Open Access
Article

Hydraulic Oil Infiltration into Potable Water through Aircraft Pneumatic Systems: A Qualitative Assessment of Chemical Contamination

Kevin Hayes1, 2, *
David Megson1
Eric Fries3
Roxana Sühring3
Glen Roberts2
Aidan Doyle1
Gwen O'Sullivan2
Author Information
Submitted: 9 Feb 2025 | Revised: 24 Apr 2025 | Accepted: 6 May 2025 | Published: 9 May 2025

Abstract

Potable water on aircraft is currently monitored for microbiological contaminants of water quality such as E. coli, but because the source water for aircraft is pre-treated water from municipalities, chemical contaminants are not assessed. This neglects the possibility of aircraft pneumatic systems, interconnected with other systems such as the engines and hydraulic oil reservoirs, from becoming fouled and contaminating the potable water onboard with organophosphate esters and other contaminants of concern. In this novel initial qualitative study potable water samples were taken on twenty domestic and international flights on various commercial aircraft. The samples were analyzed with high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and compared against 18 Mohm ultrapure water and tap water blanks drawn from departing airports. Suspect compounds were identified using safety data sheets for commonly used aircraft oils and compounds previously identified in aircraft cabin contamination research. Tributyl phosphate, the primary component in aircraft hydraulic oil, was confirmed to be present in the potable water of the majority of flights sampled (11 of 20 flights). Other organophosphates were also identified in the water on a high percentage of flights (tris (chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP): 20%; triphenyl phosphate (TPhP): 10%; tris (butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP): 10%). The qualification of the compounds is supported by mass accuracy, fragment, isotope abundance, and adduct data. This work suggests that as there is currently a potentially unaddressed occupational and public health risk. Detailed quantitative chemical monitoring of aircraft potable water is therefore recommended to fully establish the magnitude of this risk.

References

Share this article:
Graphical Abstract
How to Cite
Hayes, K., Megson, D., Fries, E., Sühring, R., Roberts, G., Doyle, A., & O’Sullivan, G. (2025). Hydraulic Oil Infiltration into Potable Water through Aircraft Pneumatic Systems: A Qualitative Assessment of Chemical Contamination. Environmental Contamination: Causes and Solutions, 1(1), 1. https://www.sciltp.com/journals/eccs/articles/2505000603
RIS
BibTex
Copyright & License
article copyright Image
Copyright (c) 2025 by the authors.
scilight logo

About Scilight

Contact Us

Suite 4002 Level 4, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
General Inquiries: info@sciltp.com
© 2025 Scilight Press Pty Ltd All rights reserved.