Geo-ecological aspects of the de-icing chemicals’ impact on the geological environment of urbanized areas

Abstract

The problem of the influence of de-icing chemicals on the geological environment of urban landscapes is raised. In connection with the increase in passenger traffic and the load on the road network, the problem of using a deicing chemical (DIC) is acute. DICs adversely affect the environment, getting into the soil and groundwater, increasing their aggressiveness. In particular, chemicals affect the rocks of the base structures, which are represented by minerals of the carbonate class. The impact leads to leaching and dissolution of carbonates and the formation of karst cavities, which, when enlarged, can lead to subsidence of the surface, often to failures and, as a result, to deformations of structures. They cope well with the task of ensuring road safety by melting ice at low temperatures, but this decision also has a number of negative consequences for urban areas. It is important that these salt mixtures, in addition to their primary task of chemical melting of ice, continue to enter into chemical reactions with environmental components: soils, base rocks, groundwater, which causes significant harm to the urban environment. The general ecological situation of the city is deteriorating, and there is a risk of developing dangerous geological processes.