Detection of benzotriazole and related analogues in surface samples collected near an Ohio airpark

Benzotriazoles are a class of contaminant of emerging concern which are commonly used as anticorrosive agents in aircraft deicer and anti-icing fluids (ADAFs). The analogues 1H-benzotriazole (BTZ), 4-methyl-1H-benzotrizole (4m-BTZ), and 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (5m-BTZ) are commonly found in environmental occurrence together. The two methylated isomers, collectively known as tolytriazole (TTZ), have different toxicity and stability. These contaminants are highly water soluble and resistant to biodegradation, making them persistent through water treatment. Benzotriazoles have been detected worldwide; this investigation focuses on monitoring three sites near a small airpark in Wilmington, Ohio. Two sites that receive runoff from the airpark, Lytle Creek and Indian Run, have been under investigation for decades due to documented poor water quality issues. This investigation adds to data from the two previous years documenting an increase in BTZ compounds that corresponds to an increase in activity at the airpark by an online retailer. Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) was used to isolate benzotriazoles from surface water samples. Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) was used for separation and detection of analytes. Each consecutive monitoring season detected more BTZ and TTZ on average than previous seasons. The 2021 season detected TTZ from 0.346-1.785 µg/L at Indian Run. Lytle Creek yielded BTZ from 0.051-0.158 µg/L and TTZ from 1.700-51.87 µg/L. Other occurrences have detected BTZ compounds associated with airpark runoff ranging from ng/L to mg/L. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to separate the two TTZ isomers that could not be separated by LC/MS. This method revealed a ratio of 41.29% 4m-BTZ and 58.71% 5m-BTZ in selected water samples, a ratio which is similar to findings in a Wisconsin study. Based on the ratios of each isomer, hazard quotients assessed most samples analyzed as low environmental risk with a few days presenting medium to high environmental risk. Sediment samples were also examined for presence of benzotriazoles, but the results were inconclusive

Water Quality in the WSU Woods Stream, Year 3

Leedy presents on a project from the class CHM 4020/6020 Advanced Environmental Chemistry & Analysis. Wright State University water source received a notice of violation from Ohio EPA in 2013 for access chloride in the drinking water well. The contamination was attributed to an old salt barn upstream from the well. This contamination shows up as background contamination in the purified water used in analytical chemistry labs. The advanced environmental chemistry analysis course has partnered with Wright State University, Environmental Health and Safety to monitor water quality in the stream on campus. The water quality measurements of the class began three years ago and fall 2018