Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
What pollutants are in the Missouri River and where do they come from?
The Missouri River is the drinking water source for nearly half of Missourians. Although it's considered a high quality source of water, the fact that the river drains 1/6 of the continental U.S., including both urban, agricultural and mining/oil production areas means there is a lot of potential for pollutants entering the system. Its size also means tracking where pollutants originate is extremely difficult.
The lower Missouri River drains urban, agricultural, recreational, and industrial areas which can be potential sources of various pollutants. Local environmental pollution chemist Carl Orazio will present an overview of historic and current chemical pollutants. Pollution of the Missouri River by certain chemicals has decreased drastically since the passage of the Clean Water Act.
Currently, the public is interested to know about “emerging chemical pollutants” such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, newer pesticides, as well as the endless stream of plastics they see littering the Missouri River. Carl will present an overview of these pollutants and discuss potential issues related to fish, wildlife and the public.
Meet Your Presenter
Carl Orazio
, environmental pollution scientist
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The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport
is hosted by these wonderful partners.
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Special thanks to Les Bourgeois Vineyards for giving us the opportunity to use their beautiful space overlooking the Missouri River. All speakers are presenting for free! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us!
The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Kansas City and St. Charles.
The Big Muddy Speaker Series is partially funded by the Columbia Ecological Services Field Office (USFWS) and the Mo. Dept. of Conservation.
Upcoming Presentations
Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
See Event
Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
See Event