Contaminants in Surface Water of the Mississippi River
Great Lakes Network. 2014. Contaminants in Surface Water of the Mississippi River. National Park Service
Between 2006 and 2013, water samples from the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities metropolitan area were analyzed for a man-made contaminants. Numerous agricultural and waste water treatment contaminants were found, as well as flame retardants, pesticides, industrial solvents, components of plastic, and medications were in the water samples. In 2013 higher levels of the medication gabapentin were found. No contaminants were at levels high enough to be a threat to aquatic life or human health according to Minnesota Department of Health standards.