Bronte Wells
Water pollution in the United States is a pressing issue, with industrial facilities releasing almost 193.7 million pounds of toxic substances into waterways in 2020, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. These toxins include mercury, nitrates, and heavy metals, which can have severe ecological and human health impacts, including cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental damage. The top ten polluted waters in the US include the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, the Savannah River, and the Susquehanna River, which are contaminated by agricultural runoff, chemical fertilizers, and industrial waste. The Jersey Shore, the Atlantic Ocean off the North Carolina coast, and the Pacific Ocean are also heavily polluted, with high levels of industrial and agricultural runoff, plastic pollution, and sewage spills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top Polluted Waterways | Mississippi River, Susquehanna River, Ohio River, Savannah River, Grays Harbor |
| States | TN, AR, LA, MO, IL, MN, WI, IA, KY, MS, New York, Maryland, Washington |
| Causes of Pollution | Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage, plastic waste |
| Health Risks | Gastroenteritis, ear infections, skin problems, cancer |
| Environmental Impacts | Vanishing seagrass, dwindling seafood harvests, dead zones, harm to marine life |
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What You'll Learn
The Mississippi River
Agricultural runoff is a significant contributor to the pollution of the Mississippi River. Fertilizers and other chemicals used in agriculture wash into the river during rainfall or snowmelt, leading to eutrophication and nutrient loading. The Clean Water Act (CWA), enacted in 1972, aimed to address point-source and non-point-source pollution to make US waters swimmable, drinkable, and fishable. While the Act has led to improvements in some waterways, the complex nature of non-point-source pollution, such as agricultural runoff, has made it challenging to regulate effectively.
Sedimentation is another critical issue affecting the Mississippi River. The accumulation of silt and sand particles in the river's backwaters fills essential fish and wildlife habitats and covers spawning grounds. This sediment also carries pollutants like PCBs, heavy metals, and phosphorus, which can contribute to algae blooms. The Upper Mississippi River is particularly vulnerable to sedimentation due to its vast drainage area and the alterations caused by the lock and dam system.
Human activities along the Mississippi River and its watershed continue to impact water quality. Toxic chemicals, including mercury and other heavy metals from steel plants, find their way into the river and accumulate in the food chain. While pollution from cities and towns has decreased over the years, and certain toxic chemicals have been banned, water quality issues persist. The passage of laws and increased awareness about the negative impacts of pollution have helped improve the Upper Mississippi River's cleanliness compared to thirty years ago. However, more efforts are needed to fully restore the health of this vital waterway and its surrounding ecosystem.
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The Susquehanna River
Agricultural pollution is a significant contributor to the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the river. The land in the lower Susquehanna basin is intensively farmed, and conventional tillage practices disturb the soil, leading to high rates of erosion. This results in an increase in sediment, which clouds the water and blocks sunlight, negatively impacting fish spawning habitats.
In addition to agricultural pollution, wastewater treatment plants discharge toxic metals and chemicals into the river. Industrial activities contribute metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc, while municipal treatment plants release chlorinated organic compounds. Farms also contribute pesticides and herbicides, which further contaminate the water. These toxics pose a threat to human health as they accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish.
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The Ohio River
The river, which is a source of drinking water for over 5 million people, has been contaminated with "forever chemicals" commonly found in waterproof coatings and non-stick pans. These chemicals have been detected in fish tissue at extremely high levels, posing a risk to human health and the environment. Nitrates, a form of nutrient pollution, have also been detected in the river, leading to toxic algal blooms and potentially causing development and birth defects.
Despite some progress, the river remains endangered and in need of further protection and restoration. The river's vast size may lead to the perception that dilution can solve the pollution problem, but this is not the case for all chemicals, as some, like mercury, accumulate in the environment and wildlife. The Ohio River's pollution crisis highlights the need for better regulation and accountability from industrial polluters to ensure the river's health and the safety of the communities that depend on it.
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The Savannah River
The pollution in the Savannah River can be attributed to various factors, including industrial discharge and agricultural runoff. A report by Environment America Research and Policy Center found that industries discharged millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants into American rivers and streams in 2010. These chemicals have been linked to developmental disorders, reproductive issues, and cancer.
The impact of pollution on the Savannah River's ecosystem is significant. It threatens the health and safety of the surrounding communities and wildlife that depend on the river. The contradicting water quality reports from Georgia and South Carolina further complicate the issue, as it becomes challenging to implement effective remediation strategies without a unified understanding of the problem.
Efforts to improve the water quality of the Savannah River are underway. The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP), initiated in 2015, aims to deepen the Savannah Harbor federal shipping channel to accommodate larger vessels. As part of this project, a dissolved-oxygen (DO) injection system has been installed at two locations along the river to maintain pre-SHEP DO levels in the harbor. By pulling water from the river, injecting it with oxygen, and then returning it, the system aims to mitigate the oxygen depletion caused by the expansion project.
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The Jersey Shore coastline
While New Jersey's water pollution is a cause for concern, it is not the worst in the country. The state ranks ahead of Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and most other states in terms of beach water purity. However, Shore beaches still experience sporadic pollution from animal and human waste, which can lead to health issues such as stomach bugs and rashes.
The pollution in the water is not just a health hazard for swimmers but also affects marine life. The Susquehanna River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, provides evidence of poor sewage treatment with vanishing seagrasses and dwindling seafood harvests. This river is also a source of pollution for the Jersey Shore, as it is linked to 123 major sewer systems in the watershed, impacting the water quality downstream.
The sources of pollution in the Jersey Shore's waters are diverse and include industrial discharges, sewage spills, and runoff from populated areas. According to a report by Environment America Research and Policy Center, industries released 226 million pounds of toxic chemicals into America's rivers and streams in 2010, including mercury, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals from refineries. These pollutants have severe environmental and health impacts, affecting both marine life and humans who come into contact with the water.
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