Long term studies on the anaerobic biodegradability of MTBE and other gasoline ethers

Waul, C; Arvin, E; Schmidt, JE

HERO ID

1071015

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

18715711

HERO ID 1071015
In Press No
Year 2009
Title Long term studies on the anaerobic biodegradability of MTBE and other gasoline ethers
Authors Waul, C; Arvin, E; Schmidt, JE
Journal Journal of Hazardous Materials
Volume 163
Issue 1
Page Numbers 427-432
Abstract Anaerobic biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) using electron acceptors such as nitrate, Fe(III), sulfate and bicarbonate, may be more cost effective and feasible compared to aerobic treatment methods, for dealing with the MTBE problem. Currently, there are a few reports in the literature which have documented anaerobic biodegradation of MTBE in batch studies. However, some of the reports have been controversial, additionally many other studies have failed to document anaerobic biodegradation. Experiments were conducted over a long term period in both batch and continuous reactors to investigate the anaerobic biodegradability of MTBE and other gasoline ethers. Inoculums collected from various environments were used, along with different electron acceptors. Only one set of the batch experiments showed a 30-60% conversion of MTBE to tert-butyl alcohol under Fe(III)-reducing conditions, using complexed Fe(III). The use of complexed Fe(III) created an initial low pH of 1-2 in these batches due to its acidic nature, therefore, the removal may be due to acid hydrolysis rather than biological processes. Based on the findings obtained, caution should be applied in the interpretation of experimental data in which complexed Fe(III) is used for bioremediation of MTBE.
Doi 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.113
Pmid 18715711
Wosid WOS:000263439800059
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Anaerobic degradation; Batch studies; Ethers; Fe(III)-reducing; MTBE
Is Qa No