SaltPile Galella (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption Salt applied to roadways as a wintertime deicer has been shown to make significant contributions to increased salinity in freshwater streams in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. New research suggests that saltier water also liberates toxic metals and harmful nitrogen-containing compounds from streambeds and soils, creating dangerous "chemical cocktails" that can be more damaging than individual pollutants alone. Credit Joseph Galella/University of Maryland Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.