Amid the ongoing deep freeze gripping southwestern Ontario and a simultaneous road salt shortage in municipalities, there is a growing emphasis on exploring alternative methods to de-ice roads. Researchers at Western University have initiated a study in 2022 to investigate this matter, with data expected to be disclosed later this summer.
The research is delving into nine different substances to assess their effectiveness in melting road ice across various conditions. Christopher Power, an associate professor involved in the study, highlighted that the prevalent use of sodium chloride (rock salt) by Ontario municipalities is primarily due to its affordability, as it is abundant and easily obtainable.
While rock salt efficiently clears ice from roads by reducing water’s freezing point, preventing new ice formation, it also poses well-documented drawbacks. Its corrosive nature can diminish the lifespan of metal structures near or on roads, such as vehicles, bridges, and guardrails. Additionally, the environmental impact of salt runoff into water bodies, including rivers and the Great Lakes, has raised concerns about salinization.
The study at Western University involved testing alternative ice-melting substances like sodium acetate and beet juice, which are already utilized in different applications. Although the study phase has concluded, researchers are now analyzing the data, including the efficiency of each substance in melting ice and their corrosiveness levels.
Power noted that despite no definitive winner among sodium chloride alternatives yet, economic factors may hinder the complete displacement of rock salt due to its low cost. However, he suggested a potential combination of less corrosive substances with sodium chloride, especially in sensitive areas like bridges and water bodies, to mitigate environmental damage.
Many municipalities, including the City of London, are adapting to the salt shortage by incorporating different substances into their road-clearing strategies. Joel Gillard, London’s division manager of road operations, mentioned plans to increase plowing frequency while reducing salt dispersal, opting for a sand-salt mixture during severe cold snaps due to salt’s inefficacy in melting ice at such low temperatures.