Notes
Peer-reviewed article by S. Ian Hartwell, David M. Jordahl, Joyce E. Evans, and Eric B. May (Maryland Department of Natural Resources) published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 14, No. 8, 1995. Study assesses toxicity of ethylene glycol-based de-icer and propylene glycol-based anti-icer solutions from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to aquatic organisms including fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Photobacterium phosphoreum (Microtox). Static-renewal LC50 and sublethal toxicity tests conducted; ambient stream water from Sawmill Creek and Muddy Bridge Branch showed ethylene glycol concentrations of 4,800 mg/L during January 1991 winter runoff event. Results indicate additives (corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, thickening agents) rather than glycols are the primary source of toxicity; histological damage observed in fathead minnow kidney, gill, and skin tissue. Anti-icer 96-h LC50 range 0.03–0.44 mL/L; de-icer 3.02–13.48 mL/L.