Humans are disrupting natural ‘salt cycle’ on a global scale, new study shows
Humans are disrupting natural 'salt cycle' on a global scale, new ... EurekAlert
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The Anthropogenic Salt Cycle: A Threat to the Environment and Human Health
Introduction
The planet’s demand for salt is having detrimental effects on the environment and human health, according to a scientific review led by Professor Sujay Kaushal from the University of Maryland’s Geology Department. The study, published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, highlights how human activities are accelerating the natural “salt cycle,” posing an existential threat if current trends continue.
The Impact of Human Activities
Human activities such as mining, land development, agriculture, construction, and industrial processes intensify salinization, which harms biodiversity and contaminates drinking water. These activities disrupt geologic and hydrologic processes, leading to increased salt concentrations in Earth’s air, soil, and freshwater.
The Consequences of Salinization
The accumulation of salt can have profound effects on vital organs or ecosystems, similar to how excessive salt intake can harm the human body. Removing salt from water is energy-intensive and expensive, and the resulting brine byproduct is even saltier than ocean water, posing disposal challenges.
The Anthropogenic Salt Cycle
Kaushal and his co-authors introduced the concept of an “anthropogenic salt cycle,” highlighting how human activities globally affect the concentration and cycling of salt. This study builds upon previous case studies by demonstrating the interconnected nature of salt disturbances from deep Earth to the atmosphere.
The Types of Salts and their Environmental Impact
The study considers various salt ions found underground and in surface water. In addition to sodium chloride, salts related to limestone, gypsum, and calcium sulfate have been disturbed by human activities. Higher doses of these ions can cause environmental problems, leading to soil degradation and increased salt concentrations in streams and rivers.
Salt in the Air
Salinization has even infiltrated the air, with drying lakes and road salts contributing to saline dust plumes and aerosolized sodium and chloride particulate matter. These airborne salts can have cascading effects, accelerating snow melting and impacting communities reliant on snow for their water supply.
The Role of Road Salts
Road salts, which account for a significant portion of salt consumption in the United States, have a substantial impact on water quality. To prevent further salt contamination, policies that limit road salt use or promote alternatives like beet juice have been recommended.
Creating a Planetary Boundary for Salt Use
The authors propose the establishment of a “planetary boundary for safe and sustainable salt use” similar to carbon dioxide levels for limiting climate change. However, regulating salt levels presents unique challenges due to its classification as a secondary drinking water contaminant in the U.S.
Conclusion
Addressing the increasing levels of salt in the environment requires finding the right balance between public safety and water quality. The study emphasizes the need for further research and policy measures to mitigate the harmful effects of salinization.
Research Details
Method of Research
- Literature review
Subject of Research
- Not applicable
Article Title
- The anthropogenic salt cycle
Article Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2023
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article, such as the impact of salt on human health, water contamination, and environmental degradation, are connected to these SDGs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
These targets are relevant to addressing the issues related to salt contamination and its impact on human health and the environment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and pollution
- Water quality indicators, such as levels of salt ions in freshwater sources
- Proportion of wastewater treated and recycled
- Air quality indicators, such as levels of saline dust in the atmosphere
- Amount of road salts used and their impact on water quality
- Extent of conservation and restoration of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems
These indicators can provide insights into the progress made in addressing the issues related to salt contamination and its effects.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and pollution |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | – Water quality indicators, such as levels of salt ions in freshwater sources – Proportion of wastewater treated and recycled |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Air quality indicators, such as levels of saline dust in the atmosphere |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | – Amount of road salts used and their impact on water quality |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | – Awareness and education initiatives on the impact of salt contamination and its effects |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Extent of conservation and restoration of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems |
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Source: eurekalert.org
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