensure that regulations are stringent and effective. The US Army Corps of Engineers is also working to restore areas affected by erosion and sediment buildup. These actions can protect human health, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve the water quality and habitat of the river.
What Can Citizens Do?
Citizens can help protect the Mississippi River in a variety of ways. Some of the simplest solutions include reducing or eliminating the use of fertilizers and other chemicals near water sources, using native vegetation in landscaping projects, and reducing the amount of waste entering the water by avoiding single-use plastic items such as straws, plastic bags, and water bottles.
Citizens can also work with local governments to promote sustainability and to enforce regulations that protect the river. One way to do this is to speak out in support of protective laws, attend public hearings, and if necessary advocate on behalf of the river in a court of law. Citizens can also volunteer with organisations devoted to protecting the river, such as the National Wildlife Federation and the River Network.
What Is the Long-Term Outlook?
The problems facing the Mississippi River may seem insurmountable, but there is hope. In recent years, there have been tremendous advances in wastewater treatment and pollution control, and government agencies are working hard to ensure that polluting companies are held accountable for their actions.
The long-term outlook for the river is positive, but only if people continue to work together to protect this important natural resource. If citizens take an active role in reducing pollution, protecting wildlife, and advocating for protective regulations, the Mississippi can once again be a source of pride and joy for communities upstream and downstream.
What Other Organisations Are Helping?
Many organisations have dedicated their time and resources to the protection of the Mississippi River. Nonprofit organisations such as the Mississippi River Network, the National Resources Defense Council, and the Audubon Society work to monitor water quality, develop educational initiatives, and advocate for protective legislation.
The Mississippi River Basin Alliance is a coalition of scientists, conservation organisations, and industry representatives working together to protect the Mississippi River. The MRBA was created in 2000 and works to bring together public and private stakeholders to tackle the river’s pollution problems.
Other organisations are focused on the recovery of species, habitats, and ecosystems affected by pollution. The Gulf of Mexico Foundation and the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Program are just two examples of organisations dedicated to restoring the coastal wetlands and ecosystems of the Mississippi Delta.
What Can We Do to Secure the Future of the Mississippi?
The Mississippi River is an invaluable resource and its future must be protected. To ensure its future, individuals must take proactive steps to reduce water pollution, advocate for responsible land-use practices, and support programs to help protect the river’s ecosystems.
Everyone living in the Mississippi River Basin should join forces to protect the river. Citizens can educate themselves and others on the issues facing the river and take steps to reduce their own and their community’s water pollution. They can also support organisations working for the protection of the river and join campaigns aimed at raising public awareness about the issues.
Finally, citizens must be willing to get involved in their communities by advocating for protective regulations, taking part in clean-up efforts, and becoming ethical stewards of the Mississippi River Basin. By taking these steps, citizens can ensure the future of the Mississippi River.
