Effects of Winter Road Salting on Soil Microorganisms
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2010 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | IV CZECH-SLOVAK SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE: TRANSPORT, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Keywords | DEICING SALTS; MICROBIAL BIOMASS; HEAVY-METALS; QUALITY; HIGHWAY; HEALTH; WATER |
| Description | Road salting is used as a dominant way to keep road safety in winter, even in the protected natural areas. In our study, possible effects of winter road salting on soil microorganisms in close road vicinity were investigated. Soil chemical and microbial properties were monitored at forest site in Krkonose Mountains national park and at grassland site in Kokorinsko protected landscape area in two sampling campaigns (autumn and spring). Effects of road salting on soil chemical properties (Na+ and Cl- levels, levels pH, base saturation.) were clearly apparent. The most affected plots were 1 and 5 m from the road. At these plots, some changes of microbial parameters were observed in both autumn and spring sampling, which suggested influence of salts. Hence, possible influence on soil biological quality should be considered when assessing the ecological risks of this kind of road treatment, especially in natural protected areas. |
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