To protect sensitive water habitats and groundwater,the saline water can only be released in small quantities over a longer period of time and into water bodies with sufficient drainage. However, suitable bodies of water are not available everywhere, which is why large holding basins or long pumping channels have to be built, which involve high costs and space consumption. These structures are also complex to build and operate.
“All road operators with winter services face this challenge. Our new desalination plant R&D project aims to achieve four main improvements. These are related to environmental protection, less land use, less energy consumption and the reuse of recycled salt on the road,” says Tamara Maria Christ, Managing Director of ASFINAG Service GmbH.
Test of two technical processes
As part of a research collaboration between ASFINAG and the Vienna University of Technology, ILF Consulting Engineers and the ORCA office, a technical test facility has been developed which is intended to remove the salt from the collected water and reuse it.
Advanced salt removal technology is hidden in three inconspicuous containers at the water protection facility “Galgenbach” (S 10 towards Freistadt), in which different processes are tested and compared. One is based on so-called electrodialysis, the second on the principle of reverse osmosis.
- At the Electrodialysis Only charged particles are removed, including both sodium NaCl and chloride components. The two dissolved components of the salt move in an electric field,removing them from the treated water. this creates a concentrate containing salt that coudl be reused for winter service.
- At the Reverse osmosis the distance depends on the size of the substances.All ingredients that are the size of salt or more are kept in concentration. All this has already been successfully achieved in the laboratory, and ASFINAG is testing “real operation” on the motorway network, which is unique in the world.
The cleaning process in detail
The water coming from the water protection system is now sent to the research project’s test facility to remove the salt. The result is so-called “pure water”,which is free of salt and salt concentration collected in a tank. A certain concentration should be reached so that the salt can be reused as a brine for winter service.
This means that much less de-icing salt ends up in the environment and that re-use also has economic benefits. The trial operation, which is planned to last two years until autumn 2026, will be accompanied by an extensive measurement program. ASFINAG has invested around 1.1 million euros in the system manufactured by the Lower Austrian company GWT.
Road and sea are not the same
In essence, desalination plants that use osmosis technology to produce drinking water are nothing new, although electrodialysis is truly innovative for this field of application. However, the technical challenges of sea and road are not comparable. Sea water is much cleaner and has a consistently high salt concentration – although the salt content of street waste water is much lower, the concentration varies depending on the weather and also contains additional undesirable substances.
What are the long-term effects of saline water on freshwater ecosystems?
Time.news Interview: Protecting Our Water Habitats
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our special interview segment! Today, we’re joined by Dr.Lisa Reynolds, an expert in environmental science and water resource management. Thank you for being here, Dr. Reynolds.
Dr. Lisa Reynolds: Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to be here.
Editor: We’ve been reading about the impact of saline water on our delicate water habitats. Could you share what prompted the need for stricter controls on the release of saline water?
Dr. Reynolds: Absolutely. Saline water can significantly alter the composition and health of sensitive aquatic ecosystems. When saline water is introduced in large volumes suddenly, it can create shocking osmotic conditions for freshwater organisms, leading to oxygen depletion and even death of flora and fauna.
Editor: that sounds alarming. So, what are the best practices when it comes to releasing saline water?
Dr. Reynolds: The best approach is to release saline water in small, controlled quantities over an extended period. This gradual method allows ecosystems to adapt to changing salinity levels, minimizing the stress on local wildlife and plant life.
Editor: How does this approach benefit groundwater recharge as well?
Dr. Reynolds: great question! by controlling the saline water release, we not only protect immediate water habitats but also promote healthier groundwater recharge. Gradual infiltration allows groundwater systems to filter out some of the saline content naturally, thus maintaining the balance necessary for other ecosystems downstream.
Editor: Interesting! what measures can be implemented to monitor and manage the impact of saline water on our environments?
Dr. Reynolds: Continuous monitoring is key. Utilizing sensors and data-collection technologies can help track salinity levels in real time. Furthermore, involving community stakeholders in these monitoring efforts can raise awareness and promote collaborative solutions.
Editor: So, community engagement plays a vital role?
Dr. Reynolds: Definitely! When local communities are involved, they become stewards of their habitat. This helps foster a culture of conservation and can lead to innovative solutions that researchers and policymakers might not consider.
Editor: With climate change exacerbating water issues globally,what future challenges do you foresee in managing saline water?
Dr. Reynolds: As temperatures rise and freshwater sources dwindle, we can expect to see more saline intrusion into coastal and low-lying areas. This is a significant challenge that requires urgent action and innovative management strategies to protect our water resources effectively.
Editor: it sounds like a complicated issue with no easy answers. What gives you hope in tackling these challenges?
Dr. Reynolds: I truly believe in human ingenuity and our collective capacity to adapt. The increasing awareness of water issues in public discourse, coupled with advancing technologies, gives me hope that we can work towards sustainable shores and resilient ecosystems.
Editor: Inspiring words, Dr. Reynolds.Thank you for joining us today and shedding light on this critical issue!
Dr.Reynolds: Thank you for having me! It’s my pleasure to discuss the importance of protecting our water habitats.