Aircraft-Originating Metal Deposits in Near-Airport Environments and Associated Environmental and Health Outcomes
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Senior, Aerospace Engineering
Presentation Description/Abstract
Aviation gasoline, or Avgas, is an aviation fuel used primarily for piston-engine aircraft such as small trainer aircraft (i.e., Cessna Skyhawks). When combusted, avgas releases a deluge of heavy metals which settle in the surrounding environment. Lead, bromine, chlorine, and various trace metals are dispersed into soil, water, and living organisms in high concentrations surrounding airports. By comparing manufacturer emissions reports, airport air-quality studies, and environmental studies surrounding airports and areas of high air traffic, a comprehensive environmental profile of the areas surrounding airports can be characterized; water quality, organism health outcomes, and soil quality can be compared to neighboring ecological zones lacking heavy air traffic in order to showcase the negative effects of concentrated, consistent heavy metal dispersal over natural areas. Potential solutions, including filtering and new engine technologies, will be explored. Health outcomes, especially regarding humans, is of particular concern for populations living in close proximity to, or working at, airports, and mitigation systems will aid in improving quality-of-life for people who are affected by heavy metal dispersal.
Keywords
Lead, pollution, air quality, water quality, soil quality, airports, aircraft, engines
Aircraft-Originating Metal Deposits in Near-Airport Environments and Associated Environmental and Health Outcomes
Aviation gasoline, or Avgas, is an aviation fuel used primarily for piston-engine aircraft such as small trainer aircraft (i.e., Cessna Skyhawks). When combusted, avgas releases a deluge of heavy metals which settle in the surrounding environment. Lead, bromine, chlorine, and various trace metals are dispersed into soil, water, and living organisms in high concentrations surrounding airports. By comparing manufacturer emissions reports, airport air-quality studies, and environmental studies surrounding airports and areas of high air traffic, a comprehensive environmental profile of the areas surrounding airports can be characterized; water quality, organism health outcomes, and soil quality can be compared to neighboring ecological zones lacking heavy air traffic in order to showcase the negative effects of concentrated, consistent heavy metal dispersal over natural areas. Potential solutions, including filtering and new engine technologies, will be explored. Health outcomes, especially regarding humans, is of particular concern for populations living in close proximity to, or working at, airports, and mitigation systems will aid in improving quality-of-life for people who are affected by heavy metal dispersal.