Effect of redox conditions on MTBE biodegradation in surface water Sediments
Environmental Science & Technology
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Microbial degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) was observed in surface water-sediment microcosms under anaerobic conditions. The efficiency and products of anaerobic MTBE biodegradation were dependent on the predominant terminal electron-accepting conditions. In the presence of substantial methanogenic activity, MTBE biodegradation was nominal and involved reduction of MTBE to the toxic product, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA). In the absence of significant methanogenic activity, accumulation of [14C]TBA generally decreased, and mineralization of [U-14C]MTBE to 14CO2 generally increased as the oxidative potential of the predominant terminal electron acceptor increased in the order of SO4, Fe(III), Mn(IV) < NO3 < O2. Microbial mineralization of MTBE to CO2 under Mn(IV)or SO4-reducing conditions has not been reported previously. The results of this study indicate that microorganisms inhabiting the sediments of streams and lakes can degrade MTBE effectively under a range of anaerobic terminal electron-accepting conditions. Thus, anaerobic bed sediment microbial processes may provide a significant environmental sink for MTBE in surface water systems throughout the United States.
Suggested Citation
Bradley, P., Chapelle, F.H., and Landmeyer, J., 2001, Effect of redox conditions on MTBE biodegradation in surface water Sediments: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 35, no. 23, p. 4643-4647, https://doi.org/10.1021/es010794x.
ISSN: 1520-5851 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Effect of redox conditions on MTBE biodegradation in surface water Sediments |
| Series title | Environmental Science & Technology |
| DOI | 10.1021/es010794x |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 23 |
| Publication Date | October 31, 2001 |
| Year Published | 2001 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Environmental Science and Technology |
| First page | 4643 |
| Last page | 4647 |