Aircraft deicer and anti-icer formulations (ADAFs) are complex mixtures containing freezing point depressants, corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, dyes, thickeners and anti-foaming agents.  Large volumes of ADAFs are used in commercial aviation to remove and prevent ice on aircraft.  In previous studies, ADAF toxicity was attributed to benzotriazole corrosion inhibitors and alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants; however, most of the ADAF toxicity remains unaccounted for.  We have performed a toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) study to identify chemical components of the deicers responsible for inducing aquatic toxicity.  Our approach incorporated chemical separation methods to separate ADAF mixtures into discrete fractions which were then evaluated on a three-tier toxicity screening scheme.  Screening for toxicity was performed on each fraction by Microtox, Pimephales promelas and Ceriodaphnia dubia assays.  Identification of ADAF components in toxic fractions was performed using chromatographic (HPLC) and mass spectrometric (electrospray Q-TOF MS/MS and MALDI-TOF MS) techniques.  Toxic components identified were primarily ethoxylated surfactants, including alkylphenol polyethoxylates, lauryl alcohol polyethoxylates and myristic alcohol polyethoxylates.

Characterization of toxic components in aircraft deicer fluids using bioassay directed fractionation and high resolution mass spectrometry

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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