[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Groundwater Characterization ] [ Groundwater Modeling ] [ Monitored Natural Attenuation ] [ Accelerated Natural Attenuation ] [ MTBE ] [ Chlorinated Solvents ]

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE)

Links to sites on MTBE in groundwater.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a synthetic chemical used as a gasoline additive.  MTBE was developed to replace lead in gasoline as an octane booster and as an oxygenate that reduces carbon monoxide emissions by promoting more complete fuel combustion.  Regulatory concern over air quality has prompted increased use of MTBE in gasoline over the last several years.   MTBE is wide spread and is being detected more frequently in groundwater and surface waters.

MTBE complicates groundwater remediation projects and closure of properties contaminated with gasoline and the related BTEX components.  MTBE is a suspected carcinogen.   MTBE removal from groundwater is difficult because of the following reasons: 

• MTBE biodegrades very slowly.

• MTBE  is highly soluble in water and is very mobile.  

• MTBE does not easily adsorb onto soil or organic carbon therefore the retardation or slowing of MTBE movement in groundwater is minimal.

• MTBE is slow to volatilize and is not readily strippable by conventional air stripping methods.

• Taste and odor thresholds for MTBE are very low, taste and odor can be detected at approximately 30 ppb.

These characteristics make some traditional remediation methods such as air sparging and pump and treat ineffective.   MTBE is biodegradable under aerobic conditions.  Therefore the addition of nutrients and oxygen can enhance the natural process.  

Besides physical methods or increasing oxygen chemical products are also available that will increase oxygen levels.  These chemical compounds are capable of slow and sustained release of oxygen when hydrated and can last up to six months before needing regeneration.    This technology can potentially save you time and money by accelerating the natural degradation process.  

Wilson Environmental has successfully negotiated the use of these and similar chemical products with State agencies  in several groundwater remediation projects.  As with any groundwater project, the success of the applied technology is directly tied to the geology.   No matter which technology is right for your site, if you can not get the nutrients and oxygen in intimate contact with the contaminates  the applied technology will not work.  This is where an experienced consultant is key to the success of your project and the wise use of your money.

Links to sites with useful information on MTBE.

• Biodegradation of MtBE and other Oxygenates (University of Notre Dame)
• MtBE in Groundwater (United States Geological Survey Report)
• MtBE Resource Links (American Petroleum Institute)
• MtBE Fact Sheet (United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Underground Storage Tanks)
• MtBE Research (University of California Davis)
• Strategies for Characterizing Subsurface Releases of Gasoline Containing MTBE (American Petroleum Institute)

Wilson Environmental Management, Inc.

Call us toll free in the U.S.  1-800-469-0799 

International callers, dial U.S. Country Code 1,  Area Code 713,  Number 468-3323

e-mail 

Office hours are 8 to 5, U.S. Central Time

   Texas                                           Utah                           North Carolina                                      Georgia                      

Austin, San Antonio, Houston                Provo                             Charlotte                                          Atlanta                                  

©2008 Wilson Environmental Management, Inc.

Established 1993,  A veteran owned company.