Helena Joyce
The Mississippi River is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. It is the fourth-longest river globally and the second-largest in the US, with its drainage basin covering parts of 31 US states and two Canadian provinces. The river is endangered due to various pollutants, including trash, chemicals, sediment, and agricultural runoff. While certain harmful bacteria and chemicals have decreased since the 1970s, agricultural practices continue to contribute to nutrient loading and eutrophication, leading to a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico each summer. Human activities and poor waste management along the river also impact the balance of nutrients and water quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| River length | The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world. |
| Drainage basin | The Mississippi River's drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces. |
| Flow rate | The Mississippi River has a relatively low flow rate. |
| Pollution sources | Agricultural runoff, sedimentation, trash, plastic, chemicals, oil, grease, and fertilizers. |
| Pollutant effects | Reduced oxygen levels, harmful algae blooms, eutrophication, and negative impacts on native wildlife and humans. |
| Regulatory efforts | The Clean Water Act (CWA), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), Waste Load Allocations (WLAs), and Load Allocations (LAs). |
| Progress | The Mississippi River is getting cleaner, but it may never reach pristine levels again. |
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Agricultural runoff
Nitrogen and phosphorus are the most common agricultural pollutants found in public waters in the Mississippi River Basin. These chemicals contribute to the growth of harmful algae, fish kills, and animal deaths. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from farms in the Mississippi River Basin also contribute to the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico, an area devoid of life that forms each summer. Farms apply fertilizer to their crops to increase crop yields. Applying fertilizer months ahead of the growing season and over-applying it in general are serious problems, but even when fertilizer is applied at appropriate times and rates, some of it ends up in the water.
The Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates both point source pollution directly and non-point source pollution through ambient water quality standards. However, regulating the latter is much more difficult and ineffective. The main goal of the CWA was to reclaim the country's waters to make them swimmable, drinkable, and fishable. While there have been many success stories, the 1985 goal has yet to be met. The 303(d) Program creates a list of impaired and threatened waters and identifies all waters where required pollution controls cannot bring the water quality to meet standards.
The EPA has asked states along the Mississippi River to develop Nutrient Reduction Strategies. These strategies should set goals for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus loading to surface waters and describe plans to achieve these goals. It is important that strategies contain new initiatives and funding streams, instead of just describing existing policies and programs. Members of the MRC Agriculture Group have developed recommendations for how states can reduce nutrient pollution from cropland and livestock operations.
Additionally, runoff from animal waste that is improperly stored or improperly applied to crop land as fertilizer can wash into waterways. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are large industrial operations that raise large numbers of animals for food. In the absence of state or federal regulations restricting erosion rates, states in the Basin rely on voluntary efforts to curb the loss of soil.
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Sedimentation
While sedimentation has negative consequences, it can also have positive effects on the environment. For example, sedimentation has helped bury contaminated sediments downstream from Lake Pepin, improving the water quality in that area. Additionally, sandbars and mudflats created through sedimentation are heavily utilized by shorebirds.
Sediment is an important resource for coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana. Projects such as marsh creation, sediment diversions, ridge restoration, and barrier island restoration rely on capturing and utilizing sediment from the river to build land and protect communities, wildlife, and the state's coastline.
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Trash and plastic
The Mississippi River is one of the world's greatest waterways, but it faces significant challenges due to plastic and trash pollution. Acting as a funnel, the river carries a substantial amount of debris, including plastic waste, from inland cities to the Gulf of Mexico. This pollution not only affects the river itself but also contributes to the pollution of other waters downstream.
Plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is a pressing issue. Plastic waste makes up a significant portion of the trash found in and around the river. In a recent study, plastic was the most prevalent material, accounting for 75% of the total trash logged during the data collection period. This included items such as plastic beverage bottles, personal protective equipment like masks, clothing, shoes, and fishing gear. The presence of plastic pollution in the river highlights the need for increased awareness and efforts to reduce plastic waste in the region.
