Increased salinization of fresh water in the northeastern United States

Abstract

Chloride concentrations are increasing at a rate that threatens the availability of fresh water in the northeastern United States. Increases in roadways and deicer use are now salinizing fresh waters, degrading habitat for aquatic organisms, and impacting large supplies of drinking water for humans throughout the region. We observed chloride concentrations of up to 25% of the concentration of seawater in streams of Maryland, New York, and New Hampshire during winters, and chloride concentrations remaining up to 100 times greater than unimpacted forest streams during summers. Mean annual chloride concentration increased as a function of impervious surface and exceeded tolerance for freshwater life in suburban and urban watersheds. Our analysis shows that if salinity were to continue to increase at its present rate due to changes in impervious surface coverage and current management practices, many surface waters in the northeastern United States would not be potable for human consumption and would become toxic to freshwater life within the next century.impervious surfaces ͉ land use change

Density currents in the Chicago River: Characterization, effects on water quality, and potential sources

“…Natural weathering and routine municipal and industrial effluent would produce a less variable load throughout the year. The seasonal variability in the chloride concentration is consistent with direct runoff of deicing salts to surface water and combined sewer systems (Kaushal et al 2005). Chloride concentrations in the MB of the Chicago River increase over the winter when lockages and diversions are at a minimum (Fig.…”

Incorporating evolutionary insights to improve ecotoxicology for freshwater species

“…Chloride is a widespread environmental contaminant that is particularly prevalent in roadside habitats where salt is used to de‐ice roads and/or control dust (Kaushal et al., 2005; Trombulak & Frissell, 2000). These practices have salinized many freshwater habitats in roaded landscapes (Kaushal et al., 2005).…”

Low Impact Development Practices: A Review of Current Research and Recommendations for Future Directions

“…Chloride is also very mobile in soil, and can easily travel to shallow groundwater. Research is showing that concentrations of chloride have been increasing in local waterways in New England (Kaushal et al 2005), and if current trends continue, chloride levels in streams will reach dangerous levels, threatening aquatic life. The ability of LID systems to treat bacteria and chloride needs to be investigated further.…”