Biodegradability of Firefighting loams

摘要

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biodegradation susceptibility of seven different types of foam concentrates (four synthetic and three protein based) used in Europe. The biodegradation of 40 foam concentrates was mea sured according to OECD 301 F Guideline, based on the CO_2 evolution by the acti vated sludge during 20 days at 20℃. The foam concentrates were applied at concentrations equivalent to COD = 1000 mg O_2/L Unexpectedly, the biodegrada tion rate of the synthetic foam concentrates was higher compared to the protein based ones. Although slight differences exist among the results, a rough order of the foam concentrates biodegradation susceptibility can be established as follows: S > AFFF > Class A > AFFF-AR > FFFP > FP > P.