Freshwater Salinization: A Growing Global Concern

Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers and estuaries, are becoming saltier due to natural and human processes, threatening biodiversity and water resources, Earth.com reported. A recent study from the University of Maryland highlights the dual sources of salinity: land-based activities, such as road salt use and mining, and ocean saltwater mixing in coastal areas.

The implications of increased salinity are significant, affecting public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. In the U.S., about 70% of drinking water comes from vulnerable surface sources, where higher salt levels complicate purification and raise costs. Increased salinity damages crops and degrades soil, threatening food production, while infrastructure faces corrosion risks.

Climate change exacerbates salinization through extreme weather events, creating complex interactions that can produce toxic byproducts harmful to aquatic life. Experts emphasize the need for monitoring and preventive measures, such as managing road salt runoff and enhancing wastewater treatment, to mitigate these threats and protect vital freshwater resources. The full study is published in Biogeochemistry.