There are several measures currently being used in the aviation industry to combat ice and snow build-up on airplanes. Airplane de-icing and anti-icing is necessary for safe air travel. The first measure involves the use of chemical products (the most common is propylene glycol, an anti-freeze) in order to melt ice (de-icing) and prevent further ice build-up (anti-icing). These chemicals are not environmentally safe. They run off into local water systems affecting plant and animal life.
Runoff from the James Richardon Armstrong International Airport in Winnepeg
Here and Now...
The Process and It's Impact on Our Environment
De-icing and anti-icing chemicals are not environmentally safe. They run off into local water systems affecting plant and animal life. Fish and other organisms need oxygen to survive, and when propylene glycol, a common deicing fluid, is released into the environment, it creates an anaerobic environment. An anaerobic environment is when there is not enough oxygen for the creatures in the habitat to survive.