The Mississippi's Plastic Problem: An Environmental Crisis

The Mississippi River is a source of plastic pollution in the ocean. The river's watershed might be the largest source of marine plastic debris in the United States, as it drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) was launched in 2021 to collect data on the amount of plastic waste entering the river and to reduce plastic waste. The initiative includes three pilot locations: Baton Rouge, St. Louis, and St. Paul. The University of Georgia's Marine Debris Tracker app is used by residents to log the type and location of litter. The Mississippi River provides drinking water to more than 20 million people and supports many jobs and revenue. The river's drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, and it is likely transporting large amounts of microplastics through productive fisheries habitats.

Sources of plastic pollution

The Mississippi River is a significant source of plastic pollution, with plastic waste and other litter entering the river through storm drains and smaller waterways. The river's drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, and it provides drinking water for more than 20 million people in 50 cities. As such, addressing plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water and maintaining the environmental quality and ecosystem health.

One of the main sources of plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is agricultural runoff from the hundreds of miles of adjacent farmland. Fertilizer use in agriculture contributes to nutrient loading and eutrophication, leading to water pollution. The Mississippi River carries an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of nitrogen pollution into the Gulf of Mexico each year, creating a "dead zone" in the Gulf during the summer. Poor waste management systems in highly populated areas along the river also contribute to the plastic pollution problem.

Another source of plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is untreated sewage, stormwater, and industrial waste. Each year, an estimated 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated waste are dumped into US waters, and the Mississippi River is no exception. This waste often contains plastic particles and microplastics that accumulate in the river and its tributaries.

Additionally, the Mississippi River serves as a drainage system for 40% of the continental United States. As a result, plastic waste and litter from storm drains and smaller waterways eventually make their way into the Mississippi River and contribute to the plastic pollution problem. The river's slow-moving nature and wide reach make it particularly susceptible to the accumulation of plastic waste.

To address the issue of plastic pollution in the Mississippi River, initiatives such as the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) have been launched. This initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia, aims to combat plastic pollution through data collection, education, and outreach. By involving mayors and communities from cities along the river, the initiative strives to improve waste management systems and infrastructure to reduce plastic pollution in the Mississippi River and set an example for global efforts.

How plastic moves through the Mississippi

The Mississippi River is a significant waterway, traversing 32 states and parts of Canada and draining into the Gulf of Mexico. With a vast drainage basin, the river collects water from a diverse range of sources, including agricultural areas and highly populated urban centres. This diverse geography means the river is susceptible to various sources of pollution, including agricultural runoff and wastewater discharges.

One significant contributor to plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is agricultural practices. Fertilizer and nutrient runoff from adjacent farmland can lead to eutrophication, causing "dead zones" in the Gulf of Mexico, where aquatic life cannot survive. This pollution is challenging to regulate due to its non-point source nature.

Another critical source of plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is wastewater discharges from treated and untreated sources. Rivers that drain from large areas with higher populations and generate large volumes of treated wastewater are likely to have higher concentrations of microplastics in the water. Clothes made from synthetic materials, such as polyester, shed plastic fibres during washing, which then enter the wastewater stream and are eventually released into surface waters.

Additionally, the Mississippi River collects water from various urbanized areas located near its riverbanks. These areas can contribute to plastic pollution through littering and illegal dumping, which primarily result in macroplastics—large plastic items visible to the naked eye. Over time, these larger plastics can break down into microplastics, which are much smaller and not easily seen, making them difficult to identify and remove from the environment.

The movement of plastic through the Mississippi River is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including geography, population density, and wastewater treatment practices. By understanding these factors, scientists and policymakers can develop effective strategies to reduce plastic pollution in this vital waterway.

Quantities of plastic in the river

The Mississippi River is a significant source of plastic pollution, with plastic waste entering the river from various sources such as littering, illegal dumping, and agricultural runoff. The river's drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and two Canadian provinces, and it provides drinking water for more than 20 million people in 50 cities.

In 2021, the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) was launched to address the issue of plastic pollution in the river. As part of this initiative, three pilot locations were selected: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; St. Louis, Missouri; and St. Paul, Minnesota. These cities promoted education and outreach materials about plastics in inland waters and supported local data collection efforts. For instance, Baton Rouge utilized the Marine Debris Tracker, a free mobile app that allowed residents to log the type and location of litter.

The data collected from these initiatives provided valuable insights into the scope of plastic pollution in the Mississippi River. For example, in St. Louis, 74% of the retrieved waste items were plastic, including cigarette butts, food wrappers, and beverage bottles. The high percentage of plastic waste in the river is concerning, as it can have significant environmental and ecological impacts.

