 Salinization (increasing salinity, aka "freshwater salinization syndrome") and subsequent increased metal leaching is an ongoing problem throughout North America and European fresh waterways.In highway de-icing, salt has been associated with corrosion of bridge decks, motor vehicles, reinforcement bar and wire, and unprotected steel structures used in road construction.Surface runoff, vehicle spraying, and windblown actions also affect soil, roadside vegetation, and local surface water and groundwater supplies.