Funding Program: Contaminant Biology

Statement of Problem: Over 25 % of the roads in the United States are unpaved, and frequently result in dusty conditions. Road dusts pose a safety hazard for drivers, and health hazards for people living near such roads. In addition, such road cause a range of environmental impacts ranging from erosion to contamination of biota. A variety of substances are used in dust suppression. The impoact of such chemicals is not well documented for the variety of terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals that can potentially be exposed during application and from run-off and erosion. 

Objectives: The primary program goal is Contaminants Biology, Goal #1, Toxicology and Chemistry. the toxicity of dust suppression chemicals will be determined for representative aquatic and terrrestrial plants and animals. The persistence of toxicity will be determined for selected dust suppressant agents. the data will provide Road Maintenance Managers scientifically based information with which to make informed decisions regarding selection and used of suppressant chemicals.

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