What is mtbe

Activated oxidation technologies use appropriate combinations of ultraviolet light, chemical oxidants, and catalysts to transform contaminants. Oxidation technologies have been demonstrated to oxidize a wide range of organic chemicals, including MTBE.

MTBE can complicate remedial activities because of its greater water solubility and resistance to natural biodegradation. The EPA believes that it is unacceptable to have any fuel component reach water sources. However, no set of regulations can prevent all releases. Even with the most ideal regulations, there will continue to be some equipment failures and installation mistakes that result in releases.

Nonetheless, EPA is working with states to improve the compliance rate with the leak detection requirements and the regulations that require all substandard UST's be upgraded with spill, overfill, and corrosion protection , replaced, or properly closed.

Regulation of gasoline pipelines, another potential source of leaks, is under the jurisdiction of the U. Department of Transportation DOT. DOT oversees an extensive pipeline safety program to minimize releases from pipelines.

Though MTBE has been the subject of much research, substantial scientific uncertainties still exist. To facilitate the advancement of crucial scientific knowledge needed to assess and manage the potential health and environmental risks MTBE and other fuel oxygenates in the environment, EPA identified several key issues in Oxyfuels Information Needs and Oxygenates in Water: Critical Information and Research Needs Researchers at EPA and other governmental organizations industry, and academic institutions are conducting studies to learn more about MTBE.

They were charged to investigate the air quality benefits and water quality concerns associated with oxygenates in gasoline, and to provide independent advice and recommendations on ways to maintain air quality while protecting water quality. EPA has taken the following actions to significantly reduce or eliminate MTBE, and to address prevention and remediation concerns. EPA is working closely with Congress, the states, and the regulated community to accomplish these efforts.

EPA is providing technical assistance to Congress to work toward a targeted legislative solution that addresses the Panel's recommendations. Specifically, EPA Administrator Browner and Agriculture Secretary Glickman released a legislative framework on March 20, to encourage immediate Congressional action to reduce or eliminate MTBE and promote consideration of renewable fuels like ethanol.

Numerous research projects are underway by government organizations, universities, and industry. Among the topics covered in this document are source characterization, transport, transformation, occurrence, exposure, aquatic toxicity, health effects, release prevention, and contaminant removal. Appendix 2 of the document lists several current or recent research projects in these topic areas. Office of Underground Storage Tanks This Web site contains documents and links to information related to the storage of gasoline with MTBE in underground storage tanks.

EPA's Office of Research and Development ORD conducts research in support of the Agency's mission to help ensure that efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information. ORD has several national labs and centers that are active in dealing with various aspects of oxygenates and oxygenated fuels:. You can also call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at for information and assistance about EPA's drinking water regulations, the wellhead protection program, source water protection and related guidance, and public education materials.

Local Information will tell you whom to contact in your area for more information on MTBE in drinking water. Overview Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource. What is MTBE? Why was it used? What are the oxygenate requirements of the Clean Air Act? The two oxygenated gasoline programs were: Winter Oxyfuel Program : Originally implemented in , the CAA requires oxygenated fuel gasoline containing 2.

The Clean Air Act Amendments of resulted in the widespread use of MTBE in those parts of the country where oxygenated gasoline was required, either by federal or state law. At the same time, Congress also instituted a renewable fuel standard.

In response, refiners made a wholesale switch, removing MTBE and blending fuel with ethanol. While the use of MTBE as a fuel additive in gasoline helped to reduce harmful air emissions, accidental releases and spills have contaminated surface and groundwaters. The presence of MTBE in drinking water sources presents two major problems. The first concern is that MTBE contamination may render water supplies unusable as drinking water.

MTBE has an offensive taste and odor that can be detected in water even at low levels. Furthermore, at high levels, MTBE is a suspected carcinogen. How widespread is MTBE contamination in water supplies? What happens when a water supply is contaminated with MTBE? According to the EPA, there are three treatment technologies that are effective in removing MTBE: Air stripping is a process by which air is forced through contaminated water until MTBE becomes a gas and separates from the water.

However, in order to make a well-informed and cost-effective decision, consider: Checking with your water system or consumer confidence report to learn about the amount of total MTBE in your water. Identifying a device that has been independently certified to remove MTBE. If you choose to use a home treatment device, it is very important to follow the manufacturer's operation and maintenance instructions carefully in order to make sure the device works properly. Quick facts about MTBE. MTBE is used in gasoline to make it burn cleaner.

In a number of places where MTBE is used, it has also been detected in water. Additionally, spills or leaks from storage containers can seep into deeper soil levels and contaminate the groundwater, particularly near manufacturing sites.

MTBE can stay in groundwater for a significant period of time. Therefore, MTBE is not yet "classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. However, evidence exists to support the conclusion that MTBE is a potential human carcinogen at high doses. MTBE and its long-term, harmful effects in humans are often difficult to study as those exposed occupationally have also been exposed to a number of other chemicals. For that reason, several studies have been performed on animals to determine MTBE's health effects.

These studies have drawn a connection between high levels of MTBE exposure and tumors of various organs including, kidneys, liver and testicles. MTBE and its breakdown product can be detected in breath, blood and urine. However, because MTBE metabolizes quickly in the body, tests must be taken within one to two days after exposure.

While tests are able to detect exposure to MTBE, these tests are unable to predict which, if any, negative health effects will develop as a result of the exposure. See your family doctor or an occupational doctor familiar with chemical exposure.