The interest in the effect of firefighting foams on the environment has increased. Biodegradation is an important influencing factor when considering the environmental effect of firefighting foams. In this paper, an evaluation system based on CO2 evolution method was established to evaluate the biodegradation of Class A foams, and the biodegradation of three kinds of Class A foams were compared. The results show that both aniline and sodium benzoate can be employed as reference compounds using CO2 evolution method. Three kinds of Class A foams had biodegradation rates of 88.64%, 85.27% and 88.62% respectively after 28 days, which means they are easily biodegradable. Data from different test methods could not be compared directly.
In this paper, endoscope with aided lens was designed for observation of fire-fighting foam. Firstly, water-proof and corrosion-resistant endoscope was completed according to the foam’s characteristics. Then, aided lens for clear observation was designed corresponding to the endoscope’s lens system. Secondly, the fire-fighting foam was produced using low expansion foam extinguishing system and observed through endoscope with aided lens. Finally, the data were analyzed considering the foam’s drainage process. This endoscope with aided lens could be used to describe foam’s interior structure’s evolution including foam drainage, film rupture and bubble coarsening.
Firefighting foam is highly effective in suppressing and extinguishing liquid fuel fires. As the concern of its environmental impacts growing, it is necessary to evaluate its biodegradation in the environment. This article briefly introduces the concept, classification, and the main component of firefighting foam. Also the principle, general process, basis mechanism of the biodegradation of firefighting foam are discussed. There is no standard test methods focusing on the biodegradation of firefighting foam, also relative research and reports are less. Limited research data abroad shows that the biodegradability of some foams are very low, and protein based foams may not easier to biodegrade than synthetic based foams.
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