Freshwater Salinization Syndrome: An Introduction

Across North America, streams and rivers are becoming saltier, thanks to road deicers, fertilizers and other salty compounds that humans indirectly release into waterways. At the same time, freshwater supplies are becoming more alkaline.

Salty, alkaline freshwater can create big problems for drinking water supplies, urban infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Sujay Kaushal, a professor of geology at University of Maryland, provides a summary of the results of a new study, published January 8, 2018, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Kaushal also has an appointment at UMD's Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC). Researchers from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the University of Connecticut, the University of Virginia and Chatham University also co-authored the study.

SOURCE: University of Maryland