Bronte Wells
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. A study found over 18,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter, which is significantly more than the Rhine or Yangtze rivers. The river is also affected by sedimentation, industrial pollution, coal mining, and sewage. Stormwater runoff, which is considered the largest threat to water quality in the United States, causes increased bacteria levels in the river, making it unsafe for swimming. While the river is in a constant state of contamination, it is usually safe for swimming, except after heavy rainfall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics | 18,000 particles per cubic meter |
| Plastic pollution ranking | One of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world |
| Industrial contaminants | Decatur is a major source of industrial pollution |
| Coal mining and burning | Kingston Fossil Plant spill in 2008 |
| Sewage | Combined sewer and water system causes increased bacteria levels |
| Stormwater runoff | The single largest threat to water quality in the U.S. |
| Mercury air emissions | Kingston, Tennessee spill in 2008 |
| Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions | |
| Pathogens | Carry health risks for swimmers and local wildlife |
| Percentage of rivers too polluted for swimming | 60% |
| Rivers, creeks, and streams tested for contaminants | 26.7% |
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What You'll Learn
- The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world
- Stormwater runoff is the single largest threat to water quality
- The river is unsafe for swimming due to bacterial contamination
- Coal-burning power plants are a major source of air pollutants
- The river is difficult to clean once plastic reaches deep water
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, less than 5 millimeters in length, that pollute the environment. They are attributed to a culture of littering, a lack of recycling, and the widespread use of plastic packaging. Plastics degrade slowly, often over hundreds of years, increasing the likelihood of microplastics being ingested and accumulated in the bodies of organisms. The Tennessee River's high levels of microplastic pollution are likely due to a combination of these factors, as well as stormwater runoff and industrial activities.
Stormwater runoff is recognized as the single largest threat to water quality in the United States. Rainwater picks up pollutants from roadways, such as chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, and carries them through storm drains into creeks and rivers. The Tennessee River, in particular, is affected by runoff from urban and suburban areas, contributing to its high levels of plastic pollution.
In addition to microplastics, the Tennessee River faces other forms of pollution, including sedimentation, industrial waste, coal mining and burning, and sewage. The river was also impacted by the Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill in 2008, the largest industrial disaster in US history. As a result, 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash spilled into two tributaries of the Tennessee River, further contaminating the water.
Despite the river's pollution challenges, there are ongoing efforts to improve water quality. Organizations like Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Tennessee Riverkeeper work tirelessly to remove litter, filter out pollutants, and address industrial contaminants. Initiatives such as the installation of Seabin skimmer devices and public reporting of pollution incidents are making a positive impact on the health of the river. Additionally, individuals can play a role in reducing plastic pollution by refusing single-use plastic bags and disposing of litter properly.
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Stormwater runoff is the single largest threat to water quality
Stormwater runoff is the leading cause of water quality degradation in the United States, affecting both rural and urban areas. This is due to rainwater carrying pollutants from roadways, such as chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, into storm drains, which eventually flow into creeks and rivers untreated. This type of runoff can alter the amount, quality, and temperature of water in rivers and creeks.
In the case of the Tennessee River, stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to its constant state of contamination. The river is particularly vulnerable to pollution due to its proximity to urban areas and industrial activities. When heavy rainfall occurs, the city's combined sewer and water system can overflow, resulting in increased levels of bacteria, such as E. coli and Giardia, from sewage in the river. This makes the water unsafe for recreational activities like swimming and fishing.
The impact of stormwater runoff on the Tennessee River is exacerbated by the presence of microplastics and other pollutants. Microplastics, resulting from litter and plastic packaging, are small plastic fragments that pollute the environment. They are difficult to remove once they enter deep water and can be ingested and accumulated in the bodies of various organisms, including fish that people consume. The Tennessee River is recognized as one of the most microplastic-polluted rivers globally, with over 18,000 microplastic particles found per cubic meter.
Additionally, uncontrolled development along the river contributes to sedimentation and silt release, reducing the dissolved oxygen levels in the water. While organizations like Tennessee Riverkeeper work tirelessly to address pollution through cleanups and citizen complaints, the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion and runoff control is often lacking or inadequately enforced.
To address the issue of stormwater runoff, initiatives such as the RainSmart Yards—NoogaKnox Challenge 2022 encourage homeowners to create RainSmart yards that mitigate stormwater runoff and promote native plant growth. By managing stormwater effectively, communities can reduce the impact of runoff on water quality and minimize the pollution entering their creeks and rivers.
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The river is unsafe for swimming due to bacterial contamination
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. It is in a constant state of contamination, with over 18,000 microplastic particles found per cubic meter. This is due to a culture of littering, a lack of involvement in recycling, and the excessive use of plastic packaging. While the river is usually safe for swimming at low contamination levels, heavy stormwater runoff can cause unsafe conditions. The city's combined sewer and water system means that runoff from roadways, including chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, can enter the river and increase bacteria levels. This can include harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Giardia, as well as industrial contaminants and micro-bacteria.
