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.
