The relationship among precipitation, application of salt in winter road maintenance and the quality of waterways and soil around motorway

Abstract

Construction of motorways and road traffic bring a new line element into the landscape, which fundamentally influences the local hydrological regime and water quality. Impermeable surfaces are introduced into the landscape, affecting the natural infiltration of water in the environment. The aim of the present research was to assess the long-term historical development of changes in the landscape retention potential due to construction of the D1 motorway in the Jihlava region and also evaluate the impact of winter maintenance on the quality of surface waters and soils. During the reference period, the research area showed an increase in land take and related increases in soil sealing by impermeable surfaces due to the construction of the D1 motorway. This fact has clearly contributed to the deterioration of the retention potential of the landscape in the area. Chloride concentrations of both matrices were evaluated in relation to the amount of de-icing salt applied at the sites and precipitation recorded in this region. Water samples collected at the outflow contained in all cases higher concentrations of chloride than samples of the inflow water. The highest chloride concentration in soil was measured in samples collected at a distance of 2 m from the road.