The Tennessee River was also affected by the Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill in 2008, which released 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash into its tributaries. Coal-burning power plants contribute to air pollution, with mercury, a potent neurotoxin, ending up in the tissue of fish that people consume. Additionally, agricultural runoff, fertilizer runoff from golf courses, and fecal bacteria from septic tanks can contaminate the river. These pollutants pose health risks to swimmers and wildlife.
Microplastic pollution is particularly concerning as the small plastic fragments, less than five millimeters in length, can be ingested and accumulated in the bodies of various organisms. This can have unknown consequences for the ecosystem and potentially impact human health. While organizations like Tennessee Riverkeeper work to remove litter and pollution from the river, it is essential for individuals to take action as well. Reducing single-use plastics, supporting a bottle bill, and refusing single-use shopping bags can help decrease plastic pollution.
The Tennessee River's bacterial contamination is a serious issue that makes the river unsafe for swimming. With 122 miles of the river affected by bacteria, it poses a health risk to individuals, especially those with sensitive skin or gut issues. The high levels of contamination are attributed to various sources, including stormwater runoff, industrial waste, and sewage. The river's constant state of contamination highlights the need for improved water quality management and increased efforts to reduce bacterial levels to make it safe for recreational activities like swimming.
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Coal-burning power plants are a major source of air pollutants
The adverse health effects of PM2.5 from coal-burning power plants have been underestimated. Research has shown that for every 1 μg/m3 increase in coal PM2.5, mortality risk increases by 1.12%, more than double the risk associated with PM2.5 from all sources. From 1999 to 2020, it is estimated that 460,000 deaths could have been prevented in the absence of emissions from coal power plants. However, the decline in mortality over time indicates the success of emissions reduction policies.
Coal-fired power plants in the United States have made significant progress in reducing emissions. Between 1990 and 2020, annual emissions of SO2 and NOx from the electric power sector decreased by 93.4% and 84.8%, respectively. Additionally, CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 37% between 2007 and 2020. High-efficiency environmental equipment and pollution-control devices have played a crucial role in reducing emissions.
Despite these improvements, some individual coal-fired power plants have yet to install the necessary equipment to control emissions. Major emitters of SO2, NOx, and CO2 include the Martin Lake power plant in Texas, the Labadie power plant in Missouri, and the James H Miller Jr plant in Alabama. Coal-burning power plants continue to be a major source of pollution, and further efforts are needed to address this issue effectively.
Overall, coal-burning power plants have been identified as significant contributors to air pollution, posing risks to human health and the environment. While there have been encouraging developments in reducing emissions, continued focus and action are required to mitigate the adverse impacts of these pollutants on public health and the planet.
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The river is difficult to clean once plastic reaches deep water
The Tennessee River is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world. A study in 2017 found over 18,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter, a significantly higher amount than in the watersheds of Europe's Rhine River and China's Yangtze River. Microplastics are small plastic fragments less than five millimeters in length, which come from a culture of littering, a lack of involvement in recycling, and the high amount of plastic packaging in the US.
The Tennessee River is in a constant state of contamination, with 122 miles of the river affected by bacterial contamination. While the river is usually safe for swimming, heavy stormwater runoff can cause unsafe levels of bacteria, such as E. coli and Giardia, from sewage. This runoff also carries chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, which end up in the river and its tributaries.
Once plastic reaches deep water in the Tennessee River, it becomes difficult to remove. While organizations like Tennessee Riverkeeper conduct cleanups focusing on plastic litter removal, litter is much easier to remove from shorelines and shallow water. To address the issue of plastic in deep waters, other steps must be taken, such as reducing single-use plastics, supporting the implementation of a bottle bill, and using reusable plastic.
The Tennessee River was also affected by the Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill in 2008, the largest industrial disaster in US history. The spill released 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash into the Emory and Clinch Rivers, which are tributaries of the Tennessee River. Coal-burning power plants are a significant source of mercury emissions, which end up in the tissue of fish consumed by people, posing health risks, especially to children and developing fetuses.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Tennessee River is polluted. It is one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world, with over 18,000 microplastic particles found per cubic meter.
The Tennessee River's pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants from roadways, such as chemical fertilizers, oil, and litter, into the river.
- Agricultural runoff, which can carry away pollutants such as fertilizers and bacteria from septic tanks.
- Industrial waste, sewage, and coal mining and burning.
- Development, which releases sediment and silt into the river, reducing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.
There are ongoing efforts to address the pollution in the Tennessee River. Organizations such as Tennessee Riverkeeper and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful work to remove pollution and litter from the river. Tennessee Riverkeeper also advocates for the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion and runoff control. Additionally, the EPA monitors water quality at various points along the river and its creeks and streams, and the public can report pollution through their online form.
