Effects of deicing salts on soil infiltration rate and pollutant uptake

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Winter snowmelt and stormwater runoff contain large concentrations of deicing salts. Past research has shown that NaCl has the potential to reduce the permeability of soils, defeating the purpose of green infrastructure. To understand the behavior of NaCl and its alternatives, our research compared three alternative deicing salts [sodium acetate (NaAc), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and calcium acetate (Ca(Ac)2)] to NaCl for their effects on infiltration, retention/release of metals, and fertility. The results suggest that chloride-based salts reduced the infiltration rate whereas the acetate-based salts had minimal impact. Calcium-based salts, especially CaCl, resulted in less copper uptake, compared to Na-based salts. After completing the infiltration tests, soils were tested for calcium, magnesium, potassium, pH, and phosphorus, total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), sodium, and metals (copper and zinc). The soil test results confirmed that deicing salts resulted in less copper retention on the soil.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2019
Subtitle of host publicationWater, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Water Resources; and Municipal Water Infrastructure - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2019
EditorsGregory F. Scott, William Hamilton
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages34-45
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9780784482360
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019
Event19th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2019: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Water Resources; and Municipal Water Infrastructure - Pittsburgh, United States
Duration: May 19 2019May 23 2019

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2019: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Water Resources; and Municipal Water Infrastructure - Selected Papers from the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2019

Conference

Conference19th World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2019: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater; Urban Water Resources; and Municipal Water Infrastructure
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh
Period5/19/195/23/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Water Science and Technology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of deicing salts on soil infiltration rate and pollutant uptake'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this