Widespread potential for microbial MTBE degradation in surface-water sediments

Authors :: Bradley, Paul M.
Landmeyer, James E.
Chapelle, Francis H.
Source :: Environmental Science & Technology. Feb 15, 2001, Vol. 35 Issue 4, p658, 5 p.
Publication Year :: 2001
Abstract: The microorganisms collected from 11 stream and lake bed sediments in the United States. showed significant mineralization of methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE), indicating that aerobic bed sediment microbial processes may provide an environmental sink for MTBE in surface water systems and may help in the transience of MTBE in some surface waters.