Beet juice de-icer is a natural alternative to road salt; it is considered an environmentally friendly solution for managing winter roads. However, road salt may not be ecologically friendly for nearby water resources and species living and consuming those resources. The findings about the physiological effects of beet juice de-icer on animals and nearby water sources were offered at the American Physiological Society's (APS) conference on Comparative Physiology: Complexity and Integration in New Orleans.

The benefits of beet juice de-icer

The beet juice defroster is fully biodegradable and contains very little, about 12 percent, sodium chloride (salt) compared to conventional road salt de-icers, predominantly sodium chloride. Laura Ana Cuciureanu, a graduate student from York University in Canada, explained that de-icers obtained from beetroot prevent ice formation and snow accumulation for longer by lowering the temperature at which water on roads freezes and covers the road for up to a week. Beet juice de-icer also has natural anti-corrosion characteristics that decrease the forming of rusks on cars and bridges, which is one of the "hidden" dangers of common road salt. Salt-based de-icers are potentially dangerous to nearby water sources and animals; also, there are different potential damages to vehicles and civil infrastructure. However, municipalities in Canada often apply a mixture of plant-based deicer and cheaper road salt to winter roads due to the high cost of beet juice de-icing products.

Scientific research about beet juice de-icer

A research team studied the physiological reactions of immature mayflies when freshwater beetles are exposed to beet juice defroster. "Mayflies can act as indicators of water pollution, as they are particularly sensitive to runoff pollutants such as metals and road salts," the researchers wrote. Compared with a control group, they found that insects exposed to the beet juice de-icer retained significantly more fluid as blood salt levels rose, which could compromise organ function. This isn't unusual, Cuciureanu says, because beet juice is rich in potassium, a mineral that flies are particularly sensitive to. However, the researchers were surprised to find that the potassium concentration of the defroster was less than what they had predicted and should not have caused as much physiological condition and stress as it has.

The effects of using common road salt

Road salt is being used to melt ice and snow from paved roads in winter. Road salt improves tire vehicle compatibility, greatly improving vehicle safety, but has environmental effects beyond the road surface. Road salt affects:

• the groundwater. Salt seeps into groundwater, affecting human, animal, and plant health.
• the vegetation. Leaf damage and dieback are often observed on roads, but these effects can extend some more distances.
• the aquatic life. High salt concentration in freshwater has effects on the growth, reproduction, and survival of a wide variety of invertebrates, fish, and amphibians.
• the mammals and birds. Drinking salt water can lead to salt toxicity. Small birds confuse salt crystals with grit, and ingestion of small amounts leads to acute toxicity and death.