Discharge of Deicing Agents from Airports to Nearby Water Recipients in Relation to the Water Framework Directive

Document Number: 2007-01-3350

Date Published: September 2007

Author(s):
Mona Weideborg - Norwegian Water Technology Centre

Abstract:
Discharge of oxygen-demanding substances like glycol, formate, acetate or ammonium may give anaerobic conditions, water with unpleasant odor/taste and appearance, as well as bacterial growth. Fish and bottom fauna may be negatively affected. Formate has the lowest oxygen demand, and will therefore be the most environmental friendly runway de-icing agent. Additives in de-icing agents may have a negative effect on the organisms living in the recipients. The only additive of environmental concern in the de-icing products used at Oslo Airport is an alcohol ethoxylate. This substance is readily biodegradable, probably not bioaccumulating, but is very toxic to aquatic organisms. An environmental risk assessment of the discharge water from the Oslo Airport concluded that the discharge would not be acutely toxic for algae or crustaceans in the water recipient. Appropriate monitoring of the concentration of glycol and organic matter in the recipient was, however, necessary to prevent deterioration of the water.

File Size: 112K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at 2007 SAE Aircraft and Engine Icing International Conference, September 2007, Seville, SPAIN, Session: Environmental Challenges Regarding Spent Deicing Chemicals at Airports

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