In this snowy season in Europe, one wonders if it is ecological to use tons of salt to melt it. Common salt is used for these purposes due to its low cost and its ability to lower the freezing point of water. It is, therefore, a simple, inexpensive and effective method to melt snow and turn slippery and dangerous roads and sidewalks into passable. However, its massive use can have negative consequences for the environment. There are alternatives.
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Melt the snow
In countries where it snows frequently for a long period of the year, such as the northern regions of the United States, Canada, Germany, Finland, Sweden or Austria, almost no or completely eliminated salt is used for these purposes. In some cities, such as Berlin, the citizens themselves are responsible for removing the snow from their sidewalks and the use of salt is punishable by a fine. In Spain, on the other hand, it is the most used method to melt snow.
The problem with the use of common salt is that it affects the soil, water and some species of trees and animals, which can ingest the salt water and be affected in their health or reproductive capacity. Other experts point out that, in high concentrations , salt increases the acidity of the water and causes effects similar to those of acid rain. Other effects can be the inhibition of the ability to absorb water in plants and trees, the salinization of the soil and surface or underground water or the transformation of the properties of some minerals.
As if this were not enough, infrastructures and vehicles can also be affected: the sheet metal and underside of cars corrode more quickly and create potholes and holes in the roads and streets.
Alternatives to melting snow
But there are alternatives. In some countries, they dissolve salt in water and mix it with sand. In this way, the tires grip the ground more. Another mixture used in countries where it is below five degrees below zero is salt with potassium chloride or salt diluted in water with calcium chloride.
In the United States, there has been research that indicates calcium-magnesium acetate as a good alternative: it is a solid material that dissolves in water, it is almost harmless for plants and animals, and it does not corrode metal or damage roads. Potassium acetate can also be used. The problem with these substances is their high cost, which can be twenty times higher than that of salt.
In any case, before throwing any type of substance on the ground, it is preferable to first use snow plows, shovels or any other instrument that can remove it.
It is not necessary to use these alternative (and more expensive) methods when snowfall is not heavy, especially in cities, although it would be convenient in mountainous areas where trees can dry out because of the salt.
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