U scientists determine sediments from the dry playa have elevated 'oxidative potential,' indicating greater risk to human health.
U scientists determine sediments from the dry playa have elevated 'oxidative potential,' indicating greater risk to human health.
As Utah’s Great Salt Lake shrinks, exposing more of its playa, concerns grow about the dust the dry lakebed emits. But scientists lack the data to fully understand what pollutants are present in these airborne sediments.
Researchers from the University of Utah are attempting to get a handle on this question and the latest findings are concerning.
Sediments in the lake’s exposed playa are potentially more harmful than other major dust sources affecting the Wasatch Front’s air quality, according to a study published online recently in the journal Atmospheric Environment.
Read more at University of Utah
Image: A thunder storm sweeps across the Great Salt Lake playa. (Credit: Kevin Perry, University of Utah)
