Methyl t-butyl ether mineralization in surface-water sediment microcosms under denitrifying conditions.
Mineralization of [U-(14)C]methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) to (14)CO(2) without accumulation of t-butyl alcohol (TBA) was observed in surface-water sediment microcosms under denitrifying conditions. Methanogenic activity and limited transformation of MTBE to TBA were observed in the absence of denitrification. Results indicate that bed sediment microorganisms can effectively degrade MTBE to nontoxic products under denitrifying conditions.
Bradley
P M
PM
U.S. Geological Survey, 720 Gracern Road, Suite 129, Columbia, South Carolina 29210-7651, USA. pbradley@usgs.gov
Chapelle
F H
FH
Landmeyer
J E
JE
D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000382:microbiology*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000382:microbiology*; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000378:metabolism*; D009566:Nitrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D009573:Nitrites / Q000378:metabolism
D008738:Methyl Ethers; D009566:Nitrates; D009573:Nitrites; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether