Bioremediation of Aircraft Deicing Fluids (Glycol) at Airports

摘要

This report describes the work done to determine the effectiveness of variousaerobic bioremediation techniques for reducing the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of aircraft deicing fluid runoff. Primary emphasis has been placed on laboratory and field demonstrations of bioremediation systems using various combinations of inocula (bacteria), nutrient mixes, enzyme mixes, and ultrasonic stimulation. Laboratory experiments with a variety of inocula and nutrients together with enzymes and ultrasound are demonstrated showing the importance of the appropriate bacteria and nutrient mix in bioaugmentation. The appropriate mix was shown to significantly influence biodegradation. Deicing solutions were routinely reduced to acceptable BOD levels for effluent discharge in 3 days or less. In the field experiment, a special dual-tank bioreactor system was developed to demonstrate a pilot small-scale system. Experimental operation of this system cnfirmed that a 3-day or less remediation cycle was possible during the winter season. This is computer to the current cycle of 3 months starting when ambient temperatures are high enough (usually April) to promote activity.