Research Progress in Biodegradation of Firefighting Foam

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.