The Utilization of Recycled Gypsum as a Soil Amendment

Abstract

Road salt, specifically sodium chloride (NaCl), is commonly used in Canada as a de-icer to keep roadways safe during the winter months. However, the increasing amounts used annually contaminate water systems and soils with hazardous levels of chemicals, posing a threat to humans, non-human animals, and the environment. As previous initiatives to address this issue have been expensive and difficult to implement, a One Health approach is required to minimize the impacts of road salt use. This article proposes a non-toxic solution to reduce the impacts that road salt has on all aspects of the One Health triad. This solution involves the use of recycled gypsum from clean drywall as a soil amendment to reverse road salt-induced damage to the soil. This practice would also reduce the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfills. If deemed successful, this practice could be expanded to other areas in Canada to mitigate the damage of road salts on the ecosystem.