Phytoremediation of road salt affected soils in the Toronto region using native halophytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Freshwater salinization is a growing concern in areas of the world experiencing freezing winter temperatures. Winter salt applied to roads can flow directly to surface water and groundwater, but can also be stored in roadside soil for months or years after application. Halophytes (i.e. salt-tolerant plants) remove excess salt from soil and can assist with remediation of saline soils. This study aimed to determine the ability of native halophytes to remediate road salt contaminated sites over two growing seasons.

Methods

Four halophytes native to the Toronto, Canada region were planted in experimental plots next to a road that receives salt in the winter months. Two accumulator halophytes (Panicum virgatum and Sporobolus cryptandrus) and two

SUBMITTER: Nawroth L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12789175 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature