Evaluation of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Activated Sludge for Biodegradation of Propylene Glycol as an Aircraft Deicing Fluid
Abstract
Aircraft deicing fluid used at airport facilities is often collected for treatment or disposal in order to prevent serious ecological threats to nearby surface waters. This study investigated lab scale degradation of propylene glycol (PG), the active ingredient in a common aircraft deicing fluid, by way of a laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor containing municipal waste water treatment facility activated sludge (AS) performing simultaneous organic carbon oxidation and nitrification. The ability of AS to remove PG was evaluated by studying the biodegradation and sorption characteristics of PG in an AS medium. The results indicate sorption may play a role in the fate of PG in AS, and the heterotrophic bacteria readily degrade this compound. Therefore, a field deployable SBR may be appropriate for use in flight line applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA556371
Entities
People
- Justin D. Delorit
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology