Bronte Wells
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. It is contaminated by microplastics, industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, and fertilizer runoff. The river is in a constant state of contamination, with bacterial contamination in some parts. The Tennessee Riverkeeper organization works to remove pollution from the river through cleanups and public reporting. The EPA also monitors water quality, and Tennessee has assessed most of its lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, but less than 30% of its creeks, rivers, and streams. Nearly 60% of Tennessee's rivers are considered too polluted for swimming and other recreational activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics | 18,000 particles per cubic meter |
| Plastic pollution | One of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world |
| Industrial pollution | Industrial waste, sewage, and garbage |
| Coal mining and burning | Kingston Fossil Plant spill in 2008 |
| Mercury air emissions | From coal-burning power plants |
| Air pollutants | Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide |
| Stormwater runoff | The largest threat to water quality in the US |
| Pathogens | E. coli and Giardia |
| Bacteria | Fecal bacteria |
| Dioxin and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) |
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What You'll Learn
- The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world
- The river is constantly contaminated, but usually safe for swimming
- Stormwater runoff is the largest threat to water quality
- The river has industrial contaminants, especially in Decatur
- Organisations are working to remove pollution from the river
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world
Plastic pollution in the Tennessee River is not just limited to microplastics. Single-use plastic bags, for example, make up over half of the plastic pollution in the river. This plastic pollution has severe environmental and ecological consequences. Plastics degrade slowly, often over hundreds of years, increasing the probability of microplastics being ingested and incorporated into the bodies and tissues of many organisms.
The Tennessee River is also affected by other types of pollution, including sedimentation, industrial pollution, coal mining and burning, and sewage. In 2008, the river was affected by the Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill, the largest industrial disaster in United States history, which released 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash into two of its tributaries. Stormwater runoff, which carries pollution from roadways, chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, is also a significant contributor to the river's pollution.
Despite the river's high level of pollution, there are efforts underway to improve water quality. Organizations like Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Tennessee Riverkeeper work to remove litter and pollution from the river and advocate for reductions in single-use plastics and plastic packaging. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has also installed Seabin skimmer devices to clean the water and remove litter, gasoline, oils, and microplastics.
While the Tennessee River's pollution levels are a cause for concern, it is important to note that when a river is flowing, it has the capacity to clean itself using its own biodiverse systems. Additionally, the EPA monitors water quality at various points along the river and its creeks and streams, and provides resources for the public to check the water quality of specific areas.
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The river is constantly contaminated, but usually safe for swimming
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. It has a significant microplastic pollution problem, with over 18,000 particles found per cubic meter. This is due to a culture of littering, a lack of involvement in recycling, and the amount of plastic packaging in the US. Plastics degrade slowly, over hundreds of years, increasing the probability of microplastics being ingested and incorporated into the bodies and tissues of organisms. The Tennessee River was also affected by the 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill, the largest industrial disaster in US history.
However, the river is constantly being cleaned by organisations like Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Tennessee Riverkeeper, who installed eighteen Seabin skimmer devices to remove litter and filter out pollutants. The river is also monitored by the EPA, and individuals can take steps to reduce plastic waste, such as refusing single-use shopping bags.
While the river is in a constant state of contamination, it is usually safe for swimming, except for those with severe skin and/or gut sensitivities. When there is a lot of stormwater runoff, the water becomes unsafe due to the city's combined sewer and water system. This can cause an increased level of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Giardia, from sewage.
The Tennessee River is an important source of water for over 8 million people, and it is crucial to ensure that it is safe for all recreational activities. While it may be safe to swim in most of the time, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
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Stormwater runoff is the largest threat to water quality
The Tennessee River is one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. Microplastics, sedimentation, industrial pollution, coal mining and burning, and sewage all contribute to the river's pollution. In fact, the Tennessee River was the unfortunate victim of the largest industrial disaster in US history: the 2008 Kingston Coal Ash Spill, which saw 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash spill into two of its tributaries.
The river is an important source of water for over 8 million people in the Cumberland and Tennessee watersheds. However, the Tennessee River's pollution problem is so severe that it is considered unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities. A 2022 study found that the river contains 18,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter—a higher concentration than that found in the Yangtze or Rhine rivers, which serve far greater numbers of people.
While pollution in the Tennessee River has many sources, stormwater runoff is the largest threat to water quality. Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater washes pollution from roadways, paved surfaces, development sites, and lawns into waterways through storm drains. This process increases the magnitude of floods and alters the amount, quality, and temperature of water in rivers and creeks. Stormwater runoff also carries chemical fertilizers, oil, litter, and other pollutants directly into creeks and rivers, polluting water sources and harming ecosystems.