The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), in collaboration with various organizations, has taken a proactive approach to combat this issue. They have launched the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative, which focuses on data collection and spreading awareness about plastic pollution. The initiative began with pilot phases in St. Louis, Baton Rouge, and St. Paul, where these cities promoted education and outreach materials while supporting local data collection events. The second phase was implemented in the Quad Cities in Illinois and Iowa, further expanding the reach of the initiative.
The impact of trash and plastic pollution in the Mississippi River extends beyond the immediate ecosystem. As the river drains more than 40% of the continental United States, the pollution it carries affects a vast area. The river's funneling effect on trash highlights the interconnectedness of inland cities and oceans in addressing water pollution. It is important to recognize that the responsibility for keeping plastic and trash out of the water does not solely lie with coastal cities, but with all communities along the river's path.
The efforts to combat plastic and trash pollution in the Mississippi River are ongoing. By raising awareness, implementing initiatives, and promoting education, there is a collective understanding of the importance of reducing plastic waste and keeping the river and its surrounding waters clean. The work of organizations like the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and the participation of local communities are crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of plastic and trash pollution in this vital waterway.
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Oil spills
Another notable oil spill occurred in July 2008 when the chemical tanker Tintomara collided with the fuel barge DM932 on the Mississippi River. This accident resulted in the release of approximately 280,000 gallons of oil into the river, impacting over 100 miles of the river from New Orleans to Head of Passes. The spill disrupted commercial and recreational activities and interfered with critical channel dredging operations.
In addition to these major incidents, polluted runoff from agricultural, urban, and residential areas also contributes to oil pollution in the Mississippi River. This runoff includes oil, grease, and other materials that are washed into the river during rainfall or snowmelt. While individual incidents may be smaller in scale, the cumulative impact of polluted runoff can be significant.
The BP oil disaster in 2010 is another example of an oil spill impacting the Mississippi River Delta. While the spill primarily affected the Gulf of Mexico, the long-term effects on the ecosystem, including the Mississippi River Delta, are still being felt today. The disaster resulted in the death of marine life and damage to plant life, with rippling effects on the food web.
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Chemical pollution
The Mississippi River is one of the most polluted rivers in the USA. It is the fourth-longest river in the world, and its drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and two provinces of Canada. The river is threatened by a variety of pollutants, including trash, litter, and chemicals.
Another source of chemical pollution in the Mississippi River is oil spills. A single oil spill released 217,000 pounds of oil into the Mississippi, which is a colossal amount of pollution. This oil, along with other toxic chemicals, can accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to human and environmental health.
Sedimentation is also a significant issue in the Mississippi River. While sediment can create important habitats for shorebirds, it can also transport pollutants like PCBs, heavy metals, and phosphorus. The accumulation of silt in the backwaters fills in fish and wildlife habitats and covers up spawning grounds.
While the Mississippi River is getting cleaner, it may never reach pristine levels again. However, there is hope for a brighter future, as certain pollutants, such as harmful bacteria and chemicals, have decreased since the 1970s. Stricter regulations on agriculture and runoff, as well as continued efforts by cleanup crews, can help reduce the number of pollutants and improve the health of the river.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mississippi River is one of the most polluted rivers in the US, with agricultural runoff being one of the leading causes of pollution. This includes any pollutants that occur as a result of farming and agricultural processes, such as over-fertilizing. Other sources of pollution include trash, plastic, and chemicals.
Agricultural runoff occurs when rainfall or snowmelt moves over the ground, picking up natural and human-made pollutants, and depositing them into the river. Fertilizers, which are commonly used in agriculture, can increase the levels of nitrogen in the river, leading to decreased oxygen levels and harmful algae blooms.
Pollution in the Mississippi River has led to the formation of a "'dead zone'" in the Gulf of Mexico, where there is very low oxygen in the water, choking off plant and aquatic life. The river is also home to native species that are put at risk by the presence of pollutants.
Efforts have been made to connect people living near the river with those near the Gulf of Mexico to raise awareness about the impact of nutrient pollution. Stricter regulations on agriculture and better waste management systems are also important in reducing the amount of pollutants entering the river.
