Biocidal properties of anti-icing additives for aircraft fuels. [Glycol monoalkyl ether compounds]

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1978 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6527832

Neihof, R A; Bailey, C A

The biocidal and biostatic activities of seven glycol monoalkyl ether compounds were evaluated as part of an effort to find an improved anti-icing additive for jet aircraft fuel. Typical fuel contaminants, Cladosporium resinae, Gliomastix sp., Candida sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a mixed culture containing sulfate-reducing bacteria were used as assay organisms. Studies were carried out over 3 to 4 months in two-phase systems containing jet fuel and aqueous media. Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and 2-methoxyethanol were generally biocidal in aqueous concentrations of 10 to 17% for all organisms except Gliomastix, which required 25% or more. 2-Ethoxyethanol, 2-propoxyethanol, and 2-butoxyethanol were biocidal at progressively lower concentrations down to 1 to 2% for 2-butoxyethanol. The enhanced antimicrobial activity of these three compounds was attributed to cytoplasmic membrane damage because of the correlation between surface tension measurements and lytic activity with P. aeruginosa cells. The mechanism of action of the less active compounds appeared to be due to osmotic (dehydrating) effects. When all requirements are taken into account, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether appears to be the most promising replacement for the currently used additive, 2-methoxyethanol.

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6527832
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Vol. 35:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AVIATION FUELS
ADDITIVES
ETHERS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
AIRCRAFT
BACTERIA
CANDIDA
INJURIES
PSEUDOMONAS
BIOMASS
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
FUNGI
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
YEASTS
560302* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Microorganisms- (-1987)