MTBE Can Degrade Naturally Without Oxygen

U.S. Geological Survey researchers have discovered that microorganisms that live in surface-water environments are, in fact, able to degrade methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in the absence of oxygen if nitrate is available to support the metabolism of the microorganisms. Due to the high solubility of MTBE in water, MTBE has resulted in pervasive contamination of ground- and surface-water systems, especially at gasoline spill sites. Compounding the concern over environmental MTBE contamination is the long-held view that MTBE is not readily biodegradable in the absence of oxygen. Unfortunately, MTBE is often found in ground water that has been depleted of oxygen. Because nitrate is common in uncontaminated as well as contaminated surface-water systems, these findings indicate that naturally-occurring biodegradation can be an important tool for restoration of MTBE-contaminated environments. This information can be used by water-resource managers and others charged with protecting drinking water sources to better understand the real risks associated with MTBE contamination and to develop wise public water-supply policies.

References

Bradley, P.M., Chapelle, F.H. and Landmeyer, J.E., 2001,

MTBE mineralization in surface-water sediment microcosms under denitrifying conditions: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, v. 67, no. 4., p. 1975-1978. (This paper provides the first published evidence of the degradation of MTBE in anoxic conditions)

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More information on the Fate of MTBE

• Processes Affecting the Natural Attenuation of Fuel Oxygenates in Ground Water -- Laurel Bay, South Carolina

Addditional USGS Information on MTBE

• National Water-Quality Assessment National Synthesis--Volatile Organic Compounds

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