Additionally, the Mississippi River is likely transporting large amounts of microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that are not easily visible to the naked eye. Microplastics can come from various sources, such as the breakdown of larger plastics or the release of plastic fibers from synthetic clothing during washing. With the river draining into the Gulf of Mexico, these microplastics can have far-reaching consequences for marine life and the environment.

While the exact quantity of plastic in the Mississippi River is challenging to determine, the efforts of local communities, organizations, and governments to address this issue are crucial. By collecting data, raising awareness, and implementing policies, there is a collective effort to reduce plastic pollution in the river and mitigate its impact on the environment.

Plastic pollution solutions

The Mississippi River is a large river with a relatively low flow, traversing hundreds of miles of adjacent farmland. It is the fourth-longest river in the world, and its drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces. The Mississippi River carries an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of nitrogen pollution into the Gulf of Mexico each year, contributing to the creation of a "dead zone" in the Gulf during the summer.

Plastic pollution in the Mississippi River is a significant issue that requires concerted efforts to address effectively. Here are some solutions and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution in the Mississippi River:

Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative

The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia, has launched an initiative to combat plastic pollution in the river. This initiative involves collecting data and increasing awareness about plastic pollution through education and outreach materials. Thousands of community volunteers are utilizing the Debris Tracker app to document plastic litter along the upper, middle, and lower sections of the river. This data helps to understand better and address the plastic pollution issue in the Mississippi River.

Phase 1: Pilot Cities

The initial phase of the initiative focused on three pilot cities: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; St. Louis, Missouri; and St. Paul, Minnesota. These cities promoted education and outreach, supported local data collection events, and cataloged over 75,000 items of plastic litter using the Debris Tracker app.

Phase 2: Quad Cities

The second phase, implemented in October 2021, expanded to the Quad Cities in Illinois and Iowa, straddling the Mississippi River. These cities continued to promote education and outreach while also supporting local data collection efforts to address plastic pollution in their communities.

Regional Cooperation

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also recognized plastic pollution in the Mississippi River Basin as a transboundary problem. They have published resources and initiatives to address plastic pollution in the region, encouraging regional cooperation and collaboration to tackle this issue effectively.

Improved Waste Management

The Mississippi River is located alongside large human populations with poor waste management systems. Implementing better waste management practices and enforcing regulations can significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution entering the river. This includes proper disposal, recycling, and treatment of sewage, stormwater, and industrial waste.

Addressing Agricultural Runoff

Agricultural runoff is a significant contributor to water pollution in the Mississippi River. Regulating and improving current agricultural practices can help reduce nutrient loading and eutrophication, which contribute to the pollution of the river and the creation of "dead zones" in the Gulf of Mexico.

Impact of plastic pollution on wildlife

The Mississippi River, the fourth-longest river in the world, is a significant source of plastic pollution, impacting the environment and wildlife. The river's drainage basin covers parts of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, and it serves as a source of drinking water for over 20 million people. The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) has been working to address the issue of plastic pollution in the river, with mayors from ten states and various global stakeholders collaborating to release critical reports and promote education and data collection.

The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife in the Mississippi River ecosystem is profound. Plastic waste in the river can entangle and trap animals, hindering their movement and causing injuries or death. Wildlife, including birds, fish, and other aquatic organisms, may ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. This ingestion can lead to digestive issues, organ damage, and even mortality. Furthermore, plastics can act as a sponge for other pollutants, absorbing toxic chemicals and contaminants, which then enter the food chain when consumed by animals.

The Mississippi River's slow flow and agricultural runoff contribute to the concentration of plastic pollution. As the river traverses hundreds of miles of farmland, fertilizer runoff, and other agricultural pollutants enter the water. This nutrient loading leads to eutrophication, creating "dead zones" where oxygen levels are too low to support aquatic life. These dead zones, such as the one formed in the Gulf of Mexico each summer, displace and harm fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms, affecting their reproductive success and population dynamics.

Additionally, plastic pollution in the Mississippi River affects wildlife beyond the immediate river ecosystem. The river ultimately flows into the Gulf of Mexico and contributes to ocean pollution. Marine animals, such as sea turtles, whales, and seabirds, are vulnerable to ingesting plastic waste or becoming entangled in it. Plastic pollution can also impact the ocean food chain, as smaller organisms ingest microplastics, transferring them to larger predators, ultimately reaching top predators. This contamination can have long-term effects on marine wildlife populations and ecosystem health.

The efforts of initiatives like MRCTI are crucial in addressing plastic pollution and mitigating its impact on wildlife. By promoting education, data collection, and collaboration between stakeholders, these initiatives aim to improve waste management systems and reduce plastic pollution in the Mississippi River and other waterways.

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