Transport, fate and aquatic ecological impact of airport de-icers
Lead Research Organisation:
Cranfield University
Department Name: School of Water, Energy and Environment
Abstract
Millions of litres of de-icers are sprayed on aircraft each winter at airports worldwide. However, a more detailed scientific understanding of de-icers, their transport from airports to surrounding waterbodies and the mechanisms of impact to aquatic ecological communities is required to inform airfield operations and pollution mitigation. This project proposes an interesting combination of field research, laboratory experiments, and pollution transport modelling to answer fundamental questions about pollutant transport and ecological impact that will have immediate, real-world impact.
Organisations
Publications
Exton B
(2023)
Polybacterial shift in benthic river biofilms attributed to organic pollution - a prospect of a new biosentinel?
in Hydrology Research
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S007350/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 2276481 | Studentship | NE/S007350/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/06/2023 | Benjamin Exton |
| Description | 1. Developed an improved understanding of sewage fungus, a biofilm that grows in rivers suffering from organic pollution. 2. Formally established the link between airport de-icer runoff and sewage fungus growth. 3. Deeper understanding of the taxonomic composition of sewage fungus. 4. Evaluated potential mobilisation of airport de-icers during rainfall after weathering. |
| Exploitation Route | - Useful insights for airport operators to manage their surface runoff/stormwaters during & after de-icing activities. - Improved understanding of sewage fungus. - Helped to renew scientific attention towards sewage fungus. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport |
| Description | Travel Grant |
| Amount | £227 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Hydrological Society |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 10/2022 |