The Continental Circulatory System
The Mississippi River Basin is a 1.2 million square mile hydrologic funnel, draining 41% of the contiguous United States. Our Heartland Artery project focuses on the intersection of heavy industrial discharge and agricultural nutrient loads before they reach the Gulf of Mexico.
By monitoring the 21-Region USGS Model, we implement a "Zero-Gap" defense against anthropogenic toxins, treating the river as a single living organism.
Scientific Objectives
- Polymer Interdiction: Passive kinetic capturing of floating macro-plastics at high-flow confluences.
- Chemical Remediation: Leveraging Rhizofiltration to neutralize agricultural nitrates.
- Micro-Filtration: Utilizing biological scrubbers for sub-surface particulate management.
Active Basin Monitoring Network
TOTAL NODES ACTIVE: 20 // REAL-TIME HYDROMETRIC DATAFLOW
Biological Self-Purification Engine
Heartland Artery leverages the power of Ecological Engineering. Instead of mechanical filters, we utilize native species to perform high-volume water polishing at the molecular level.
Freshwater Sponges
Sponges like Spongilla lacustris are high-volume filter feeders, removing bacteria and micro-plastics through constant water processing.
Phytoremediation
Native Riparian Buffers (Willows and Cottonwoods) act as the river's kidneys, metabolizing nitrogen and sequestering heavy metals.
Rhizofiltration
Root-zone microbes break down complex industrial chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at the discharge point.