Sorption of the Aircraft Deicing Fluid Component Methyl-Benzotriazole in Soil

The air transport industry requires deicing agents to maintain flight operations in cold weather conditions. The main type of aircraft deicing fluid (ADF) being used is Type I, composed of a propylene glycol (PG)-base, water, and several additives. Among these additives are corrosion inhibitors, wetting and thickeners; some of which are known to be toxic to microorganisms. Most of the spent ADF is closely monitored and collected for treatment or recycle; however, total capture is not possible for a variety of conditions. Therefore, investigation of suitable remediation technique for used deicing fluid is appropriate. The goal of this research was to establish if 4(5) methyl-benzotriazole (MeBT) sorbs to various soils after the application of several concentration variations. If so, then how much and in what proportions or percentage of original concentration is sorbed. Since little research has been done on this compound, I have tried to make the best of what information is closely related to MeBT. Presented here is defining information on sorption, the definition and types of sorption isotherms, and supporting, useful reports from scientific journals and one doctoral student. Recent studies have raised questions as to the toxicity of the deicing fluid additives, especially the corrosion inhibitor MeBT.