UA scientists study beet brine as lower-salt alternative for clearing icy roads

Road salts play a critical role in Arkansas’ winter weather response, but its application may negatively affect the environment, water supply and infrastructure, researchers have found.

Consistently applying road salts can lead to freshwater salinization syndrome. This can harm aquatic life and lower water quality, among other things. Road salts can also lead to the degradation of roads and other infrastructure.

In the wake of significant snowfall across the state, the use of road salts has increased significantly. While Arkansas doesn’t deal with winter weather as much as other states where freshwater salinization is endemic, there is a demand for more environmentally friendly alternatives, according to Shannon Speir, assistant professor for water quality at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

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