title: Microbial processes influencing the transport, fate and groundwater impacts of fuel ethanol releases.
abstract: Fuel releases that impact groundwater are a common occurrence, and the growing use of ethanol as a transportation biofuel is increasing the likelihood of encountering ethanol in such releases. Microorganisms play a critical role in the fate of ethanol-blended fuel releases, often determining their region of influence and potential impacts. This review summarizes current understanding on the biogeochemical footprint of such releases and the factors that influence their natural attenuation. Implications for site investigation, risk assessment and remediation strategies are also addressed along with research priorities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: William G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Rixey
authors.forename: Pedro J J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Alvarez
mesh_terms: D001554:Benzene / Q000378:metabolism; D001555:Benzene Derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D056804:Biofuels / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005107:Explosions; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D060587:Groundwater / Q000737:chemistry*; D008829:Microbiology; D009038:Motion; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D014050:Toluene / Q000378:metabolism; D014835:Volatilization; D060753:Water Quality; D014992:Xylenes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001555:Benzene Derivatives; D056804:Biofuels; D005227:Fatty Acids; D014992:Xylenes; D014050:Toluene; D000431:Ethanol; D001554:Benzene; C004912:ethylbenzene; D010100:Oxygen