In Tennessee, stormwater runoff is particularly problematic due to the state's frequent storms and heavy rainfall. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has recognized the importance of stormwater management in protecting the state's waterways and has implemented projects to help small communities manage stormwater. These projects aim to ensure clean and safe water for citizens by reducing the amount of pollution that enters waterways through stormwater runoff.
While stormwater runoff is a significant challenge, it is not the only threat to water quality in Tennessee. Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and sewage are also major sources of pollution in the state's waterways. However, by addressing stormwater runoff and implementing better erosion and runoff control practices, Tennessee can make significant strides towards improving water quality and preserving the health of its rivers and communities.
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The river has industrial contaminants, especially in Decatur
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. It is in a constant state of contamination, with particles from plastic bags making up over half of the pollution found in the river. The river also has a significant microplastics problem, with over 18,000 microplastic particles found per cubic meter. This is a result of a culture of littering, a lack of involvement in recycling, and the high amount of plastic packaging in the United States.
However, plastic is not the only type of pollution found in the Tennessee River. Industrial pollution, coal mining and burning, and sewage also contribute to the river's pollution. The Tennessee River was the unfortunate victim of the largest industrial disaster in United States history, the coal ash spill at the Kingston Fossil Plant in 2008. After a dike collapsed, 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash spilled into the Emory and Clinch Rivers, both tributaries of the Tennessee River.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified coal-burning power plants as the leading source of mercury air emissions, which end up in the tissue of fish that people eat. Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin, especially for children and developing fetuses. In addition, coal-burning power plants emit air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide.
The Tennessee River is particularly affected by industrial contaminants in the area of Decatur. Downstream from Decatur, people are concerned about industrial pollution and often go boating upstream toward Huntsville, where they believe the water quality is better. This concentration of industrial pollution in Decatur contributes to the overall pollution of the Tennessee River, making it unsafe for recreational activities like swimming and fishing.
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Organisations are working to remove pollution from the river
The Tennessee River is one of the most biodiverse habitats in North America, with over 300 species of fish and 125 varieties of mussels. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world, with microplastics being a significant issue. In addition, the river suffers from sedimentation, industrial pollution, coal mining and burning, and sewage. The good news is that several organisations are working tirelessly to remove pollution from the river and preserve its delicate ecosystem.
One such organisation is Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, which works in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. In March, they installed eighteen Seabin skimmer devices across the Tennessee River. Seabins are innovative skimmer devices that clean the water by removing litter and filtering out gasoline, oils, and microplastics. Each Seabin can remove up to 3,000 pounds of marine debris per year, making a significant impact on the river's cleanliness.
Tennessee Riverkeeper is another key player in the efforts to protect the Tennessee River. They have an online form that allows members of the public to report pollution incidents in the river. Additionally, they conduct cleanups focusing on plastic litter removal, particularly targeting shallow waters and shorelines where litter is easier to remove. Tennessee Riverkeeper also addresses other pollution issues and responds to citizen complaints. They work with over 300 similar Waterkeeper organisations worldwide to defend the river and its tributaries through education and enforcement of environmental laws.
Earth5R is an environmental organisation with experience tackling river pollution through a circular economic model approach. They have led cleanups and educational initiatives, recognising that engaging firms and individuals is crucial to ensuring sustainable material use for the future. Earth5R also collaborates with the private sector, involving local businesses in river cleanups and waste management initiatives.
The Nature Conservancy has worked to protect endangered species along the Tennessee River's tributaries and has led efforts for dam removal and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Tennessee Waterkeeper, one of the largest environmental advocacy organisations for wildlife and water quality on the river, regularly works with scientists and marine biologists to monitor water pollution and investigate illegal dumping.
These organisations, along with many others, are making a dedicated effort to remove pollution from the Tennessee River and ensure its long-term health and sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. It is also contaminated by industrial waste, sewage, fertilizer runoff, and bacteria.
Stormwater runoff is the largest threat to water quality in the United States, and it is a significant issue for the Tennessee River. Rainwater picks up pollutants from roadways, such as chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, and carries them into the river through storm drains.
The Tennessee River is generally safe for swimming, but it is recommended that individuals with severe skin and/or gut sensitivities avoid swimming after heavy rainfall. This is because stormwater runoff can cause an increased level of bacteria, such as E. coli and Giardia, from sewage.
Several organizations, such as Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Tennessee Riverkeeper, are working to remove pollution from the river through cleanups and the installation of Seabin skimmer devices. Individuals can also make a difference by picking up litter, refusing single-use plastic bags, and supporting initiatives like RainSmart Yards.
Pollution in the Tennessee River has various ecological impacts. Microplastics, which are small plastic fragments, can be ingested by organisms and accumulated in their tissues. Industrial pollution and agricultural runoff can also introduce toxins into the water, affecting both wildlife and humans who rely on the river as a source of drinking water.
