Science, Space and Technology News 2023
A research group headed by a geologist from the University of Maryland warns that the influx of salt in streams and rivers is an ‘existential threat.’
“If you think of the planet as a living organism, when you accumulate so much salt it could affect the functioning of vital organs or ecosystems,” said Kaushal, who holds a joint appointment in UMD’s Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center. “Removing salt from water is energy intensive and expensive, and the brine byproduct you end up with is saltier than ocean water and can’t be easily disposed of.
When dislodged in higher doses, these ions can cause environmental problems. Kaushal and his co-authors showed that human-caused salinization affected approximately 2.5 billion acres of soil around the world—an area about the size of the United States. Salt ions also increased in streams and rivers over the last 50 years, coinciding with an increase in the global use and production of salts.Salt has even infiltrated the air.
To prevent U.S. waterways from being inundated with salt in the coming years, Kaushal recommended policies that limit road salts or encourage alternatives. Washington, D.C., and several other U.S. cities have started treating frigid roads with beet juice, which has the same effect but contains significantly less salt.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Humans are disrupting natural 'salt cycle' on a global scale, new study showsA new paper revealed that human activities are making Earth's air, soil and freshwater saltier, which could pose an 'existential threat' if current trends continue. Geologic and hydrologic processes bring salts to Earth's surface over time, but human activities such as mining and land development are rapidly accelerating this natural 'salt cycle.
Les mer »
South San Antonio ISD trustee accused of disrupting meeting arrestedAbel 'Chillidog' Martinez has clashed with other board members in past meetings and called for a state takeover of the board.
Les mer »
After protesters chant ‘from the river to the sea,’ Temple law school warns about disrupting classAs incidents of antisemitism rise on U.S. college campuses in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas, college campuses locally and nationally are wrestling with how to respond.
Les mer »
South San Antonio ISD trustee arrested, accused of disrupting meeting and evading arrestA South San Antonio ISD trustee was arrested after police say he disrupted a meeting and harassed and swore at the school board president.
Les mer »
UCSD graduate students won't be seriously disciplined for disrupting campus awards eventThe university and the union representing graduate student workers struck a deal to close the investigation without significant punishment for any of the dozens of students involved in the May demonstration
Les mer »