RIASSUNTO
ABSTRACT:
The use of glutaraldehyde for decontamination and preservation of water systems involves important considerations relevant to its ecotoxicity profile, biodegradation properties and safe handling and storage guidelines. This paper will review the comprehensive data set from ecotoxicity studies for aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish species, in addition to biodegradability characteristics as measured by standard Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) testing. These data serve the proper design for handling and managing water systems with compliance to environmental discharge requirements specific to the location of interest. The critical ecological properties depend on the site-specific situation; overboard discharge from an offshore oil production platform, effluent discharge to an inland waterway, or processing through a waste water treatment facility. The paper will also present the glutaraldehyde risk assessments to calculate the Hazard Quotient for the HOCNF gold/silver band rating. In addition, practices to protect professional workers responsible for glutaraldehyde transport, storage and use at established industrial facilities and remote process locations will be discussed.
INTRODUCTION:
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion and Its Prevention Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is the breakdown of a material that is initiated or accelerated by the presence of microbes. In a general sense, MIC is caused by the presence of physical and/or chemical conditions that would not be experienced under abiotic conditions. MIC is problematic in any corrosion-susceptible system containing water and can be responsible for large financial losses. For example, in August 2006, BP suffered a corrosion- induced pipeline failure in its Prudhoe Bay oilfield which was possibly the result of MIC. The necessary shutdown for repairs resulted in the loss of up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil production per day and required an environmental clean-up operation.1 The shutdown lasted nearly six weeks. One of the most straightforward and effective means of preventing MIC is through the application of biocides to remove the offending microbial species. However, it is important to consider the impact that the handling, use, and disposal of biocidal chemicals may have on human health. Environmental Health and Safety Considerations in Corrosion Prevention by Chemical Means As the name implies, biocides are substances that inhibit life, and are by definition toxic to at least some life forms. Microbes are the primary targets, but more complex organisms can also suffer adverse effects from excessive exposure to biocides. Consequently, the environmental fate of these materials is of extreme importance and the toxicology of biocidal compounds must be carefully assessed. Global Hazard Assessments and Ratings. All pesticides used in the United States, including industrial biocides, are subject to registration under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which requires toxicological data for hazard assessment. The Oslo-Paris commission (OSPAR) has defined even more rigorous requirements for the environmental friendliness of off-shore chemical use in the North Sea. The Harmonized Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF) facilitates the approval of chemicals for use in such applications, including drilling for hydrocarbons. As part of the registration process, Hazard Quotients (HQ) are calculated and reported as colored band ratings.