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Kaushal, S.S., P.M. Groffman, G.E. Likens, K.T. Belt, W.P. Stack, V.R. Kelly, L.E. Band, and G.T. Fisher . 2005. Increased salinization of fresh water in the northeastern United States. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 102 (38):13517-13520. In a Nutshell: Problem - Salinization of fresh water has most typically been attributed to agricultural practices. Research has documented increases in salt concentrations in northeastern streams from the use of road salt. Rising concentrations of chloride in runoff from roads can have negative impacts on water quality affecting freshwater biota and potability of water supplies for human consumption. What - Salinization rates were documented in both rural and urban streams by examining long-term chloride data. Findings - Strong increases in baseline chloride concentrations in rural watersheds were observed over the past 30 years. Chloride concentrations are also increasing in urban streams and some already exceed the maxiumum limit recommended for the protection of freshwater biota. The amount of impervious surface coverage in urban watersheds was strongly related to salinization. Potential Implications - Results suggest that chloride pollution may be pervasive across seasons and large geographic areas of the northeastern United States. This problem occurs in both rural areas with low population growth, as well as in urban areas experiencing rapid growth and large changes in land use. Road salt run off has led to the accumulation of salt in aquifers and groundwater as well as to increased salinity throughout all seasons and across years in this region of the country. This problem could persist for decades even if road salt usage is discontinued. |
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