Effect of Road Salt Formulation on Lemna Minor Toxicity
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Authors
Trevor Grandy
Issue Date
2026
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Language
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Abstract
Freshwater salinization from road deicing agents is an increasing environmental concern, yet most aquatic toxicological research has focused on aquatic invertebrates, with little attention given to aquatic plants. Additionally, while alternative or “eco-friendly” road salt formulations are increasingly used because of the rising concern of sodium chloride (NaCl) toxicity, their relative toxicity to plants remains poorly understood. The current study evaluates the effects of four commonly used road salt formulations—sodium chloride (NaCl), MELT Beet Deicer, Safe Step, and MELT calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)—on the survival and growth of the freshwater plant Lemna minor. 7-day toxicity assays were performed with environmentally relevant concentrations of the four formulations, with measured endpoints including frond number and dry mass following exposure. Results indicated that all deicing agents negatively affected L. minor growth, though sensitivity differed among formulations. Significant reductions in frond number occurred at lower concentrations for Beet Deicer, Safe Step, and MELT CMA compared to NaCl, while effects on frond mass varied by formulation. Frond number consistently proved to be a more sensitive indicator of toxicity than frond mass. These findings demonstrate that alternative deicing agents marketed as environmentally friendly may cause toxicity comparable to traditional NaCl. Impacts on aquatic plants such as L. minor may have broader ecological consequences, as primary producers play a critical role in freshwater food webs. If freshwater salinization from various road salt formulations impacts L. minor survival and growth, it may not only impact the health of this species, but pose a risk to other freshwater plant species in aquatic ecosystems.