How to clear icy roads, with science
195,286 Views
237 Questions Answered
Best of Web
Let’s Begin…
Icy roads are a huge hazard, and typical methods of de-icing them can be pretty toxic to wildlife. Which is why researchers have been so fixated on finding better alternatives, from brine to pig pee. SciShow shares how we can make winter roads safe for both drivers and the environment without salt.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Explore the effects of road salt on freshwater ecosystems and solutions for mitigating chloride pollution
Road salt is ubiquitous to anyone who grew up in a northern climate. But what happens in springtime and summer? The Smithsonian Magazine discusses the hidden dangers of road salt.
Winter road maintenance is particularly ensured using the application of chemicals on roads. Especially in urbanized areas, the solution of water with de-icing salts is discharged into sewer system transporting this water to wastewater treatment plant, where it can cause lot of problems. Explore how it can impact microorganisms with this article.
Eco-friendly de-icing alternatives are sought to mitigate environmental impacts of de-icing impervious surfaces, while maintaining human safety. While many alternative de-icers are economically impractical for municipal use, the residential commercial market is flooded with de-icing formulations claiming to be “eco-friendly.” This article digs into toxicity testing of these alternatives.
Road salt is ubiquitous to anyone who grew up in a northern climate. But what happens in springtime and summer? The Smithsonian Magazine discusses the hidden dangers of road salt.
Winter road maintenance is particularly ensured using the application of chemicals on roads. Especially in urbanized areas, the solution of water with de-icing salts is discharged into sewer system transporting this water to wastewater treatment plant, where it can cause lot of problems. Explore how it can impact microorganisms with this article.
Eco-friendly de-icing alternatives are sought to mitigate environmental impacts of de-icing impervious surfaces, while maintaining human safety. While many alternative de-icers are economically impractical for municipal use, the residential commercial market is flooded with de-icing formulations claiming to be “eco-friendly.” This article digs into toxicity testing of these alternatives.
About TED-Ed Best of Web
TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.
Meet The Creators
- Video created by SciShow
- Lesson Plan created by Lauren McAlpine
