The management of deicer runoff at airports is an industry-wide concern. Effective management requires the ability to obtain on-site measurements of various parameters such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), ammonia (NH3), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), water temperature, and glycols (propylene, ethylene). In addition, measurements need to be taken at multiple locations, at differing frequencies, and across a wide range of deicer concentrations. These measurements are needed for internal runoff management as well as to meet regulatory requirements. Accurate and reliable on-site measurements also have the potential to reduce operating and infrastructure costs.Although a wide range of on-site monitoring options are available, and more are being developed, there is a relatively high degree of uncertainty regarding the potential performance of individual instruments and methods. This uncertainty makes it difficult for airports to make informed decisions regarding the selection of the most appropriate monitoring techniques to meet operational and compliance requirements. Pending environmental regulations make this issue both timely and important. Accordingly, research is needed to review and evaluate on-site monitoring options to assist in the decision-making process.
The objective of this research is to prepare a guidebook to enable airports to identify, compare, and select practical on-site methods (i.e., instruments, technologies, techniques, etc.) for monitoring deicing materials in water.
