| 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. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70023384 |
| Citation Author: | Bradley, P. M.; Chapelle, F. H.; Landmeyer, J. E. |
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| Citation End Page: | 4647 |
| Citation Issue: | 23 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Environmental Science and Technology |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 5 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Effect of redox conditions on MTBE biodegradation in surface water Sediments; 2001; Article; Journal; Environmental Science and Technology; Bradley, P. M.; Chapelle, F. H.; Landmeyer, J. E. |
| Citation Start Page: | 4643 |
| Citation Volume: | 35 |
| Citation Year: | 2001 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Effect of redox conditions on MTBE biodegradation in surface water Sediments; 2001; Article; Journal; Environmental Science and Technology; Bradley, P. M.; Chapelle, F. H.; Landmeyer, J. E. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es010794x |
| Date Other: | Mon, 1 Jan 2001 00:00 -0600 |
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