Northern Kentucky University
Examination of Ethylene Glycol Concentrations and Biological Oxygen Demand in Natural Waters
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Vinay Kumar
Abstract
This project is a collaborative effort between the Sierra Club Water Sentinels Program and Northern Kentucky University. There are currently no federal regulations on the amount of glycol that may be present in natural water. Glycol is the main component of de-icing fluid used on airplanes. While de-icing is an important function in maintaining air transportation safety, it is believed that the glycol causes increased Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in surrounding streams. At the beginning of this project a method for quantifying ethylene glycol was developed. Quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the streams around the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport is ongoing. The comparison of glycol concentrations and BOD data will be used by Sierra Club in an effort to establish a need for regulations on the amount of glycol that can be released into natural waters.
Examination of Ethylene Glycol Concentrations and Biological Oxygen Demand in Natural Waters
This project is a collaborative effort between the Sierra Club Water Sentinels Program and Northern Kentucky University. There are currently no federal regulations on the amount of glycol that may be present in natural water. Glycol is the main component of de-icing fluid used on airplanes. While de-icing is an important function in maintaining air transportation safety, it is believed that the glycol causes increased Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in surrounding streams. At the beginning of this project a method for quantifying ethylene glycol was developed. Quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the streams around the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport is ongoing. The comparison of glycol concentrations and BOD data will be used by Sierra Club in an effort to establish a need for regulations on the amount of glycol that can be released into natural waters.