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Road-Salt Induced Salinization of Urban Lakes and Wetlands: Implications for Monitoring

Author

Listed:
  • Madison E. Silver

    (Saint Mary’s University, Department of Environmental Science)

  • Isaac Armstrong

    (Dalhousie University, School for Resource and Environmental Studies)

  • Erin K. Cameron

    (Saint Mary’s University, Department of Environmental Science)

  • Andrew S. Medeiros

    (Dalhousie University, School for Resource and Environmental Studies)

Abstract

Road-salt-induced salinization can alter the biogeochemical properties of urban freshwaters, which are also vulnerable to multiple contemporary stressors (e.g., eutrophication, acidification). Therefore, it is important to characterize the degree of salinization and the relationship between chloride and other environmental parameters. Here, we investigate the salinization of urban lakes and wetlands in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada, a lake-dense region that has experienced significant increases in chloride concentrations over the last few decades. We characterize recent lake salinization based on 2022–2024 monitoring data of 72 lakes and provide the first appraisal of wetland salinization in the region. Mixed effects models were used to determine the influence of (a) sampling location and timing on lake chloride concentrations, and (b) run-off input type, distance, and sample depth on wetland soil salinity. Overall, lakes and wetlands were found to be highly salinized. Chloride concentrations were significantly related to other salt constituents and metals, including Ba, Cu, Mn, and Sr. Chloride concentrations were significantly higher in lake deep-water samples than respective outlet samples (p

Suggested Citation

  • Madison E. Silver & Isaac Armstrong & Erin K. Cameron & Andrew S. Medeiros, 2026. "Road-Salt Induced Salinization of Urban Lakes and Wetlands: Implications for Monitoring," Environmental Management, Springer, vol. 76(6), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envman:v:76:y:2026:i:6:d:10.1007_s00267-026-02479-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s00267-026-02479-0
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