Evaluation of Environmental Impacts of Potassium Acetate Used as a Road Salt Alternative

This project will involve the collection of field samples of meltwater and road runoff at various locations to determine levels of potassium acetate (KAc) and dissolved oxygen (DO) so that the impact of KAc on BOD may be investigated. Also, through new experimental work, the toxicity of KAc to aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna at the observed concentrations will be investigated. Finally, the project will model the fate of KAc as it leaves the roadway in stormwater runoff or snow melt and is conveyed across soil and into receiving water bodies.