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iv <br /> 0.1% deicer. Both mortality and reproductive tests were repeated with 1997-98 deicer; results <br /> <br /> were similar to those of the previous year. <br /> <br /> 12. The algal genus Selenastrum was tested with 1997-98 deicer for response to <br /> magnesium chloride deicer over intervals of 96 hours. The test showed significant suppression <br /> of division rate for the algal cells occurring at deicer concentrations slightly in excess of 0.1%. <br /> Other indicators of physiological stress appeared at concentrations of approximately 1%. <br /> <br /> 13. In overview, toxicity tests show that various kinds of aquatic organisms differ in their <br />sensitivity to magnesium chloride deicer. The most sensitive kinds of organisms included in <br />these tests begin to show observable effects at about 0.1% magnesium chloride deicer during <br />exposures ranging from 48 to 168 hours. Because of the presence of melt water, magnesium <br />chloride deicer applied to roadways is diluted to approximately 0.2% prior to leaving the <br />roadway, and an additional amount (to less than 0.1%) within short distances (e.g., 20 yards) of <br />the roadway. <br /> <br /> 14. Mass transport was estimated from field data for magnesium, chloride, and sodium at <br />6 field sites (stream study segments) during 1997 and 1998. The amount of magnesium added in <br />the form of magnesium chloride to roadways greatly increased the total annual transport of <br />magnesium. Addition of magnesium chloride raised the concentrations of magnesium in streams <br />by as much as three times above baseline concentrations of 2-3mg/L. Winter concentrations <br />were most strongly affected bemuse stream discharge is low during winter, and thus dilutes the <br />magnesium less than during spring. Even though changes in concentration were substantial, they <br />fell well within the natural range of magnesium concentrations in Colorado waters and raise no <br />specific environmental concerns. <br /> <br /> <br />