We used a mixed-methods approach consisting of qualitative and quantitative surveys together with laboratory investigations and a life cycle assessment to find suitable alternatives to sodium chloride and grit for use on segregated bike paths, and tested four de-icing materials (sodium chloride as a reference, sodium formate, calcium magnesium acetate or CMA, and potassium acetate) at two sites in Hamburg, Germany. The tests were accompanied by on-site cyclist surveys.
The results show that the use of alternative (non-sodium chloride) de-icing materials either reduces or eliminates negative impacts on the environment at a local level, for example on trees along the cycle path. However, this reduction goes hand in hand with increasing negative environmental impacts at a global level due to higher overall emissions associated with the tested alternative de-icing materials. Regarding cyclists\' safety, sodium formate was the only de-icing material which delivered comparable results to sodium chloride and should therefore be tested in extended conditions.
Further research is needed on the large-scale application of the investigated de-icing agents on cycle paths in different cities, along with a survey of a larger number of cyclists. A final evaluation of the environmental aspects can only be made when the supply and production conditions for large-scale use are clear.
Basically there are two options for the practical application of de-icing materials: The usage of the costlier alternatives with better properties at a local level in the hope of fast development towards a better global GHG footprint in their manufacturing processes, or sticking to the use of grit and sodium chloride (where it is possible) while committing to improving clean-up after the snow and ice melt to prevent unsafe road conditions in spring.
方法:我们采用了一种混合方法,包括定性和定量调查以及实验室调查和生命周期评估,以寻找氯化钠和砂砾的合适替代品,用于隔离自行车道。并测试了四种除冰材料(氯化钠作为参考,甲酸钠,醋酸钙镁或CMA,和乙酸钾)在汉堡的两个地点,德国。测试伴随着骑自行车的现场调查。
结果:结果表明,使用替代(非氯化钠)除冰材料可以减少或消除对当地环境的负面影响,例如在沿着循环路径的树上。然而,在全球范围内,由于与测试的替代除冰材料相关的总排放量较高,这种减少与增加的负面环境影响同时存在。关于骑车人的安全,甲酸钠是唯一能提供与氯化钠相当结果的除冰材料,因此应在延长的条件下进行测试。
结论:需要进一步研究所调查的除冰剂在不同城市的循环路径上的大规模应用,以及对更多骑自行车的人的调查。只有在大规模使用的供应和生产条件明确的情况下,才能对环境方面进行最终评估。
结论:基本上,除冰材料的实际应用有两种选择:在本地使用具有更好性能的昂贵替代品,以期在其制造过程中快速发展,以实现更好的全球温室气体足迹。或坚持使用砂砾和氯化钠(在可能的情况下),同时承诺在雪和冰融化后改善清理工作,以防止春季不安全的路况。